NOVA University Lisbon is a public university hosting more than 20.000 students, 1.800 teaching and research staff, and 41 Research Units distributed by 9 Academic Units in Lisbon. The Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB NOVA) is an Academic Unit of NOVA whose mission is to carry out scientific research and postgraduate teaching in life sciences, chemistry, and associated technologies while serving the community and promoting science and technology. ITQB NOVA is a leader in molecular biosciences, including cellular, molecular, and structural biology, biotechnology, and chemical biology. This expertise drives research that impacts strategic challenges: the well-being of human societies and the environment.

The institute boasts 57 labs and approximately 500 researchers. It offers state-of-the-art facilities and support services and strongly emphasizes scientific excellence and international collaboration.

Established in 1614, the University of Groningen nowadays has around 34,000 students and 425 full professors. The strong international character of the University is reflected in the number of international students (about 25%). The University focuses on education and research. Groningen University cooperates with society through, among other things, participation in research projects with the business community. The publication of the research results generated in such research cooperation is of great importance to the researchers participating from the University.

The Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB) provides education and conducts research in biotechnology, applied biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology with unique expertise in enzyme engineering and redox enzymology.

The University of Pavia (Università degli Studi di Pavia, UNIPV) dates back to 1361, making it one of the world’s oldest universities. UNIPV has 18 departments and 9 faculties, serving over 20,000 students annually, including 1,500 international students. Its buildings are spread throughout the city without a central campus, earning it the nickname “a city campus.” The university offers 80+ undergraduate, 40+ master’s, and 20 doctoral programs (including 8 in English). The university hosts several cultural and scientific museums, a botanical garden, research centers, libraries, and a press.

Located in Pavia, the Department of Biology and Biotechnology, “Lazzaro Spallanzani,” provides state-of-the-art laboratories and resources to support educational and research activities. The collaborative environment encourages innovation and the practical application of biotechnological advancements.

The University of Girona (UdG) conducts research through 110 groups across 24 departments, 9 faculties, 12 research institutes, and a Doctoral School. UdG provides comprehensive support to doctoral candidates (DCs) and has been awarded the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research distinction.

The Institute of Computational Chemistry and Catalysis (IQCC) is a global leader in sustainable catalysis and computational chemistry. IQCC comprises 92 researchers, including 19 PIs, 17 post-docs, and 53 PhD students, with multiple ICREA fellows and ERC awardees. It receives significant funding from European excellence programs, with over 50% of its budget coming from sources like Horizon Europe, H2020, COST, and the Human Frontier Science Program.

The Technische Universität Braunschweig (TUBS), founded in 1745, has a strong academic focus on engineering and natural sciences and belongs to the nine largest German Universities of Technology (TU9). Research at TUBS aims to contribute to future technologies and address major societal challenges through four core interdisciplinary research areas: Engineering for Health, Mobility, Metrology, and City of the Future. TUBS is centered in one of Europe’s most active research regions, having strong ties with numerous other sizeable local (bio)research centers such as the Helmholtz (HZI), Fraunhofer (WKI), Thünen, Julius-Kühn and Leibniz (DSMZ) institutes.

The Institute of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics at TUBS offers state-of-the-art facilities. It is strongly connected with other research groups in Chemistry, Biology and (Bio)Engineering, as well as the local bioresearch centers. These connections enable excellent research and scientific advances in the fields of biomedical sciences, molecular engineering, and industrial biotechnology. The institute benefits from shared expertise, numerous international collaborations, and joint projects that bridge fundamental and applied research.

The Silesian University of Technology (SUT) is one of Poland’s most prestigious technical universities, with an 80-year history and over 20,000 students. In January 2017, the European Commission certified SUT with the Human Resources Excellence in Research logo. Recognized as one of Poland’s top 10 research universities under the Excellence Initiative – Research University program, SUT prioritizes six key research areas: computational oncology, personalized medicine, artificial intelligence, and data processing.

The Biotechnology Centre (BCSUT), established in 2006, coordinates interdisciplinary research in computational oncology and AI. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, BCSUT conducts research in bioinformatics, medicinal and bioorganic chemistry, molecular biology, genetic engineering, big data analysis, and high-performance computing.

The DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials is an independent research institute that is part of the Leibniz Association and is located on RWTH Aachen University’s campus. It specializes in molecular technology, leveraging molecular structures, self-assembly processes, and technical structuring methods to develop advanced functional materials. DWI’s research spans chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering, aiming to create interactive materials with tailored properties.

Research includes Bioinspired and adaptive materials that respond to environmental stimuli; Self-assembling molecular systems for high-performance applications; Functional surfaces and interfaces for biomedical, environmental, and industrial uses; and Translational research to bridge fundamental science with practical applications.

DWI works closely with RWTH Aachen University, industry partners, and international research networks. It focuses on technology transfer, ensuring that scientific discoveries translate into real-world applications in biomedicine, materials science, and engineering.

ZYMVOL BIOMODELING SL is a biotech company based in Barcelona, Spain, and specializes in the design, development and application of molecular modeling software for enzyme discovery and optimization. Founded in 2017 by the three co-founders, the company has grown into a multidisciplinary team of highly specialized experts with a strong track record in successful enzyme engineering, discovery and development. Today, ZYMVOL works with clients from 10 countries worldwide and has successfully run various industrial projects. ZYMVOL is deeply embedded in the international scientific community and actively participates in top-tier research projects.

ZYMVOL aims to make high-performing enzymes accessible to any company needing biocatalysts. Their clients include companies in sectors such as Chemical, Pharma, Food & Beverage, Biotech service providers, Generics, Flavor & Fragrances and Animal Feed.

GECCO Biotech B.V., based in Groningen, Netherlands, is a biotechnology company specializing in biocatalysis and enzyme production and validation. They partner with companies across diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, flavors, fragrances, and food technology, to develop and implement enzyme-driven technologies.

Additionally, GECCO Biotech actively participates in publicly funded projects, collaborating with academia and other companies in various sectors to advance biotechnological innovation and knowledge. Their expertise is creating sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and products through enzymes.

Chemistry for a sustainable future – that’s what BASF stands for. BASF combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of their customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world.

Their portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €68.9 billion in 2023.