BeFC – THE WINNERS OF THE INFOSHARE 2021 STARTUP CONTEST

The French startup BeFC (Bioenzymatic Fuel Cells), which has developed a technology enabling the production of electricity from paper and water, has won 20 000 EURO in the Startup Contest organized during the Infoshare 2021 conference. BeFC competed against over 300 startups from all over the world. The second place was taken by the British company Animal Alternative Technologies and the third place went to Positive Carbon from Ireland. The prizes will be used for the further development of these innovative ideas.

Startup Contest Final

Five startups—Animal Alternative Technologies, BeFC, F4A, MYLEG, and Positive Carbon—competed in the final of the Infoshare Startup Contest. All of them presented their ideas in front of the jury made up of investors. During the contest, the ideas were evaluated in terms of business potential, innovation, team, and the presentation itself.

Total Infoshare Startup Contest prize pool amounted to 30 000 EURO in cash. The prizes were funded by the Mayor of the City of Gdansk.

What Issue Does BeFC Address?

BeFC (Bioenzymatic Fuel Cells) is changing the way we power electrical devices, such as toys, watches, flashlights, hearing aids, health monitoring equipment, and other battery-powered devices. To generate electricity, we will no longer need button cells, which are so dangerous to health; glucose and oxygen will suffice. 

How is this possible? BeFC offers biofuel cell technology that can be operated with a drop of a solution, which can be anything from tap water to other biological fluids. The innovative product uses only enzymes and cellulose (that means regular paper). It's a sustainable and environmental-friendly method of generating energy. 

More Than 300 Startups and VCs from Around the World at Infoshare 2021

"This year's competition attracted over 300 startups from 46 countries from all over the world. The majority of the projects came from Poland (65), Germany (33), the UK (27), Italy (18), and Israel (14). Most of the submitted applications were solutions from the following industries: FinTech, E-commerce, and MedTech. A large group of participants were also social impact startups and those dealing with environmental protection," says Grzegorz Borowski, CEO of Infoshare.

In addition to participation in the competition, the startups could network with over 100 investors from all over the world—business angels, VC, and CVC funds, including First Check Ventures, White Star Capital, Change Ventures, DTCP, and Robert Bosch Venture Capital. The networking lasted 5 days and comprised both online and offline individual meetings. The meetings were arranged with our Matchmaking dedicated tool.

Infoshare 2021, the 15th Edition

Infoshare is the biggest tech conference in CEE, creates an ecosystem that combines new technologies with business. Every year, thousands of participants come to Gdańsk, among them, startups, investors, corporate representatives, programmers, and marketers. This year's conference was the 15th edition of Infoshare and it was held both in Gdansk and online. It attracted over 4.5 thousand attendees, who—apart from the contest—could enjoy our 5 thematic stages, Partner Expo, Virtual Startup Expo, and matchmaking at the main venue. We also offered our attendees a chance to network under less formal circumstances and join us at the Welcome Dinner, Sunset Leaders' Boat Trip (sponsored by  Live more. Pomerania), and Great Networking Party.

All this wouldn't have been possible if it hadn't been for our amazing volunteers, partners, and—most of all—our attendees. Most sincere thanks to you all!