From research evidence to application: how scaling up is accelerating the bioeconomy
A technology may prove its worth in a research setting – but the crucial step comes next: it must work under real-world conditions, be scaled up and be commercially viable.
As part of the federally funded research project “Physics for Food“”, researchers at Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences investigated how cold plasma can be used, amongst other things, to preserve food stocks and how this can be scaled up gradually. This research has now led to the establishment of the start-up PlasmaGrain Innovation (PGI), which offers clear commercial prospects.
The technical article (download here) highlights one thing in particular: there are several stages of development between technical feasibility and commercial application, which must be carefully co-ordinated.
As a nationwide transfer network, TransBIB aims to help bio-economic technologies make the transition from research and development to practical application more quickly. This also involves strengthening the links between businesses and regional innovation structures. “Physics for Food” itself forms part of our network as a centre of excellence.
From 50 to 100 to 1,000 tonnes – that’s where the real challenge begins.
As part of the research carried out at Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences, cold plasma technology was initially investigated and scaled up for silos containing up to 50 tonnes of grain. It is now possible to treat 100 tonnes; the next stage of development is planned to handle up to 1,000 tonnes. Such steps require suitable facilities, test environments and technical infrastructure.
The TransBIB One-Stop-Shop therefore brings together scaling facilities from across Germany. Anyone wishing to further develop a technology can search there specifically for testing, pilot and demonstration opportunities – including information on capacities and potential applications. This means that the search for the next scaling-up step does not have to start from scratch every time.
A technology that works is not necessarily a business model.
The research work led to the launch of the start-up project PlasmaGrain Innovation (PGI) in 2025. Further scaling is intended to lay the foundations for commercial exploitation. Plans include, amongst other things, developing a prototype, setting up a limited liability company (GmbH) and establishing a sales organisation.
TransBIB aims to accelerate precisely these kinds of transfer processes. Research institutions, businesses and potential users should come together at an earlier stage, so that technologies do not end up gathering dust in a drawer once a project has ended, but are instead further developed, tested and translated into practical applications. To this end, TransBIB is establishing a nationwide network and bringing existing contacts, expertise and structures more closely together.
The journey of ‘Physics for Food’ demonstrates how a research project can gradually develop into a commercially viable technology. This sends an important message for the bioeconomy as a whole: Good ideas need not only research, but also ways to become bigger, more visible and closer to practical application.
The full technical article, ‘Combating pests with cold plasma’, is available for download here.