Bio-Revolution in Bloom: Novonesis Leads Global Push for a Sustainable Future at Partnering Day 2025 in Singapore

As the world accelerates toward a population of nearly 10 billion, the demand for sustainable food, agriculture, and waste systems has never been more urgent. On May 7, 2025, that urgency met innovation as Novonesis, a global leader in biosolutions, co-hosted “Unlocking Value for a Sustainable Future” a high-impact Partnering Day in Singapore. Alongside Novo Holdings and Flagship Pioneering, the event gathered pioneers from across industries to chart a bold course for the future of biosolutions and the circular economy.

Held in the heart of Asia’s innovation hub, the event brought together executives from food and agri-business sectors, waste management leaders, investors, NGOs, and academics to explore how enzymes, microbes, and other biological technologies are transforming how we grow food, manage waste, and optimize resources.

A New Era of Circular Thinking

Biosolutions ranging from microbial soil enhancers to enzyme-based food processing are reshaping entire value chains. With the planet’s finite resources under strain, these biological innovations are enabling a shift from linear “take-make-dispose” models to circular systems where waste becomes a resource.

“Biology holds the key to scaling sustainable solutions that can feed, fuel, and protect a growing global population,” said Lensey Chen, APAC President of Novonesis, during a panel session. “But no one company can do it alone. Collaboration is critical to unlock the full potential of the bioeconomy.”

Strategic Vision and Global Commitment

The event opened with remarks by Rasmus Bjørnø, Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Danish Embassy in Singapore, underscoring the strong ties between Denmark and Singapore in sustainable innovation. The keynote address by Anders Spohr, Managing Partner and Head of Planetary Health at Novo Holdings, emphasized biosolutions as a strategic lever for transforming the agriculture and food sectors.

Spohr highlighted the convergence of technology, capital, and biology as a driving force behind the next industrial revolution, one that is grounded in planetary health and resilience. “We’re at the tipping point of a bio-revolution,” he said. “And this revolution is not just about science. It’s about systems change.”

Real-World Impact: Case Studies in Action

Throughout the day, participants explored case studies showcasing biosolutions in action. From upcycling food waste into high-value animal feed, to improving crop yields with microbial soil enhancers, speakers demonstrated how biology is unlocking new revenue streams while reducing environmental impact.

One standout session focused on waste valorisation turning organic waste into bio-based materials and renewable energy. These solutions not only address waste challenges in densely populated cities like Singapore, but also present scalable models for global application.

Investment in Innovation

For investors, the event was a deep dive into a fast-growing sector. Biosolutions, once a niche category, are now attracting serious attention from venture capital and institutional investors, thanks to their dual promise of strong returns and measurable sustainability outcomes.

Ignacio Martinez, General Partner at Flagship Pioneering, shared how capital must align with innovation to accelerate the adoption of biosolutions. “We’re seeing biology become a core driver of industrial transformation, much like software did two decades ago,” he noted.

Partnerships Power Progress

A central theme of the event was the power of partnerships. From startups to multinationals, participants emphasized the need for cross-sector collaboration to scale bio-based innovations globally.

“Singapore is the perfect host for this kind of dialogue,” said Chen. “It’s a global gateway for innovation, policy leadership, and public-private partnerships that are essential to advancing the bioeconomy.”

Looking Ahead

As global leaders in science, capital, and sustainability joined forces at Partnering Day 2025, one message was clear: biosolutions are no longer the future they are now.

Through events like this, Novonesis and its partners are not just unlocking value they are unlocking a vision. One where biology, business, and collaboration form the foundation for a planet that thrives, not just survives. As the world confronts the dual crises of climate change and food insecurity, that vision is more vital than ever.