The Interreg Euro-MED Innovative Sustainable Economy Mission brings its experience in circular economy projects in the Mediterranean region based on sustainable use of natural resources, transnational cooperation, and innovation.
BETA TC of the University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia participated in the Arab SMEs Summit 2024 to share its accumulated experience in coordinating initiatives like the Innovative Sustainable Economy Mission, the Med4Waste, and TRANSITION projects. Within the frameworks of the Interreg Euro-MED, Interreg NEXT MED, and PRIMA programmes, project partnerships are contributing to the transition to a circular economy in the Mediterranean. For its part, the ISE Mission is committed to maximising the impact of innovation through knowledge exchange and fostering synergies among key actors from the private, political, scientific, and social dimensions.
The 3rd Arab SME’s Summit was an event co-organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN ESCWA) and the Qatar Development Bank. It is an annual event aimed at accelerating the growth of SMEs in the Arab region and empowering them to expand their reach beyond local markets, focusing on sustainable growth and regional collaborative improvement.
“These events play a crucial role in helping us step out of our comfort zones, break the ice, and forge meaningful connections. They inspire fresh approaches, encourage collaboration, and highlight shared goals, enabling us to support one another and work together toward building a more sustainable system” says Maria Calderó, specialist in circular economy within the governance for sustainability unit of BETA TC at UVic-UCC.
“Our goal is to explore innovative solutions across diverse climatic scenarios, facilitating the exchange of best practices. This approach fosters South-South, South-North, and North-South collaboration within the Mediterranean, directly addressing the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) nexus approach.” Calderó explains, adding, “These scientific and technological practices have shown promising results, with several successful examples already underway and many more anticipated in the years ahead.”
Very inspiring green business and The Switchers pitched during the Summit, highlighting nice opportunities for further collaboration within different ISE Mission thematic:
AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS
- earth wise green tech solutions: Laheq Halak app reducing food waste by connecting consumers with local vendors and distributors.
- ECOFEED: producing alternative protein for animal feed.
- AGRIKEMET: harnessing the potential of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology. By recycling organic waste, AgriKimet transforms it into valuable ecofriendly products, including biofertilizers, natural oils, and animal feed.
- ALGAE POOL: easy-to-use solutions for growing microalgae anywhere.
- Ultra Biotech: bio-based solutions for farmers and agriculture.
- GARBALISER: conversion of natural leftovers into high-quality liquid natural fertilizers.
- Plug’n’Grow: solutions based on proven Hydroponic and Aquaculture technology.
- Al-Reef Mushroom: unconventional farm that relies on recycling organic waste to produce environmentally friendly organic mushrooms.
RESOURCE VALORISATION
INDUSTRIAL TRANSITION
- Chitosan: MENA’s leading chitosan solutions manufacturer.
DIGITALISATION, RENEWABLE ENERGY, and WATER SOLUTIONS
- SMART WTI: designing and manufacturing technological solutions to make the Internet of things possible.
- YY regen: agritech and renewable energy committed to transforming the way our customers’ ventures are powered, watered, and grown, with a focus on a more affordable, less pollutive, and more regenerative approach.
- Automata4 Group: app to collect metrics and monitoring in different sectors, but specially the educational sector.
SUSTAINABLE FINANCE & INVESTMENT
- Chemonics Egypt Consultants: experience in all aspects of the water and wastewater sector, including sector strategies and policies, projects formulation, design and tender documents preparation, construction management/construction supervision, operation and maintenance and performance improvement planning.
- Global Green Growth Institute: treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies.
- Innovation Commission: promoting innovation development and scaling at the intersection of climate change, food security, and agriculture.
- Arab Sustainable Development Organization: guide both individuals and organizations towards achieving the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the Arab region.
- Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund: The Finance for Inclusive Growth in Somalia (FIG-Somalia) is an EU-Funded pilot programme component under the European Union’s Inclusive Local and Economic Development (ILED) programme, supporting fisheries and agrifood sector.
In conclusion, the participation of the Interreg Euro-MED ISE Mission at the Arab SME Summit 2024 has allowed to strengthen partnerships with UN ESCWA, PRIMA, Interreg NEXT MED and MedWaves to scale up transformative actions in the Mediterranean region and beyond. Through innovative research projects and knowledge exchange, sustainable solutions and new resilient value chains can be created and scaled by empowered entrepreneurs and committed policy makers to improve the quality of life of our societies.
Presentations ISE Mission at Arab SMEs Summit 2024
