News & Events

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NEWS

InnovPlantProtect (InPP) was present at the project launch meeting BioLivingLABS - Bioeconomia ao Serviço da Sustentabilidade dos Territórios do Interior (Bioeconomy at the Service of the Sustainability of Inland Territories), which took place on October 1st at the School of Agriculture of the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco (IPCB).

Funded by COMPETE 2023, the BioLivingLABS project, led by MORE CoLAB - Laboratório Colaborativo Montanhas de Investigação, in partnership with the InPP, the IPCB, from AQUAVALOR and the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB).

This project's mission is to add value to the low-density territories in the north, center and south of the country by demonstrating and economically boosting the work carried out by the partners - through the creation, demonstration and application of products, processes and services resulting from joint research.

Four living laboratories will be created (Living Labs) in the innovation hubs of Mirandela, Douro, Covilhã and Elvas, which they intend to promote:

  • the transfer of knowledge;
  • technology demonstration;
  • strategic roadmapping and
  • the protection of intellectual property.

BioLivingLABS strengthens the link between academia, business and society, driving innovation and sustainability.

Expected impact:
Over the course of 24 months, and with Living Labs dedicated to sectors such as olive groves and olive oil, vineyards and wine, fruit and cereals, legumes, among others, the project will contribute to:

  • increase regional competitiveness;
  • promote sustainable practices and
  • responding to the environmental, social and economic challenges facing inland territories.

More news about this new project soon.

On September 25, InnovPlantProtect (InPP) was present at the National Exhibition of Blue Bioeconomy Pact Projects, held at the Port of Leixões Cruise Terminal, for the exhibition session of the Algae Vertical project, led by PhytoBloom by Necton.

InPP, leader of sub-project 6 - Agriculture, was represented by department director Cristina Azevedo and executive director António Saraiva, who presented some of the new algae-based biosolutions that our team and partners are developing.

There were more than 300 participants and 80 entities, including companies, research centers and political decision-makers. The Opening Conference was attended by the Chairman of Inovamar's General and Supervisory Board, José Soares dos Santos, and round tables were held on the future of the blue economy in Portugal.

Algae Vertical explores the biotechnological potential of algae in sectors as diverse as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and energy.

Find out more about the Algae Vertical Project here

InnovPlantProtect (InPP) recently received approval for an application submitted to COMPETE2030-2024-6 - Collective Actions - Transfer of scientific and technological knowledge - BioLivingLABS - Bioeconomy at the service of the sustainability of inland territories, led by MORE CoLAB - Laboratório Colaborativo Montanhas de Investigação, Associação, in partnership with the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB), the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco (IPCB) and AQUAVALOR.

BioLivingLABS aims to promote the economic valorization of research and development (R&D) results obtained by various institutions in the North, Center and Alentejo. To this end, it will create an experimental demonstration network, the so-called Living Labs, The project will be held in the innovation hubs of Mirandela, Douro, Covilhã and Elvas. In addition, demonstration actions, workshops, an inland innovation catalog and training on intellectual property protection will be developed with the aim of encouraging the incorporation of innovative solutions in the business sectors of these regions.

Scheduled to begin in October and lasting 24 months, the project has a total eligible investment of over 740,000 euros, financed by COMPETE2030 - Thematic Program for Innovation and Digital Transition. For InPP, this project is a strategic opportunity to strengthen its mission as a center for technology development and transfer, boosting the practical application of scientific knowledge to promote sustainable development.

This initiative confirms InPP's commitment to open and sustainable innovation, integrating science, technology and regional development to respond to the challenges and potential of the interior of the country.

EVENTS

We are very pleased to announce the recent visit and knowledge-sharing session with our associate Antonio Villalobos, Agronomic Solutions Manager at Bayer Crop Science Portugal.

During the meeting, António Villalobos gave a comprehensive overview of the radical transformation that the crop protection sector is going through, highlighting two crucial vectors of innovation for the Sustainable Agriculture of the future: the growth of Biological Solutions and the advance of Digital Tools.

Trends and Key Messages

The presentation highlighted the new paradigm guiding agricultural strategy, driven by the need for greater sustainability and efficiency:

  • European leadership in reducing inputs: Europe has been at the forefront of the sharp reduction in available conventional protective active ingredients, which requires an unavoidable commitment to the constant innovation in the search for safer and more effective alternatives.
  • The Rise of the Biological: The future of crop protection undeniably lies in biological solutions. These compounds - which include biopesticides, biostimulants e biofertilizers - represent around 20% of the global Crop Protection market by 2030.
    • Functions of Biological Compounds: These products are used as biocontrol (against pests and diseases), biostimulants (improving tolerance to stress and nutrition) and biofertilizers (increasing the efficiency of nutrient absorption).
  • The Essential Role of Digital Tools: Digital technologies are the cornerstones of modern and precise agricultural management. Examples include risk forecasting (weather, pests), waste calculation and management and optimization of water management.
  • Paradigm Shift: From Products to Integrated Solutions: The sector is witnessing an evolution in companies“ portfolios, which are migrating from offering isolated ”products" to Integrated Solutions. These solutions strategically combine quality seeds, conventional synthetic products (in optimized and reduced doses), biological compounds and digital tools for more robust, efficient pest and disease control in line with sustainability objectives.

Recognition

Special thanks to Antonio Villalobos and Bayer Crop Science for the continuous collaboration and inspiring sharing of knowledge in a field that is proving to be fundamental for the competitiveness and sustainability of Portuguese agriculture.

Image credits: InnovPlantProtect - Inês Ferreira

On November 12, InnovPlantProtect (InPP) had the pleasure of welcoming researchers from iBET - Institute of Experimental Biology and Technology, for a session dedicated to valorization of wine production by-products as sustainable biopesticides.

The session was attended by Naiara Fernández, Senior Scientist and Leader of the iBET Technology Platform, and of João Baixinho, D. student on the same platform. The researchers shared the center's mission and main lines of research, with particular emphasis on the development of new biopesticides with high potential for agricultural application.

Innovation and the Circular Bioeconomy

The focus of the presentation was on the exploitation of wine-growing by-products, transforming waste into high value-added solutions for crop protection.

  • Potential Biopesticides: The compounds under study showed promising properties, being able to inhibit disease-causing microorganisms in crops and to exercise effective mite control, It represents a sustainable alternative to conventional phytopharmaceuticals.

  • The Tec4Green Project: The role of the project was highlighted Tec4Green, This is a mobilizing agenda co-funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). This ambitious project brings together 18 strategic partners with the aim of developing a new generation of products for crop protection and nutrition, in line with the principles of the circular bioeconomy and sustainability.

Thank you

InPP would like to thank iBET for the visit and the inspiring sharing of knowledge in an area that is crucial for the future of crop protection and the advancement of sustainable agriculture in Portugal.

Image credits: InnovPlantProtect - Inês Ferreira

InnovPlantProtect (InPP) was honored to receive, on October 15th, the Hubel Verde, our newest associate. The visit provided a sharing session on the innovative solutions that the company provides for the management and protection of agricultural crops.

During the meeting, João Caço, Executive Director of Hubel Verde, and Margarida Mota, Innovation Coordinator, presented the company, its mission and its vast portfolio of products. innovative and sustainable solutions. These solutions are designed to respond effectively to the diverse needs and realities of the field in Portuguese agriculture.

Spotlight on Technology and Efficiency

The presentation focused on technologies aimed at increasing efficiency and sustainability in the sector:

  • Low Volume Electrostatic Nebulizers: Special attention was paid to this cutting-edge technology, which allows for a more precise, economical and efficient application of crop protection products, minimizing waste and environmental impact.
  • Integrated Services and Solutions: Hubel Verde highlighted its scientific know-how in integrated services and solutions which cover various aspects of crop management. These holistic approaches are crucial to ensuring the greatest success and profitability of agricultural activity.

Recognition and Collaboration

InPP would like to thank Hubel Verde for the visit and the valuable sharing of knowledge and technologies. Your experience is fundamental to the development and modernization of crop protection and agriculture in Portugal.

Image credits: InnovPlantProtect - Inês Ferreira