Here at RootCamp, we are very excited to present the eleven startups from our recent application phase for our upcoming 7th batch that won us over the most. From wastewater management through soil health to sustainable sources of protein, these startups cover the whole spectrum of what falls under bioeconomy. We can proudly say that we have received 254 applications from 66 countries, highlighting the international nature of the bioeconomy, and the continued enthusiasm and innovation that surrounds the sector. The graphic below shows the locations of all the startups that applied.
Waterwhelm is a startup based in Edinburgh, Scotland. They have developed a ‘Forward Osmosis (FO)’ technology, which desalinates and otherwise treats wastewater. This technology uses 80% less electricity, 35% less capital expenditures, and reduces CO2 emissions by 79% when compared to reverse osmosis, its main competitor. These efficiencies are possible through the use of residual heat from the wastewater treatment plant, and low operation pressures (2-4 bar).
NPHarvest spun out of Aalto University and are commercialising membrane-based nutrient recovery from wastewater. Their energy-efficient system extracts pure ammonia and calcium phosphate without the need for heat or high pressure, and is designed to integrate with existing wastewater treatment plants. Already piloting at a Dutch farm, with a demo unit underway, NPHarvest’s tech delivers low costs, high-quality outputs, and compliance with EU standards—closing the loop on nutrient reuse while cutting emissions and reliance on imports.
Empyrio creates compact, energy-positive systems for sewage sludge mono-incineration tailored to small and mid-sized wastewater plants. Their patented setup integrates drying and combustion in a self-sustaining cycle, eliminating transport costs and cutting disposal expenses by up to 50%. A major advantage is phosphorus recovery from ash, as phosphorus is a critical, non-renewable nutrient essential for agriculture and industrial applications.
P-Agro Materials is developing Letonite, an environmentally friendly mineral engineered to absorb phosphorus from wastewater. Once saturated, Letonite becomes a P-enriched soil amendment. Originating from research at the University of Latvia, their filter system offers a sustainable pathway for phosphorus recovery, aligning with circular economy goals and reducing dependency on finite phosphate rock.
Paris-based Pronoe restores the ocean’s ability to capture and permanently store CO2. They produce water treatment systems and integrate them downstream of coastal industrial sites. Through their system, which uses electricity to decrease the acidity of water flowing into the ocean, they can mitigate ocean acidification. As a result of this, they are also able to issue CO2 removal certificates to customers.
Algbio operates a bioreactor facility in Istanbul using microalgae to treat wastewater and capture carbon dioxide. Their algae remove up to 95% of pollutants while generating biomass used for advanced biofuels and biodegradable bioplastics. Each kg of biomass can sequester 1.5 kg of carbon dioxide, creating a circular system that purifies water, reduces emissions, and produces market-ready sustainable materials.
Zymofix have developed a solid-state fermentation platform that turns agricultural waste streams into low-cost microbial biostimulants and biocontrols. Using hydrothermal carbonisation for biomass pretreatment, the system operates on waste inputs like manure or digestate, significantly reducing production costs and extending shelf life.
Point2Hectare is reimagining mineral fertilizers with its ‘NitroChar’ and ‘KaliChar’ products, which combine biochar with traditional nutrients. Their biochar-enhanced fertilizers remove up to 1.2 tons of CO2 per ton produced, and can be made using existing infrastructure. The process generates renewable energy and supports carbon certification, while offering farmers improved soil fertility and a 20% reduction in fertilizer costs.
AquaBoostNano has developed a seed priming technology using carbon nanoparticles to improve drought resilience in crops. Their treatment boosts early root growth, photosynthesis, and antioxidant defences, with consistent 3–8% yield gains in drought-stressed conditions. Compatible with existing seed coating and pelleting processes, the technology offers a scalable, cost-effective tool for climate-resilient agriculture.
Day8 is transforming the plant-based protein landscape using rubisco, the most abundant protein on Earth. They partner with farmers and utilise (previously unused) crop leaves as a raw material for their production. This produces a neutral-tasting, functional protein that outperforms soy and pea alternatives in terms of neutral taste, lack of allergens, and digestibility.
Papair is reinventing protective packaging with its paper-based bubble wrap that balances cost-efficiency, cushioning, and sustainability. Unlike current green alternatives, Papair’s solution is competitively priced and volumetrically efficient, making it a true plastic substitute. With growing interest and a market of €2B in Europe alone, Papair is poised to replace unnecessary plastic in packaging.
Stay tuned to find out which of these startups will make it into our 7th batch. We’ll announce it soon. Alongside our acceleration program, we’re also running a challenge specifically for water technology. This challenge focuses on three key areas:
If you have a water solution that fits our challenge, don’t miss out and apply. You have the chance to test your solution in real industry settings with our partner K+S. We are inviting universities, corporates and startups to take part. Applications are open until 2 September. Find all details here.