13-01-2026
One year later: Insights from Scale-up frontrunners | Stef Denayer, Pilots4U
It has been one year since Planet B.io hosted the Let’s Talk Bio Scale-up event! Back then, we brought together five key scale-up frontrunners to share their insights on going from grams to tonnes and navigating the 'valley of death.'
While reconnecting with our five original speakers, we also took the opportunity to sit down with Stef Denayer - Stakeholder Relations Manager from Pilots4U. Stef explains the platform’s recent renewal, what it offers innovators, how it connects them to Europe’s pilot and demo facilities for the bioeconomy, and how you could even secure a travel voucher for an on-site pilot plant study visit!
What is Pilots4U and what is its purpose?
"Pilots4U is the open-access network of European pilot and demo facilities in the bioeconomy. This does not only include pilot facilities with fermentation technology, but encompasses around 50 different technologies used in the bioeconomy. It is therefore a very broad network. Pilots4U originally started as a database of facilities, but the concept has since evolved significantly. The aim is to help innovators move forward by providing access to infrastructure and support for scale-up activities, while at the same time increasing the visibility of facilities and improving the utilisation of their capacity."
What has changed at Pilots4U over the past year?
"Quite a lot has changed! In June, we completely scrapped the old platform from 2017–2018 and rebuilt it from the ground up as part of the COPILOT project, which ensures the continuity of Pilots4U. Since then, the platform has been populated with up-to-date information on facilities, including equipment, videos, brochures, photos, and other materials. Ultimately, we aim to map all 120 facilities in detail, giving innovators a comprehensive overview of all available options across Europe. In addition, we have expanded the overall concept of the platform."
That sounds interesting! What does this expansion involve and what can users do with it?
"Pilots4U now also organises pilot plant study visits, during which facilities open their doors to innovators. This goes beyond a digital tour: participants can see the infrastructure available on site. During these visits, they also receive training, can engage directly with the people who work there every day, and gain a real sense of the expertise available. This is a very accessible and valuable way to get acquainted. For participants travelling from further away, we offer €500 travel vouchers through the COPILOT project. There is currently an open call to participate in the PDI Fair at the BIOKET Conference in Switzerland.
During such a PDI Fair, pilot and demonstration facilities briefly present themselves to innovators, with ample opportunity for matchmaking and networking. This enables participants to quickly establish valuable connections and find the right scale-up partner."
“Staying close to innovators and truly understanding their challenges is key to guiding them successfully through the scale-up process.”
Pilots4U operates at a European level. Can you explain what developments are taking place at that level?
"Pilots4U plays an important role at the European level. For example, I am involved in Shaping Bio, a project led by the Fraunhofer Institute, in which we develop policy recommendations to advance the bioeconomy. In February 2025, the European Commission published the report Towards a European Policy for Technology Infrastructures, which recognises pilot and demonstration facilities as strategic assets for European competitiveness. At Pilots4U, we actively translate these recommendations into practice by improving access to scale-up facilities for innovators through our digital platform, fairs, and pilot plant visits.
What I increasingly observe is a shift in focus from fundamental research towards more applied, market-driven research that directly addresses the needs of innovators and companies. The report confirms this trend and shows that this type of research contributes to faster testing, validation, and scaling of innovations, thereby strengthening Europe’s competitive position."
How do you see the future of Pilots4U and the bioeconomy in Europe?
"I am optimistic about the future, as European policymakers are placing the bioeconomy increasingly high on the agenda. This allows us to genuinely support innovators in scaling up their ideas and bringing them to market. As for the Pilots4U platform, over the coming year we will continue to test its activities and functionalities: what works well will be retained, while at the same time we will develop a sustainable business model."
Finally, what is your key lesson, and what tip would you give to innovators?
"The most important lesson is that it is crucial to stay close to innovators, understand their challenges, and guide them through the scale-up process. And for innovators themselves: make use of available facilities, travel vouchers, and events, and actively seek guidance on both the technical and commercial aspects of your innovation."
For more information about Pilots4U, please visit their website