SilviBio's research team: Jeanette Rosas Moreno (left), Alejandra Méndez-Leyva (center) and Francisco Jácome Blásquez (right).
Competition finalist SilviBio’s seed capsule increases the germination rate of conifers
SilviBio is the sixth finalist in the innovation competition What Wood You Do. They have invented a bio-based survival capsule for tree seedlings that boosts the germination by up to 40 percent. On Thursday, September 24, they will pitch their idea to the jury with a chance to win EUR 25,000.
The need to grow more trees is recognized globally, but germination rates are often very low. Especially in new forest projects where the seeds are planted directly in the ground, or in coniferous forests where plants are exposed to water shortages. An improvement in germination can create great value both in terms of cost and from an environmental point of view.
SilviBio from Scotland has developed a bio-based seed coating for conifers, the most economically important species. The survival capsule provides a source of moisture and long-term nutrition, which increases the germination rate of plants by up to 40 percent in dry conditions. The solution can potentially also simplify the spread method and create a favorable environment for the growth of beneficial microorganisms.
An important and highly current innovation and well worth a place in the final of What Wood You Do innovation competition.
Hi Alicja Dzieciol, Founder and Director at SilviBio. How does it feel to be in the final?
“We are absolutely delighted to have this opportunity to present our technology. We believe our approach can make a significant contribution to building an innovative and resilient forest bioeconomy.”
What will you focus on when pitching on September 24?
“The scale of the problem: While numerous countries and private organisations recognized the urgent need to scale up forest regeneration and afforestation and responded with ambitious restoration commitments, the supply of seed needed for this scale of restoration is far from sufficient. We will focus on how our technology enables more effective use of seeds, which is fundamental to success.”
How will you use the money if you win?
“We will use the money to scale up our technology in preparation for larger-scale field trials next growing season.”
Join the final
We wish SilviBio the best of luck in the final, which will be broadcast online, live from Karlstad on 24 September starting 1 PM CET.
We want you to join and listen to the finalists’ pitches. A unique opportunity to interact with the finalists and the jury and learn more about each competing innovation. Register and participate online at whatwoodyoudo.eu/thefinal.
Curious about the other finalists? Read all about them here:
Wood Tube – paper studs for sustainable construction
Nordluft – super drones for a more environmentally friendly forest industry
Arboair – rapidly scanning and mapping forests with artificial intelligence
Biosorbe – purifies water and air from oil and bacteria with cellulose
About the competition
Paper Province announces the competition together with Gunnar Sundblad’s Research Fund, Stora Enso and Sveaskog. The winner will receive EUR 25,000 to develop their idea and a possible place in the Sting Bioeconomy start-up incubator. Second to fifth place are rewarded with EUR 2,500 each. Read more about the six finalists and the competition here: www.whatwoodyoudo.eu
