NEXPO – Exploring the Future at the Intersection of Green Tech and Food Innovation

In a world where sustainability is not just a buzzword but a way of life, attending NEXPO – the recent greentech conference held Nov 13-17, 2023 in Tallinn was a glimpse into the future we all hope to see. Themed “Touch of Future”, this convergence of smart solutions, green technologies and food innovation showcased not only the strides we’ve made in creating a more sustainable world but also the incredible investment opportunities that lie ahead.

The GreenTech Buzz

The atmosphere at the conference was charged with excitement and optimism. From solar-powered solutions (Solarstone, Roofit Solar Energy), climate-smart materials (Fibenol, Up Catalyst) to revolutionary waste reduction technologies (Wastelocker, Sineco), every corner of the venue seemed to whisper promises of a greener, more sustainable future. As we navigated through the booths and engaged in conversations with visionary entrepreneurs, it became evident that our country is at the forefront of this green revolution. Tallinn Greentech Week provided a series of international business events focused on promoting cooperation between leading experts in green technology and fostering dialogue between European cities and companies.

Gunther Pauli, an entrepreneur and a visionnaire of the concept of blue economy giving a keynote speech at NEXPO.

Investment Heaven

What struck us most is the favorable investment environment that Estonia currently boasts. The year 2023 presented a testing environment for the European technology sector, writes Atomico in their annual State of European Tech report. Estonia remained “a startup haven”, having the most startups and unicorns per capita in Europe. The government’s commitment to supporting green initiatives through various incentives and Estonia’s strong startup network has created a fertile ground for investors looking to align their portfolios with environmentally conscious projects. To add more value, Beamline Accelerator offers a tailor-made approach to each start-up, delivering services and networks to fuel organic growth. The commitment to a sustainable future has not only garnered attention but also substantial investment from both public and private sectors.

The greentech landscape in our country is not just about ideals; it’s a sound investment choice. The solutions at the conference demonstrated not only innovative solutions but also a strong business acumen. From renewable energy (Eleport) projects to eco-friendly transportation (Auvetech, Kõu Mobility), the entrepreneurial spirit in our country is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable tomorrow. As the CEO of CleanTech Estonia, Kädi Ristkok noted in her interview to Invest Estonia, we are building a very strong entrepreneurial culture, especially in digital innovation and the regulatory environment is set to support it. “We have set the environmental and climate goals on EU level, and also in Estonia, to make sure that we bring our economy into the planetary boundaries”, she stated.

Food for Thought – Literally!

Beyond the buzzing greentech innovations, the conference shed a light into the realm of food innovation. Both ÄIO, Gelatex Technologies and Shroomwell Biotech introduced their sustainable and innovative solutions, by highlighting how technology is not just limited to saving the planet but can also revolutionize the way we nourish ourselves. A panel discussion organised by Accelerate Estonia on Novel Foods was emphasizing that the food industry is a crucial part of the sustainability puzzle. The integration of greentech and food innovation showcased the interconnectedness of these sectors and how they can work hand-in-hand to create a more sustainable and resilient future.

Co-founder and CEO of Gelatex (Märt-Erik Martens), CIO of ÄIO (Mary-Liis Kütt) and Head of Public Policy and Innovation at Accelerate Estonia (Greta Elva-Jõemaa) engaged in discussion on the paradigm of food security and sustainability and food innovation.

NEXPO was a journey into the heart of innovation, sustainability, and investment potential. The conference illuminated the path toward a future where technology, ecology, and economy coexist harmoniously. It also provided a perfect opportunity for marketing and broadening our professional network. Estonia is small, but thinks globally and this provides a solid ground for collaboration which is key to its big success.  The conference brought in lots of foreign investors over Cleantech Forum Europe giving many the opportunity  to present their ideas on product-market fit, educate end-consumers and connect with young people during organised tours. Invest Estonia also dropped by our booth where our Product Innovation Team Lead, Mary-Liis Kütt gave an interview introducing ÄIO. Click the picture below to check the video!