Continental focuses on pioneering sustainable solutions in Automotive
- Continental collaborates with Startup Nation Central (SNC) to actively seek
innovative sustainable materials applicable in automotive technologies - Israel-based start-up Biotic first winner of Climate Solutions Prize for Pioneering
Sustainable Material - Multi-faceted approach to develop innovative solutions that help reach CO2 neutrality
and a circular economy for automotive technologies - Gilles Mabire, Chief Technology Officer, Continental Automotive: “One part of our
multi-faceted approach to find innovative sustainable solutions is to work with
young, particularly agile and innovative companies. And we were quite impressed
with Biotic’s approach to complete recycling throughout the material’s life cycle”
Frankfurt, Germany, February 27, 2024. For the first time, Continental has recognized an
innovative sustainable solution with the Climate Solutions Prize. Biotic, a biotech start-up focusing
on biological alternatives to plastics, prevailed in the “Pioneering Sustainable Material” tech
challenge offered by Continental in collaboration with Startup Nation Central (SNC). The winning
solution is a new method that utilizes algae and seawater as raw materials in order to modify the
properties of plastic. The resulting material has the potential to replace several existing fossil-
based components and packaging in the automotive industry. “For Continental, embracing
sustainability in automotive development is a strategic imperative,” said Gilles Mabire, CTO at
Continental Automotive. “One part of our multi-faceted approach to find innovative sustainable
solutions is to work with young, particularly agile and innovative companies. And we were quite
impressed with Biotic’s approach of complete recycling throughout the material’s life cycle.” The
winner of the Climate Solutions Prize was announced during the final event on February 26, 2024.
Prize winner Biotic develops bio-based alternative for automotive plastic
In 2023, Continental partnered with SNC on the Climate Solutions Prize competition. SNC is an
independent Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) from Israel, driven by a diverse team of
industry-leading business and tech experts. Their objective is to find unique technologies which
drive innovation processes forward.
The annual competition encompasses multiple tech challenge tracks. Continental’s “Pioneering
Sustainable Material” challenge focused on start-ups creating cutting edge sustainable material
technologies which can be used in automotive.
Founded in 2020, the winner Biotic envisions a world where plastic is not a concern. Polymers and
other plastics account for 12 to 16 percent of the total weight of a car, so it is crucial to seek
sustainable and circular alternative solutions. For the challenge, Biotic developed a process that
uses algae and sea water as feedstock for their precision fermentation, allowing for modification of
the polymers’ characteristics. The synthesized biobased polymer holds the potential to replace
several existing fossil-based components and packaging in the automotive industry. Currently,
Continental and Biotic are preparing a proof of concept with the intention to form a long-term
cooperation. “We are very proud to have been awarded with the Climate Solutions Prize,” said Adi
Goldman, CEO and co-founder, “and we are looking forward to working together with Continental
to develop our solution further towards future scalability.” Plastics are one of the main materials
extensively utilized at Continental Automotive. A broad range of plastics, from standard to
engineering plastics, is employed to meet the complex and technical requirements of the wide
product portfolio. These applications span from housings and packaging to sophisticated displays.
Spotlight on sustainable automotive technologies
Concerns about global warming and environmental degradation continue to mount worldwide.
Major industry players, Continental included, are redefining their approach to manufacturing and
are actively seeking innovative solutions that align with their own sustainability goals as well as
those of their stakeholders. Central to this paradigm shift is the recognition that establishing
collaborations and developing innovative and sustainable tech products are essential. For this
purpose, Continental established co-pace, its own start-up organization, in 2018 as a catalyst for
new technologies and business models built in cooperation with key start-ups that contribute to
reaching CO2 neutrality and a circular economy.
Start-up challenges like the Climate Solutions Prize are just one part of Continental’s multi-faceted
strategy to navigate the complexities of global innovation. The aim is to develop a comprehensive
approach which involves a synergy of opportunities, including utilizing expert networks and
fostering university collaborations, local partnerships and strategic investments through corporate
venture capital. In addition, Continental is running its own explorative programs that identify,
evaluate and select promising sustainable automotive technologies that enable them to achieve
key sustainability requirements from its stakeholders. These projects cover a wide array of
applications, from adjusting production processes for a reduced carbon footprint to reusing
components at the end of their lives.
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people
and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable
solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2022, Continental generated sales of €39.4
billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 57 countries and markets.
Continental focuses on pioneering sustainable solutions in Automotive
- Continental collaborates with Startup Nation Central (SNC) to actively seek
innovative sustainable materials applicable in automotive technologies - Israel-based start-up Biotic first winner of Climate Solutions Prize for Pioneering
Sustainable Material - Multi-faceted approach to develop innovative solutions that help reach CO2 neutrality
and a circular economy for automotive technologies - Gilles Mabire, Chief Technology Officer, Continental Automotive: “One part of our
multi-faceted approach to find innovative sustainable solutions is to work with
young, particularly agile and innovative companies. And we were quite impressed
with Biotic’s approach to complete recycling throughout the material's life cycle”
Frankfurt, Germany, February 27, 2024. For the first time, Continental has recognized an
innovative sustainable solution with the Climate Solutions Prize. Biotic, a biotech start-up focusing
on biological alternatives to plastics, prevailed in the “Pioneering Sustainable Material” tech
challenge offered by Continental in collaboration with Startup Nation Central (SNC). The winning
solution is a new method that utilizes algae and seawater as raw materials in order to modify the
properties of plastic. The resulting material has the potential to replace several existing fossil-
based components and packaging in the automotive industry. “For Continental, embracing
sustainability in automotive development is a strategic imperative,” said Gilles Mabire, CTO at
Continental Automotive. “One part of our multi-faceted approach to find innovative sustainable
solutions is to work with young, particularly agile and innovative companies. And we were quite
impressed with Biotic’s approach of complete recycling throughout the material's life cycle.” The
winner of the Climate Solutions Prize was announced during the final event on February 26, 2024.
Prize winner Biotic develops bio-based alternative for automotive plastic
In 2023, Continental partnered with SNC on the Climate Solutions Prize competition. SNC is an
independent Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) from Israel, driven by a diverse team of
industry-leading business and tech experts. Their objective is to find unique technologies which
drive innovation processes forward.
The annual competition encompasses multiple tech challenge tracks. Continental’s “Pioneering
Sustainable Material” challenge focused on start-ups creating cutting edge sustainable material
technologies which can be used in automotive.
Founded in 2020, the winner Biotic envisions a world where plastic is not a concern. Polymers and
other plastics account for 12 to 16 percent of the total weight of a car, so it is crucial to seek
sustainable and circular alternative solutions. For the challenge, Biotic developed a process that
uses algae and sea water as feedstock for their precision fermentation, allowing for modification of
the polymers’ characteristics. The synthesized biobased polymer holds the potential to replace
several existing fossil-based components and packaging in the automotive industry. Currently,
Continental and Biotic are preparing a proof of concept with the intention to form a long-term
cooperation. “We are very proud to have been awarded with the Climate Solutions Prize,” said Adi
Goldman, CEO and co-founder, “and we are looking forward to working together with Continental
to develop our solution further towards future scalability.” Plastics are one of the main materials
extensively utilized at Continental Automotive. A broad range of plastics, from standard to
engineering plastics, is employed to meet the complex and technical requirements of the wide
product portfolio. These applications span from housings and packaging to sophisticated displays.
Spotlight on sustainable automotive technologies
Concerns about global warming and environmental degradation continue to mount worldwide.
Major industry players, Continental included, are redefining their approach to manufacturing and
are actively seeking innovative solutions that align with their own sustainability goals as well as
those of their stakeholders. Central to this paradigm shift is the recognition that establishing
collaborations and developing innovative and sustainable tech products are essential. For this
purpose, Continental established co-pace, its own start-up organization, in 2018 as a catalyst for
new technologies and business models built in cooperation with key start-ups that contribute to
reaching CO2 neutrality and a circular economy.
Start-up challenges like the Climate Solutions Prize are just one part of Continental’s multi-faceted
strategy to navigate the complexities of global innovation. The aim is to develop a comprehensive
approach which involves a synergy of opportunities, including utilizing expert networks and
fostering university collaborations, local partnerships and strategic investments through corporate
venture capital. In addition, Continental is running its own explorative programs that identify,
evaluate and select promising sustainable automotive technologies that enable them to achieve
key sustainability requirements from its stakeholders. These projects cover a wide array of
applications, from adjusting production processes for a reduced carbon footprint to reusing
components at the end of their lives.
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people
and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable
solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2022, Continental generated sales of €39.4
billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 57 countries and markets.
