“2 Minutes With…” Paul MacDonald at World Bio Markets

Paul MacDonald, Partner and Head of Community at World Bio Markets, has recently launched a reduced-price Delegate Pass for the event aimed at helping early stage startups attend the event.

I caught up with Paul to find out a little more about what led to this decision and why it is integral to their mission to drive the commercialisation of the bioeconomy.

Why did you create the Early Stage Startup Delegate Pass?

“We’ve wanted to do this for ages, but the complexity within the bioeconomy sector posed challenges. Defining startups in this field isn’t straightforward; it’s not just about being pre-commercial. Some startups have significant resources.

So, we aimed to create a Pass tailored to those truly in need of support.”

How did you decide on the criteria for the Pass?

“We engaged extensively with stakeholders, particularly bio developers and producers, to determine fair parameters.

We asked about their size, revenue, and crucially, their Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Feedback shaped our criteria, ensuring it’s both fair and generous.

We will be paying attention to ongoing feedback to make sure it continues to help those that need it.”

What is TRL, and why is it important?

Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) gauge technology maturity, crucial in assessing readiness for market adoption.

For us, TRL helps identify startups poised for growth but in need of support. It ensures the Pass benefits those at the right stage of development, driving innovation and sector growth.”

What's the significance of supporting early stage startups?

“Early stage startups are vital for sector evolution; they represent the future. Our event aims to boost their success, facilitating connections with investors and customers.

This benefits all involved: investors seeking the next big opportunity, while brands are looking to secure future pipelines.

Collaboration is key in accelerating the transition to sustainable bio solutions, and supporting startups aligns with our mission.”

Additional Information

The Early Stage Startup Delegate Pass offers access to World Bio Markets at a reduced rate of 750 EUR + VAT.

To qualify, startups must meet specific criteria:

  • Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or below
  • Less than 20 full-time employees or equivalents
  • Annual revenues below 10M EUR

These criteria aim to support early stage bio pioneers. Limited Passes are available and are allocated based on trust.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, get in touch today to find out more or explore alternative opportunities at [email protected]