Program 2026
This year’s theme, Lignin, Fibers & Optimized Circular Processes, focuses on the advancement of biobased materials and circular value chains. As a premier forum for startups and researchers, the summit serves as a launchpad for scientific exchange and early-stage innovation in lignin valorization and process optimization.
The two-day event features high-profile keynotes, interactive roundtables, and a poster session designed to foster collaboration. Participants are also invited to optinal study visits at LignoCity and Karlstad University, 18 June.
Program
Karlstad | 16–17 June
Day 1: Tuesday, 16 June
Theme: Startup Challenges & Opportunities
- 12:00 – 13:00 | Arrival & Welcome Lunch
- Venue: Värmlands Museum
- 13:00 – 17:15 | Session I: Opening Plenary and presentations Startup Challenges & Opportunities
- 13:00-13:15 Welcome by Maria Hollander moderator & The County Governor Georg Andrén
- 13:15-13:45 Jason Hallet, Imperial College England
- 13:45-14:15 Chris Walton / Scott Jackson, CRIBE, Canada
- 14:15-14:45 Per Tomani, Research Institute of Sweden (RISE)
- 14:45-15:25 Coffee
- 15:25-15:50 Marcus Elmer, Lixea
- 15:50-16:15 Maria Karlsson, Bright Materia
- 16:15-16:40 Malin Alpsten Bright Day Graphene
- 16:40-16:50 Break
- 16:50-17:20 Panel discussion: Sharing experiences (good and bad) and how to best solve Startup challenges ahead with support from both industry and academy. Moderator Victor Isaksen Sting Bioeconomy.
- 18:00 – | Conference Dinner
- Venue: Karlstads Stadshotell
Day 2: Wednesday, 17 June
Theme: Scaling & Sustainable Growth
- 08:30 – 9:40 | Session II: Lignin Commercialization & Investment - Exploring the path from lab to market and the current investment landscape
- 8:30-8:40 Welcome day II by Maria Hollander
- 8:40-9:10 Viktor Odenbrink, Södra Bio Products
- 9:10-9:40 Hanna Karlsson, Valmet
- 9:40-10:15 Coffee
- Session III: Strategic Funding & Support - Opportunities and ecosystems for circular bioeconomy growth
- 10:15-10:35 Agata Kotkowska, European Commission DG Environment Unit B1, Bioeconomy & Sustainable Materials Online presentation
- 10:35-10:55 Nicoló Giacomuzzi-Moore, Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (online presentation)
- 10:55-11:05 Break
- 11:05-11:25 Karolien Vanbroekhoven, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) Belgien
- 11:25-11:45 Magnus Persson, Region Värmland
- 11:45-12:05 Daniel Stenborg, Närsam
- 12:05-12:15 Magnus Lestelius & Karin Granström Karlstad University Infinity Fiber, a researchprofile in Forest bioeconomy
- 12:15 – 13:15 | Lunch
- Venue: Värmlands Museum
- 13:15 – 16:45 | Session IV: Insight Session: Research & Poster Exhibition - In-depth look at current research projects. Includes poster session
- 13:15-13:35 Johan Gising, AB Karl Hedin Bio Innovation
- 13:35-13:55 Stuart Wagland, Cranfield University, UK
- 13:55-14:15 Gunnar Henriksson, Royal Institute of Technolgy (KTH)
- 14:15-15:15 Coffee and Postersession
- 15:15-15:35 Levgen Pylypchuk, Lignoflow Technologies AB Sweden
- 15:35-15:55 Janis Rizikovs, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Latvia
- 15:55-16:15 Edesio Miranda-Barbosa, Geo4 Dynamics, FundR&I
- 16:15-16:35 Magnus Ståhl, Karlstad University
- 16:35-16:45 Closing Remarks, Matilda Iverlund, Paper Province. Summary of key findings and official conference wrap-up
- 18:00 – | After Conference
- Venue: Kau city – Infinity Fiber, In- Depth Project Presentation
Optional Day 3: Thursday, 18 June
- 08:00-12:00 Optional study visits at LignoCity and Karlstad University.
With reservation for changes.
Organizing committee:
Karlstad University
Magnus Lestelius
Salman Raza Naqvi
Patrik Bångerius
Stefan Frodeson
Sting Bioeconomy
Peter Sassner
Victor Isaksen
Paper Province
Matilda Iverlund