Interreg Euro MED – BIOSTARS
Circular bio-economy solutions to support innovation in rural areas
The BIOSTARS project, “Systemic circular bio-economy solutions to support start-up and social driven innovation in rural areas”, is an initiative co-funded by the EU Interreg Euro-MED programme to foster the development of bioeconomy start-up villages in rural Mediterranean areas.
The project, which brings together 9 partners and 10 associated entities from across Southern Europe, is based on the promotion of circular bio-based solutions to create an enabling environment for employment generation, service provision, and talent retention in rural communities. By encouraging a resource-efficient economy, BIOSTARS contributes to preserving biodiversity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
BIOSTARS is firmly aligned with the Interreg Euro-MED Specific Objective RSO1.1: Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies.
At the heart of the project is the BIOSTARS toolbox—a practical set of circular bioeconomy and social innovation solutions, validated by previous successful EU projects. This toolbox will empower start-ups, social enterprises, and local stakeholders to transform their regions, making them more resilient, sustainable, and attractive for future generations.
By connecting policy makers, entrepreneurs, investors, and communities, BIOSTARS is building a vibrant ecosystem for sustainable growth across the Mediterranean’s rural areas.
Focus
Our Focus
BIOSTARS is dedicated to accelerating the transition to a sustainable, circular, and inclusive bioeconomy in rural Mediterranean areas. Our approach centers on implementing innovative, resource-efficient strategies that empower local communities and drive long-term regional regeneration.
How We Work
- Building a Transnational Cluster
We unite entrepreneurs, social enterprises, investors, policy makers, researchers, and community leaders across the Mediterranean, forming a vibrant community of practice. This cluster fosters cross-border collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the co-creation of solutions tailored to rural needs.
- Deploying the BIOSTARS Toolbox
Drawing on validated methodologies from successful EU projects (BIOLOC, REVIVE), the BIOSTARS toolbox provides practical tools and guidance to help rural areas establish or transform start-up villages into thriving bioeconomy hubs.
- Peer-to-Peer Knowledge Transfer
Our unique “givers and takers” model connects knowledge providers (“givers”) with those eager to adopt innovative practices (“takers” and “potential takers”). Through hands-on training, joint initiatives, and community engagement, we ensure that proven solutions are shared, adapted, and scaled across diverse regions.
What We Address
- Tackling Rural Challenges
By focusing on circular, bio-based solutions, we directly address unemployment, limited access to services, and the outmigration of talent (“brain drain”)—key issues facing rural Mediterranean communities.
- Promoting Innovation in Key Sectors
We showcase and support nature-based and socially fair bioeconomy models, with a special focus on:
- Food systems transformation
- Valorisation of biological waste and by-products
- Integration of digital technologies for smart rural development
Who We Empower
Entrepreneurs, Youth, and Women. Through targeted outreach and training, we inspire and equip a new generation of rural innovators—especially young people and women—to embrace sustainable, circular, and socially responsible business models.
Our Impact
By connecting people, sharing knowledge, and demonstrating real-world solutions, BIOSTARS is laying the groundwork for resilient rural economies that regenerate local ecosystems, create meaningful jobs, and secure a sustainable future for Mediterranean communities.
Partners
Project Partners:
- Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) – Greece (Coordinator)
- Athena R&I Center in Information, Communication and Knowledge Technologies Corallia Unit (CORRALIA) – Greece
- International centre for sustainable development of energy, water and environment systems (SWEDES) – Croatia
- Corporación Tecnológica de Andalucía – Spain
- Asociación para el Desarrollo de la Comarca del Aljarafe-Doñana – Spain
- Sarajevska regionalna razvojna agencija – Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Larnaca and Famagusta Districts Development Agency – Cyprus
- University Consortium for Industrial and Managerial Economy – Italy
- Central European Initiative – Executive Secretariat – Italy
Associated entities:
- Municipality Hadžići: https://hadzici.ba/
- Development Agency of Lemesos LTD: https://empowerus-project.eu/
- Athienou Municipality: https://www.athienou.org.cy/en/
- University of L’Aquila: https://www.univaq.it/en/index.php
- Cramars Cooperative: https://coopcramars.it/
- Municipality of Amynteo: https://www.amyntaio.gr/
- Network of Sustainable Municipalities: https://www.comunisostenibili.eu/
- Municipality Lovas: https://www.lovas.hr/
- Municipality of Motovun-Montona: https://motovun.hr/
- Fair Trade Lebanon: https://fairtradelebanon.org/
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