The Horizon Europe cluster event, “Transforming Waste into Sustainable Solutions,” brought together researchers, innovators and European project partners at IDENER.AI in Seville, with additional participants joining online.

The hybrid meeting created a collaborative space for the ALGAESOL, BIOVAL, MYCOCIRCLE and FLEXBY projects to exchange knowledge, explore shared challenges and identify opportunities for stronger cooperation. The event highlighted how clustering activities can increase the visibility, impact and long-term value of European research and innovation projects.

Discussions focused on the role of advanced circular technologies in supporting Europe’s transition towards more sustainable, resource-efficient and low-waste production systems. Participants shared perspectives on research ambition, innovation pathways and the importance of connecting expertise across projects working towards common environmental goals.

For BIOVAL, the event provided an opportunity to showcase its work on a next-generation biorefinery concept designed to turn biomass waste and captured CO₂ into valuable products. By combining microalgae cultivation with bacterial gas fermentation, BIOVAL is developing pathways for advanced biofuels, including algal HVO, hydrogen and methane, alongside high-value biobased products such as pigments.

The meeting also reinforced the value of cooperation beyond individual project boundaries. Through knowledge exchange, stakeholder engagement and joint communication activities, Horizon Europe clusters can accelerate the uptake of innovative solutions and build stronger links between research, industry and society.

The Seville event demonstrated the collective potential of European projects working together to transform waste into sustainable solutions. As the cluster develops, the participating projects will continue exploring synergies that support circularity, decarbonisation and the development of resilient bio-based value chains across Europe.