Kaumera is a material made from wastewater treatment and has shown promising characteristic as a flame retardant. In this research report we aimed to bridge the gap between academia and commerce by analysing the potential of Kaumera using a generalised framework of Sustainable Business Model Innovation and the Lean Startup Methodology. The named models were researched through the method of research through design. Using the SBMI framework of Bocken (2019) a startup was proposed and compared to the Lean Startup Methodology. As defined by the SBMI framework, the symbiotic dependencies were identified to be the producers of Kaumera, the clients of the company, the IP owners, academics involved and potential partners. The neutral dependency is related to legislation and legislative bodies, and the competitive dependency are competitors. Furthermore, it was analysed how the assumptions could be validated by the company for the early-stage, scaling and diversification and internationalisation phases of the company.
The results found that Kaumera is a feasible flame retardant both in a commercial and sustainability perspective. It was found that the SMBI framework focusses too much on the sustainability aspect to be truly a viable Business Model approach for startups and does not allow for flexible and adjustable business strategies. For this reason, a combination with the Lean methodology can be applied to overcome the shortcomings of the SBMI framework. This research report shows that the Lean methodology complements the aspects of SBMI which are not suited for startups. This research report therefore suggests the use of a framework based on Lean incorporating generalised aspects of SBMI as an effective and flexible sustainable business model for startups.

Hydrogen is an interesting and promising alternative for fuels. Currently, most hydrogen is produced via a process called steam reforming, where a reaction between methane and water occurs, with carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide as waste products and released in the atmosphere. This work presents a study on the sustainable production of hydrogen. A pool of six hydrogen processes were chosen; three based on electrolysis, two based on fermentation and one based on electrolysis combined with a microbial community. On these six methods an early stage analysis was applied, screening for economics, environmental impacts and processrelated costs and impacts. Two electrolysis methods were selected for a conceptual design; alkaline electrolysis (AE) and polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis, both for an annual production of 1 million kg hydrogen. The fixed capital was established $86.8M for AE and $62.3M for PEM. After the design, a techno-economic analysis was performed, providing the total production cost (TPC) and the minimum fuel selling price (MFSP). For the AE, the MFSP resulted in being $21.46/kg hydrogen and an TPC of $17.16/kg hydrogen. The biggest contribution to the MFSP was the depreciation, being $10.19/kg hydrogen. The PEM electrolysis had a MFSP of $17.56/kg hydrogen and an TPC of $14.05/kg hydrogen. Also for PEM electrolysis, the biggest contribution to the MFSP was the depreciation, which was $7.32/kg. A sensitivity analysis was performed and showed the biggest uncertainty in the equipment cost and the interest rate. The MFSP for AE changes ± $3.79/kg hydrogen by a change in equipment cost of 30% and ± $3.27 - $3.72 by a 5 percentage point change of the interest rate. The MFSP for PEM changes ± $2.73/kg hydrogen by a change in equipment cost of 30% and ± $2.36 - $2.73 by a 5 percentage point change of the interest rate. Based on the results from the techno-economic analysis and sensitivity analysis, PEM electrolysis was identified as the superior method.

A radical change of the energy system is required in light of the dramatic effects of human-induced climate change. In this perspective, a future renewable hydrogen energy system was proposed, where biogenic resources are ascribed relevant potential as source of biogenic hydrogen and biogenic carbon dioxide. In this light, the research brings forward the concept of third-generation upgrading as the highest valorisation potential of biogas. This alters the perspective on biogas as source of renewable electricity, heat or fuel to biogas as platform molecule able to couple the renewable hydrogen and bio-economy domain. The research shows that concept of third-generation upgrading relies on a technologically feasible, environmentally benign and economically sound production process. In this respect, the adoption of the concept of third-generation upgrading is supported via the valuation of the bio-carbon dioxide as scarce renewable carbon-containing molecule and valuable carbon sink. Therefore, the concept of third- generation upgrading should be supported via regulatory commitment, market creation, policy mechanisms and infrastructural changes. In this way, biogas can act as an invaluable source of bio-hydrogen and bio-carbon dioxide, spark system integration and stimulate energy security. Ultimately, this research proposes to change the way biogas is seen.

The rapid advancements in synthetic biology have allowed for the development of revolutionary technologies such as bacteriophage-mediated gene and microbiome therapies. These technologies create the need for management of the upcoming risks and uncertainties. Safe-by-Design is a strategy to build in safety measures in an effort to mitigate and anticipate risks in synthetic biology applications. This study aims to portray a nuanced review of the opportunities and challenges posed by Safe-by-Design through a case study on this year’s iGEM project, the application of gene and microbiome therapy principles to mitigate the issue of Desert Locust swarms. To gather an all-round perspective on the current state of synthetic biology, bacteriophage-based therapies, and Safe-by-Design, these aspects are assessed in terms of governance. Synthetic biology regulations have long ensured safe research practices, but the lack of adequate regulations for novel phage-based technologies hampers the development of this field of research. In further detail is discussed how the use of the precautionary principle guarantees biosafety but also limits the discovery of risks and uncertainties. Downstream Safe-by-Design is proposed as a method to facilitate policy-making and to tackle concerning issues such as transnational regulations and public perception of biosafety. In this report, the risks associated with the application of bacteriophages for non-therapeutic purposes are determined and multiple Safe-by-Design approaches are analyzed to mitigate these risks and uncertainties. This resulted in the collection of quorum sensing, kill switches, encapsulation, anti-CRISPRs, and auxotrophy as suitable Safe-by-Design measures for this project. Furthermore, the challenges and limitations regarding the application of Safe-by-Design are reviewed. This analysis concludes that uncertainty and a lack of knowledge of the intricate synthetic biology systems are the main constrains on Safe-by-Design for synthetic biology. Lastly, it is concluded that Safe-by-Design is a promising strategy to ensure biosafety because of its dynamic and proactive character, and recommendations are made to stimulate future progress in this area of research.