Oil spills pose a severe threat to marine ecosystems and industries that depend on clean water. Inobiostar, a Lithuanian spin-off from Klaipeda University, is addressing this challenge through innovative biotechnological solutions.
The company has developed InnoAerogel, a super-absorbent, biodegradable biomaterial made from wastepaper and integrated with oil-degrading microorganisms extracted from the Baltic Sea. This pioneering solution is enhancing oil spill cleanup efforts while contributing to the circular economy.
With the support of BlueInvest, Inobiostar has successfully transformed from a research project into an innovative business, securing over €2 million in funding.
Transforming waste into a sustainable solution
Inobiostar’s key solution, InnoAerogel, is a patented material mainly made from wastepaper mixed with water. This slurry is freeze-dried into an ultralight, highly porous aerogel which can absorb oil at an impressive rate, all while being 100% biodegradable.
Unlike traditional methods, InnoAerogel not only absorbs oil but also integrates oil-degrading microorganisms that naturally break down pollutants into harmless substances, ensuring the cleanup process is safe for the marine environment. By using wastepaper, Inobiostar’s approach eliminates secondary pollution, making it a game-changer in sustainable marine protection.
From research to market
Founded in 2020 by Tatjana Paulauskienė, a chemical and environmental engineer with over 20 years of experience, Inobiostar emerged from a university research project aiming to develop sustainable oil spill remediation solutions. The initial team had strong technical expertise but lacked the necessary support for business development and commercialisation. To address this gap, Inobiostar participated in several accelerator programmes, helping them refine their approach and advance their project into a start-up with a clear market path.
BlueInvest in action
Inobiostar’s success story wouldn’t be complete without the support from BlueInvest. The BlueInvest Readiness Assistance Programme played a key role in Inobiostar’s journey to commercialisation. "Together with our BlueInvest coach we developed a comprehensive business strategy, including a detailed market analysis and go-to-market plan", says CEO and founder Tatjana Paulauskienė. Their coach also worked with the team on stakeholder interviews, which helped them refine their investment approach.
"The BlueInvest Readiness Assistance programme provides targeted support to specific sectors, distinguishing it from more general programmes. What was particularly valuable was our coach's experience working with researchers in similar fields."
The programme strengthened their overall strategy and investor approach, contributing to Inobiostar securing over €2 million in funding and receiving 19 letters of intent.
Next steps: Scaling up for greater impact
With a successful pilot plant launched on the horizon, Inobiostar is preparing to expand its technology into new applications. The company plans to adapt InnoAerogel for uses in wastewater treatment, insulation, defence, biomedical applications, and beyond. To fuel this growth, Inobiostar will seek additional funding to scale up its operations and broaden the reach of its sustainable solutions.
BlueInvest
BlueInvest is the EU's innovation and investment platform for the blue economy, offering business coaching, fundraising support, and networking opportunities for ocean technology companies. If you are interested in joining the BlueInvest Community and exploring its features, visit the website or reach out to lu-blueinvest@pwc.lu.
More information
Website: Inobiostar
Social media: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inobiostar/
Details
- Publication date
- 11 April 2025
- Author
- Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
