The second episode of the #EENPowered Stories series is now live, to showcase how bold innovation, a dedicated team and a strategic network can transform a visionary idea into tangible global impact.
We visited Solmeyea’s facilities, stepping into their greenhouse and laboratory to explore a success story that is redefining biotechnology.
During our visit, we met with Vassilis Stenos and his multicultural team to discuss the mechanics of their innovation and their long-term vision. We also explored the instrumental support provided by PRAXI Network and Enterprise Europe Network Hellas, a partnership that proved vital in navigating their growth and scaling-up their operations.
Solmeyea is a Greek Biotech SME operating at the intersection of Climatech and Foodtech. Their mission is to tackle carbon emissions by converting CO2 into sustainable, non-GMO proteins for the food industry. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Solmeyea "domesticates" food production, drastically reducing the environmental footprint and building a more resilient food system.
The company utilizes CO2 as a primary feedstock to produce microalgae biomass rich in high-functionality proteins. This biotechnological process "upcycles" carbon emissions into premium nutritional ingredients without any genetic modification. These proteins can be seamlessly integrated into various food products, providing high nutritional value with a significantly lower environmental footprint than traditional animal or plant-based proteins. The technology is IP-protected and designed for global scalability through strategic partnerships and tech-licensing models.
Since its inception, Solmeyea has collaborated closely with EEN Hellas and the PRAXI Network to advance its Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and gain access to international funding and markets. The PRAXI Network provided:
- Strategic guidance on the complex European funding landscape.
- Technical support in drafting and refining competitive proposals (leading to an early Seal of Excellence).
- B2B networking and matchmaking opportunities with international partners (such as the collaboration with Ben-Gurion University).
As the company progressed into the scaling-up phase, this support intensified through the EEN2EIC initiative during their application for the prestigious EIC Accelerator program. The PRAXI Network team provided customized consultancy, including rigorous proposal evaluation and mock interview sessions, which were essential in successfully securing high-profile European funding.
Through this structured, long-term collaboration, Solmeyea has evolved from an early-stage concept into a high-growth enterprise. With their ambitious “1 on 1” vision, utilizing 1 Gigaton of CO2 and feeding 1 billion people per year by 2030, Solmeyea proves that innovation, sustainability, and the right support network can reshape the future of the global bioeconomy.
