Continental has recently awarded its Climate Solutions Prize to a groundbreaking sustainable solution for the first time. Biotic, a biotech startup specializing in environmentally friendly alternatives to plastics, has emerged victorious in the “Pioneering Sustainable Material” tech challenge.
Established in 1871, the company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and cost-effective solutions for vehicles, machinery, and transportation systems. In 2022, Continental achieved sales of €39.4 billion and currently employs approximately 200,000 individuals across 57 countries and markets. This challenge, organized by Continental in partnership with Startup Nation Central (SNC), sought innovative solutions to address sustainability in the automotive industry.
Biotic’s winning proposal involves a novel method that utilizes algae and seawater to modify plastic properties. The resulting material shows promise in replacing various fossil-based components and packaging used in automotive manufacturing. Gilles Mabire, CTO at Continental Automotive, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability in automotive development. He highlighted their strategy of collaborating with agile and innovative startups like Biotic to find innovative solutions.
The Climate Solutions Prize winner, Biotic, was announced during the final event on February 26, 2024. In 2023, Continental joined forces with SNC for the Climate Solutions Prize competition. SNC, an independent NGO from Israel, boasts a diverse team of leading industry and tech experts. Their goal is to discover innovative technologies that drive progress.
The competition includes various tech challenge tracks annually. Continental’s challenge, “Pioneering Sustainable Material,” was focused on startups developing cutting-edge sustainable materials for automotive use. Established in 2020, the winner, Biotic, has a vision of a world where plastic is no longer a concern. Given that polymers and plastics make up 12 to 16 percent of a car’s total weight, finding sustainable and circular alternatives is crucial.
Biotic tackled this challenge by creating a process that utilizes algae and seawater for precision fermentation, allowing for the modification of polymer characteristics. The biobased polymer they synthesized has the potential to replace several existing fossil-based components and packaging in the automotive industry. Continental and Biotic are currently preparing a proof of concept and aim to establish a long-term cooperation.
“Winning the Climate Solutions Prize is a great honor,” said Adi Goldman, CEO, and co-founder of Biotic. “We are excited to collaborate with Continental to further develop our solution for future scalability.” Plastics are extensively used at Continental Automotive, ranging from standard to engineering plastics, to meet the complex requirements of their product portfolio. These plastics are used in various applications, including housings, packaging, and sophisticated displays.
Growing concerns over global warming and environmental degradation are prompting major industry players, including Continental, to reimagine their manufacturing approaches. They are actively exploring innovative solutions that align with their sustainability goals and those of their stakeholders. At the heart of this shift is the understanding that forging partnerships and creating sustainable technological products are crucial.
To this end, Continental launched co-pace, its startup initiative, in 2018. This initiative serves as a platform for developing new technologies and business models in collaboration with key startups to advance CO2 neutrality and promote a circular economy. Continental’s approach to tackling the challenges faced by startups, such as the Climate Solutions Prize, is just one facet of its multifaceted strategy for navigating the complexities of global innovation.
Their goal is to create a comprehensive strategy that involves leveraging expert networks, fostering collaborations with universities, forming local partnerships, and making strategic investments through corporate venture capital. Additionally, Continental runs its own exploratory programs to identify, evaluate, and select promising sustainable automotive technologies that meet key sustainability requirements set by stakeholders.
These initiatives encompass various applications, from adapting production processes to reduce carbon emissions to repurposing components at the end of their lifespan. Continental is dedicated to developing innovative technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility for both people and goods.
