Bio4Dreams Awards the 2025 Ennio Ongini Prize to Nantoo
28 May 2025
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At the final event of BioInvestIT 2025, the circular bioeconomy forum, Bio4Dreams awarded the Ennio Ongini Prize to Nantoo.
Yesterday, May 27, 2025, the Investor Arena Meeting took place at the Milan offices of Boston Consulting Group (BCG), marking the closing event of the second edition of BioInvestIT, Italy’s investment forum entirely dedicated to the circular bioeconomy.
The initiative is promoted by Cluster SPRING in collaboration with the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF), with the support – for the second consecutive year – of Bio4Dreams, Terra Next, Scientifica VC, and a network of local partners.
Seven finalist startups presented their innovative solutions to an audience of investors, Italian and European venture capital funds, and sector stakeholders: BioFashionTech, Biosyness, B-ME, B-Plas, Nantoo (Leaf Cycle), WEDS, and PlantVoice.
The Ennio Ongini Prize
Once again this year, Bio4Dreams awarded a special prize dedicated to Ennio Ongini—an international scientist and friend—to honor his legacy and contributions to scientific research.
The prize includes one year of membership in the Bio4Dreams ecosystem and an incubation program offering services worth a total of €15,000.
The winning startup
The 2025 Ennio Ongini Prize was awarded to Nantoo.
The startup promotes the valorization of plant biomass with a circular economy approach. Through its LeafCycle project, Nantoo transforms green waste—such as leaves collected in urban settings—into resources for the bioeconomy using a patented technology that optimizes collection, packaging, and industrial reuse.
“We are proud to have co-organized BioInvestIT alongside top-tier partners, helping build an initiative that shows just how central the circular bioeconomy is to sustainable growth in our country. On this occasion, we renew the Ennio Ongini Prize. For us, it means continuing his vision and tireless dedication to research, celebrating his ability to connect science with entrepreneurial innovation. It is also a way to inspire the next generation of researchers to turn bold ideas into impactful projects—driven by pragmatism, passion, and sustainability.”
Elisabetta Borello, Co-founder, VP Strategy & External Relations, Bio4Dreams
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