Periodic Reporting for period 1 - AgroGrIN Tech (Upcycling of fruit and vegetable losses and by-products into sustainable and natural clean-label ingredients: AgroGrIN Tech pilot approach)
Berichtszeitraum: 2023-09-01 bis 2024-08-31
It is the aim of AgroGrIN Tech project to become a global leader dedicated to the production and commercialization of sustainable, natural and clean label ingredients, coming from upcycling. To this end, waste from the agri-food industry (fruit/vegetable from producers and processing industries) are used as the main raw material in its process. A patented extraction technology is used that presents a sustainable production process with less use of resources and greater maintenance of the natural properties of the ingredients produced, with reduced environmental impact.
When comparing AgroGrIN Tech (AGT) unique solution upon existing alternatives, the start-up has a unique processing typology employed. The process is versatile because can be applied to any kind of fruit or vegetable, and it is modular, can be applied to any amount of waste/ loss/ by-products existing. Also, the application of the patent extraction technology, enables to upcycle and reuse the total amount of raw materials present and not producing other type of waste, thus 100% of waste is transformed in 100% of ingredients for human consumption. The combination between the processing line and technology enables to be a rapidly scalable business model, since it can be implemented in any geographic location.
The goal of the project is to support the scale-up activities of the project, transiting from laboratory scale to pre-industrial scale (pilot unit), which present several barriers and requieres financial support to overcome them, such as focus on financial and business development to define the company growth strategies for the next 10 years.
To do so, a report containing business plan, financial projections and business development (market assessment, go-to-makert strategy, key partnerships, ingredients applications) was developed.
The focus of the business is to supply the market need of natural and clean label ingredients for the food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries with a future focus on the pharmaceutical industry, through innovative proposals, oriented to customer needs and with a strong technological base, focused on differentiation through quality and continuous innovation.
The company is being installed in industrial park in Oporto, Portugal, and it is expected that, with the initial push of this project supporting the implementation of pilot plant facility, financed by Women Tech EU, and followed by construction of one industrial facility, with a cumulative investment of €10M, in 5 years Molecule Message will reach an annual turnover of €35M, coming from the ingredients commercialization.
When comparing AgroGrIN Tech (AGT) unique solution upon existing alternatives, the start-up has a unique processing typology employed. The process is versatile because can be applied to any kind of fruit or vegetable, and it is modular, can be applied to any amount of waste/ loss/ by-products existing. Also, the application of the patent extraction technology, enables to upcycle and reuse the total amount of raw materials present and not producing other type of waste, thus 100% of waste is transformed in 100% of ingredients for human consumption. The combination between the processing line and technology enables to be a rapidly scalable business model, since it can be implemented in any geographic location.
The goal of the project is to support the scale-up activities of the project, transiting from laboratory scale to pre-industrial scale (pilot unit), which present several barriers and requieres financial support to overcome them, such as focus on financial and business development to define the company growth strategies for the next 10 years.
To do so, a report containing business plan, financial projections and business development (market assessment, go-to-makert strategy, key partnerships, ingredients applications) was developed.
The focus of the business is to supply the market need of natural and clean label ingredients for the food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries with a future focus on the pharmaceutical industry, through innovative proposals, oriented to customer needs and with a strong technological base, focused on differentiation through quality and continuous innovation.
The company is being installed in industrial park in Oporto, Portugal, and it is expected that, with the initial push of this project supporting the implementation of pilot plant facility, financed by Women Tech EU, and followed by construction of one industrial facility, with a cumulative investment of €10M, in 5 years Molecule Message will reach an annual turnover of €35M, coming from the ingredients commercialization.
The goal within Women Tech EU was to support the scale-up activities of the Molecule Message (MM) under AgroGrIN Tech project, moving from laboratory scale to pilot unit scale (industrial relevant environment), which represented a set of barriers during implementation stage and required financial support to overcome each of them.
In this matter, MM have implemented a pilot unit facility in Oporto, Portugal, with the aim to directly respond to customer needs (industries that are looking for natural and clean label ingredients). The main goal of the pilot unit is to increase production capabilities answering to customer needs, while attracting more clients. The same facility is providing support for a well-defined growing business strategy for further industrial scale-up. In this sense, during the year within the Woman Tech EU several trials and technological validation were performed to optimize the production line and final ingredients obtained.
During the project, case-studies were performed with key partners to ensure capability and efficiency when working with the raw materials – fruits and vegetables wastes and side-streams. Five validation tests at industrial scale were carried out, which validated the reproducibility and scalability of MM solution.
Overall, the main outcomes obtained during this validation period include supplier contacts, data collection and results analysis from each specific validation test.
In this matter, MM have implemented a pilot unit facility in Oporto, Portugal, with the aim to directly respond to customer needs (industries that are looking for natural and clean label ingredients). The main goal of the pilot unit is to increase production capabilities answering to customer needs, while attracting more clients. The same facility is providing support for a well-defined growing business strategy for further industrial scale-up. In this sense, during the year within the Woman Tech EU several trials and technological validation were performed to optimize the production line and final ingredients obtained.
During the project, case-studies were performed with key partners to ensure capability and efficiency when working with the raw materials – fruits and vegetables wastes and side-streams. Five validation tests at industrial scale were carried out, which validated the reproducibility and scalability of MM solution.
Overall, the main outcomes obtained during this validation period include supplier contacts, data collection and results analysis from each specific validation test.
AgroGrIN Tech's recent project has successfully developed a comprehensive 5-year business plan, streamlined data collection on suppliers, and compiled a report based on customer feedback for ingredient applications, enhancing product development and market strategies. The project has strengthened operational capabilities through pilot unit support, advanced R&D validation trials, and an IPR strategy to protect innovations. Consultancy services contributed to a solid 10-year financial plan, fostering long-term growth. To ensure continued success, further investment in R&D, access to financing, international expansion, and supportive regulatory alignment are essential for scaling and sustainable market leadership.