With Batch #7, the RootCamp innovation hub from Hannover is starting a new round, welcoming six promising startups into its accelerator program. Over the coming months, the selected teams from Germany, Serbia, Latvia, Belgium, and France will receive targeted support to further develop their technologies, gain access to expertise and investors, and seize the opportunity for pilot projects with industry partners.

In 2021, bioenergy accounted for 59% of the total renewable energy consumption in the EU, and therefore around 13% of total energy consumption - a significant chunk in both cases. Specifically in the transport sector, biofuel consumption increased by 39% between 2013 and 2021. So, considering the widespread and increasing use, why hasn’t energy derived from biomass replaced energy from fossil fuels yet? Among other growing pains, there is an ongoing question about land use, often called the ‘food vs fuel debate’. Should we be dedicating arable land to growth of energy crops, when this limits the land available for food crops?

A lot has happened since Smarterra (officially Smarterra powered by SMAFINE) was launched in February 2024 in Matera. This EU Horizon project is dedicated to fostering AgriFood innovation systems and entrepreneurial activity in Southern Italy.