During the SBIR Biobased and Circular Shoreline Protection network meeting, the companies NPSP and Van Aalsburg presented the results of their pilot research into innovative solutions for sustainable shoreline protection. NPSP developed a shoreline protection from biocomposite, while Van Aalsburg made one from willow branches.
Over time, these innovations could be a sustainable replacement for shoreline protections made of hardwood or steel. The meeting marked the conclusion of this SBIR and an important milestone in the development of circular and biobased alternatives to traditional bank protection materials. NPSP and Van Aalsburg shared their experiences and results during the meeting, discussing material choice, lifespan, ecological impact, and practical applicability.
Solid Foundation
Besides the company presentations, there was room for discussion and knowledge sharing between entrepreneurs, governments, and experts from the sector. The meeting provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas and explore new collaboration opportunities, aiming to accelerate the scaling and implementation of sustainable shoreline protection. The knowledge and insights gained during this competition form a solid foundation for further developing and applying circular and biobased shoreline protection materials within water management and infrastructure. Several parties are already working on shaping an innovation partnership (IPS). With an IPS, companies can further develop the prototype and bring it to market based on the specific needs of contracting authorities.
100% Circular and 100% Biobased
SBIR, now called the Innovation Impact Challenge, is an innovation competition that challenges entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions for a societal issue. With this SBIR, companies were challenged to develop a vertical shoreline protection made preferably of 100% circular and 100% biobased materials as a sustainable alternative to conventional shoreline protection.
Feasibility Study and Pilot
Five entrepreneurs were commissioned to conduct a feasibility study of their idea. Two of them - NPSP and Van Aalsburg - were allowed to further develop their product and carry out a pilot in phase 2 of this SBIR.
Learn More?
- Read more about the meeting and projects on stowa.nl
- Read more information about the Innovation Impact Challenge