As 2025 comes to an end, I3-4-BIOFERTILIZERS takes the opportunity to reflect on an intense and meaningful first phase of work. Active for over a year now, the project started with strong momentum and is fully in the heart of its core activities.
This first year has been a learning path for the entire consortium and for the broader biofertilizers ecosystem. Throughout this period, opportunities have emerged, challenges have been identified and addressed, and each step has contributed to strengthening collaboration, knowledge exchange and interregional growth across regions and stakeholders.
Meeting in person has played a key role in this process. Project meetings and events were not only productive working moments, but also valuable opportunities for mutual learning, alignment and community building among partners.
A major milestone was reached with the successful completion of WP2 – Ecosystem mapping for interregional cooperation, analysis of innovation needs, market trends and the state-of-the-art in the biofertilizers sector and circular bioeconomy. Delivered on time, WP2 led to the publication of four key outputs:
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D2.1 – Handbook on innovative best practices
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D2.2 – Report on market trend analysis and ecosystem mapping
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D2.3 – Report on the state-of-the-art in the fertilizing industry
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D2.4 – Specifications and KPIs for the industrial process of each Investment Case
At the same time, WP4, focused on the development of Investment Cases, has started and is already delivering its first outcomes, contributing to the creation of concrete and investment-ready solutions and reinforcing interregional cooperation.
Within WP3, a key focus has been the Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) Call, designed to support and fund SMEs operating in the biofertilizers sector. Through the FSTP mechanism, the project aims to accelerate innovation, market uptake and the deployment of solutions aligned with the principles of the circular bioeconomy.
In December, the FSTP Call officially closed with 125 applications received from all eligible regions. The consortium would like to sincerely thank all applicants for their interest, commitment and enthusiasm.
The evaluation process of the submitted proposals is now ongoing and will be completed by mid-February 2025. In the meantime, readers are invited to follow the project website and official communication channels to stay informed about the next steps.
Further updates will be shared in January.
Until then, best wishes for the holiday season from the I3-4-BIOFERTILIZERS project team!
