AVA BIOCHEM BSL AG

Their core work

AVA Biochem is a Swiss SME specializing in converting biomass and carbohydrate feedstocks into bio-based platform chemicals, particularly furanics like FDCA (furandicarboxylic acid). They bring industrial-scale chemical process expertise to EU research consortia, focusing on biorefinery value chains — from lignocellulose fractionation and enzymatic conversion to downstream polymer and fine chemical production. Their work spans the full chain from agricultural crops (miscanthus, hemp) through chemical intermediates to end products for packaging, cosmetics, and materials.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 phase (2016–2018), AVA Biochem focused on upstream biorefinery fundamentals: biomass crops like miscanthus and hemp, carbohydrate-derived fine chemicals for cosmetics and detergents, and enzymatic oxidation processes. From 2019 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward advanced conversion technologies — electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, bio-based polymer chemistry (thermosets, diamines), and lignocellulose fractionation into high-purity lignin streams. The trajectory shows a company moving from feedstock and intermediate chemistry toward higher-value downstream products and more sophisticated conversion methods.

AVA Biochem is moving toward electrocatalytic and advanced polymer chemistry, positioning itself as a process technology partner for next-generation bio-based materials rather than just a feedstock converter.

How they like to work

AVA Biochem overwhelmingly operates as a consortium partner (9 of 10 projects), contributing specialized chemical process knowledge rather than leading large research agendas. They coordinated one SME Phase 1 project (PairElOx), indicating they use the EU framework to validate and scale their own technologies while building expertise through large consortia. With 119 unique partners across 18 countries, they are a well-connected SME that brings industrial credibility to academic-heavy consortia — a valuable profile for coordinators seeking private-sector involvement.

AVA Biochem has built a broad European network of 119 unique partners across 18 countries, reflecting their participation in medium-to-large Bio-Based Industries and RIA/IA consortia. Their Swiss base gives them access to both EU and non-EU collaboration channels.

What sets them apart

AVA Biochem occupies a rare niche as an SME that bridges laboratory-scale bio-based chemistry and industrial chemical production. Unlike most academic partners in biorefinery consortia, they bring real manufacturing perspective on scaling furanic platform chemicals — they are one of the few European companies with direct experience in FDCA and HMF production. For consortium builders, they offer genuine private-sector commitment to bio-based value chains, not just advisory participation.

Highlights from their portfolio

• PairElOx
  Their only coordinator role — an SME Phase 1 feasibility study for electrochemical FDCA production, revealing their core commercial ambition in furanic platform chemicals.
• GRACE
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 479,150) in a major 5-year project on industrial crops for biorefineries, demonstrating their upstream feedstock expertise.
• CHAMPION
  Signals their strategic pivot toward bio-based polymers — aza-Michael thermosets from natural building blocks represent a high-value downstream application.