Piesta Hackathon Calls for International Collaboration to Find Sustainable Use of Apple Pomace

This international BioBoosters open innovation event is dedicated to developing sustainable, scalable, and financially viable solutions for the valorization of apple processing by-products. The Piesta Hackathon will take place in Pärnu and welcomes researchers, entrepreneurs, and solution providers to explore innovative ways to utilize apple pomace effectively.

Piesta Kuusikaru is committed to sustainable production and circular economy principles, seeking new strategies to valorize production residues. Currently, apple pomace is composted, but rising transportation costs and the untapped potential of the material present an opportunity for innovation. Participants in the hackathon are invited to develop scalable and financially viable solutions to transform apple residues into food, feed, cosmetics or biomaterials.

Apple Hack Opening Webinar

The Piesta Hackathon officially launched its open call at the BioBoosters Apple Hack: Unlocking the Value of Apple Pomace webinar on February 26, which attracted over 66 international participants. The launch webinar was organized in cooperation with Pro Civis, another BioBoosters project partner, who is exploring apple biomass valorization options for REFAL, a Polish apple farmers cooperative seeking biorefining solutions of weather-damaged apples that are not suitable for direct consumption.

Both Piesta Kuusikaru and REFAL are exploring ways to valorize apple biomass but face different challenges within the apple value chain. REFAL, as a large-scale industry player, focuses on repurposing weather-damaged apples, while Piesta Kuusikaru, a small artisanal producer, seeks innovative uses for apple processing by-products at the end of the value chain. This distinction highlights the diverse innovation needs within the apple sector and the importance of collaborative efforts in the BioBoosters initiative.

Piesta Hackathon Schedule:

• Launch Webinar: February 26, 2025
• Application Deadline: March 28, 2025
• Team Selection Announcement: April 1, 2025
• Hackathon Kick-off Event: April 15, 2025 (Online)
• Hackathon Days: May 15-16, 2025 (Onsite in Pärnu, with remote participation option)

The Piesta Hackathon is open to individuals, startups, research institutions, and entrepreneurs who are eager to develop innovative solutions for apple biomass valorization. Selected participants will gain access to mentoring, networking opportunities, and business support, with the possibility of collaborating with Piesta Kuusikaru on pilot projects for real-world implementation.

Organizers: Pärnu County Development Centre is a key driver of entrepreneurship and innovation in Pärnu County, with a focus on sustainability and bioeconomy growth. Piesta Kuusikaru is a family-owned Estonian company producing artisanal apple products and actively seeking ways to valorize production by-products.

For further information and registration:

Svea Uusen
Pärnu County Development Centre
Email: svea@parnumaa.ee
Phone: +372 505179

Külli Eller
Piesta Kuusikaru
Email: info@kuusikaru.eu
Phone: +372 5089 589

Join the Piesta Hackathon and be part of the movement toward a more sustainable future!

The BioBoosters Hackathon is part of the international BioBoosters project, led by Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences and co-funded by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme. The project brings together nine innovation networks in the bioeconomy sector from countries around the Baltic Sea: Finland, Sweden, the Baltic States, Poland, and Germany. The project organizes 18 Hackathons to support responsible business practices and the transition to a circular economy for bioeconomy companies.

Piesta Hackathon website: https://arenduskeskus.eu/piesta/

Video link: https://youtu.be/BTGOHzonh1U

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