Agriventures Participates in the COPILOT Project at LIST Luxembourg 🌱

Agriventures proudly joined the COPILOT project visit hosted by the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) on October 14, 2025, as part of the “Pilots4U powered by COPILOT” initiative supported by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU).👤 Participant: Mariya Hristova, Agriventures

About the COPILOT Project

The COPILOT project (June 2024 – November 2026) builds on the success of Pilots4U to create a future-proof, open-access database of pilot and demonstration (PDI) infrastructures for the European bioeconomy. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between research and market by helping innovators find the right facilities to scale their bio-based technologies.💡 The project also nurtures collaboration through two key programmes:

• Scale-Up & Growth – fostering visits, training, and matchmaking opportunities.

• Exchange & Connect – strengthening ties between research, SMEs, and industry stakeholders.

👉 Website: www.copilot-project.eu

Highlights from the Luxembourg Visit 🇱🇺

Hosted at LIST’s Biotech Unit in Belval-Belvaux, the visit offered a deep dive into Luxembourg’s advanced bioeconomy ecosystem and pilot-scale innovation infrastructure. Researchers and engineers showcased groundbreaking work in:

🔬 Anaerobic Digestion and Mobile Bioreactors – decentralized wastewater treatment, modular reactor systems, and biomethanation achieving up to 95% methane concentration.

🌿 Plant Cell Cultivation for High-Value Compounds – sustainable production of triterpenes from apple cell lines, providing clean and scalable alternatives for cosmetics and nutraceuticals.

⚙️ Pilot & Demo Infrastructure Network (PDI Network) – connecting innovators with facilities across Europe for faster, more cost-efficient scale-up via the Pilots4You platform.

Key Takeaways 💬

• LIST plays a leading role in connecting academic research with industrial applications, advancing the transition toward a circular bioeconomy.

• The PDI Network, coordinated under COPILOT, bridges the critical “valley of death” between R&D and market deployment.

• Study visits, matchmaking events, and travel vouchers (€500) promote cross-border collaboration and access to state-of-the-art bio-based pilot facilities.

• Agriventures’ participation supports its mission to strengthen bioinnovation and deep tech ecosystems in Bulgaria and Europe.

  

Next Steps for Innovators 🚀

Between May 2025 and May 2026, fifteen PDIs across Europe will host Study Visits and Workshops under the Scale-Up & Growth Programme.Eligible bioeconomy innovators can apply for €500 Travel Vouchers to attend these events:

• 🗓 OC3 – Part 1: Closed (March–May 2025)

• 🗓 OC3 – Part 2: Opens 15 October 2025, closes 15 December 2025 (5 pm CET)

📄 More details and application guidelines: https://copilot-project.eu/open-calls/

Agriventures’ Perspective 🌍

As part of its ongoing work to empower agrifood and biotech startups, Agriventures’ participation in the COPILOT programme reaffirms its commitment to connecting research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The insights gained in Luxembourg will help enhance Bulgaria’s participation in the European bioeconomy and promote sustainable scaling for agritech and biotech ventures. https://copilot-project.eu/