SPRING and BioIndustrial Innovation Canada Join Forces to Promote Innovation in the Circular Bioeconomy

€437.5 billion and approximately 2 million jobs: the figures for the bioeconomy in Italy

Vancouver, May 7, 2025 – SPRING, the Italian Cluster of the Circular Bioeconomy, and BioIndustrial Innovation Canada (BIC), the Canadian non-profit business accelerator focused on advancing sustainable chemistry and the circular bioeconomy, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a strategic collaboration aimed at fostering innovation and the industrialization of bio-based technologies at an international level.

The partnership, signed in Vancouver (British Columbia, Canada), will initially last three years and identifies priority areas including bio-based products and industrial biotechnology, while also leaving the door open for potential collaboration in other fields of mutual interest.

“This new important agreement, following the one signed with 13 European clusters last February to establish the European Bioeconomy Clusters’ Alliance, stems from SPRING and BIC’s shared focus on the central role of the bioeconomy in building bridges. It aims to encourage the exchange of information between our respective networks, promote relationships among companies, research institutions, and universities, as well as support the joint development of research projects and demonstrations of bio-based technologies,” explains Mario Bonaccorso, Director of SPRING.

“The circular bioeconomy stands as a pillar of the new global industrial policies that aim to drive innovation, growth, and social inclusion, while protecting the environment and human health. Both Italy, within the broader European Union context, and Canada are leading countries in this space, and we are confident that this new partnership will strengthen our efforts toward a paradigm shift that is economic, social, and cultural. Together with BIC, we will explore participation in international funding programs such as Horizon Europe, as well as the development of joint initiatives in training, science communication, and attracting young talent”.

“Building on long standing historical ties and a vision for a lower-carbon economic future, BIC is excited to strengthen and solidify this relationship with SPRING and the larger European Bioeconomy Cluster Alliance. The knowledge and technology transfer across our clusters and networks will lead to greater international partnerships, projects and trade between Canada and our Italian and European allies,” notes Meaghan Seagrave, Executive Director of Bioindustrial Innovation Canada.

Canada’s strengths lie in its natural resource assets and its ability to leverage those resource assets for global food and energy security, and industrial decarbonization. Partnering with leading technology providers and research and development partners across the Atlantic will only help to build and bolster economies on both sides of the ocean, while ensuring long-term sustainability of our planet.

A Joint Working Group To coordinate joint activities, SPRING and BIC will establish a working group composed of representatives from both organizations. The aim is to facilitate the development of joint projects and improve access to public and private funding.

The agreement represents the shared commitment of SPRING and BIC to build a collaborative, dynamic, and open ecosystem that can contribute to the transition toward a net-zero emissions economy and to global sustainable innovation.

Italian Circular Bioeconomy Cluster SPRING

SPRING is the Italian cluster for the circular bioeconomy. It brings together around 170 members across the entire value chain: Italian and multinational companies of all sizes, universities, public and private research centers, investors, regional clusters, industrial associations, farmers’ associations, and more. Officially recognized by the Italian Ministry of Research, SPRING works on all topics related to the production and valorization of bio-based resources (agricultural, forestry, marine, or co-products and residues) for food, feed, industrial, and energy purposes. It is a member of the National Bioeconomy Coordination Group established at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in Italy.

BioIndustrial Innovation Canada (BIC)

BIC is a non-profit business accelerator based in Ontario, Canada, focused on promoting sustainable chemistry and the circular bioeconomy. Founded in 2008, BIC supports the development and commercialization of green technologies through strategic investments, technical support, and the creation of innovative industrial clusters across Canada. Since 2008, BIC has made over 30 strategic investments in early-stage green technology companies that have contributed to the reduction of over 1 million tons of CO₂, while also creating over 5,800 jobs. These companies have attracted over CAD 400 million in external investments, allowing them to grow and scale in Canada.

The Bioeconomy in Italy and Europe

The bioeconomy is an economy that uses renewable biological resources for industrial, energy, food, and feed production. In its circular form, it leverages by-products, waste, and residues and is inherently resilient and innovative. It is a cornerstone of both Italian and European competitiveness. According to the latest data from the report “The Bioeconomy in Europe,” compiled by the Research Department of Intesa Sanpaolo in collaboration with the SPRING Cluster and Assobiotec – Federchimica, the bioeconomy in Italy generated €437.5 billion and employed approximately 2 million people. In 2023, considering France, Germany, Italy, and Spain together, the bioeconomy produced an output of around €1.751 trillion, employing over 7.4 million people— representing 8.4% of total output and 6% of total employment across the four countries.

For more information or media enquires please contact:

FIona McDonald
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Bioindustrial Innovation Canada
fmcdonald@bincanada.ca