Dr. Walter J. Koch (b. June 2, 1968, Wimbern) is a biochemical technology expert with a distinguished career at BASF, where he has been the Director of Biochemical Technology and "Biotech for Net Carbon Zero" since 2022. His work focuses on CO₂ avoidance costs, fermentation technology, and energy management. Previously, he held various leadership roles at BASF, including directing corporate technology, strategy for nutrition and health, and pharma marketing in Europe.Dr. Koch also serves as a lecturer in industrial fermentation (Heidelberg University) and innovation management (Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg). He holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy and a Diploma in Biochemistry from Heidelberg University and the University of Tübingen, respectively. He lives in Neustadt with his wife Natallia and their children, Alexandra and Anton.

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Dr. Jose Lorenzo is a chemical engineering leader with 20+ years of experience, patents and a passion for sustainability. A senior member of the AIChE with specializations and interest in process engineering, interfacial physical chemistry, product development and biomedical engineering. Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Dr. Marcinko boasts over 40 years of experience in industrial R&D, research management, and academia. His expertise spans biopolymers, polyurethane chemistry, adhesion science, wood and agricultural fiber composites, polymer characterization, and polymer structure-property relationships. An adjunct professor, he has developed industrial short courses on biopolymer adhesives and coatings, polyurethane and polymer chemistry, and adhesion science. Dr. Marcinko has authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications and holds 22 patents, with 2 patents pending. Educationally, Dr. Marcinko earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from The University of Akron in 1992, an M.S. in Chemistry from Case Western Reserve University in 1990, and dual B.S. degrees in Chemistry and Biology from King's College in 1983.

Dr. Satoshi Okamoto is The Chief Research Coordinator of Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd's corporate office, located in Tokyo Japan. He received his doctorate in polymers from The Tokyo Institute of Technology (now Institute of Science Tokyo (IST)) in June 1995, and then worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Polytech University (now the State University of New York). He joined Sumitomo Chemical Industries in April 1996 and has been consistently engaged in new development and innovation. He succeeded in industrializing catalytic polymerization of liquid crystal polymers for the first time in the world, and while the market remained strong, he succeeded in developing a manufacturing method that satisfies both productivity and quality, which was incorporated into industrial production. He subsequently succeeded in developing a liquid crystal polymer that dissolves in common solvent, leading to its use in 5G antenna substrates, high thermal conductivity substrates, speaker diaphragms, etc. In addition, he engaged in the development of transparent polyimide film, which was also used in Foldable Phones. In 2017, he moved to the planning department at the company's headquarters, where he promoted open innovation and collaborated with ventures in areas such as odor sensors, synthetic biology, and ultra-long carbon nanotubes. Since April last year, he has also been working as a specially appointed professor at Tokyo Institute of Technology (now IST) and a team leader at RIKEN, while working with academia to implement strongly correlated material. He has a outstanding track record of filing over 500 patent applications.

Geoffrey Mitchell is a Professor and Coordinator Researcher at the Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development at the Polytechnic of Leiria in Portugal. He is also Adjunct Professor at Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering in Mysore, India, and Visiting Medical Physicist at Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, UK. His diverse research spans physics, biology, chemistry, and technology, focusing on merging quantitative experimental procedures with manufacturing technology. He is known for pioneering in-situ time-resolving neutron and x-ray scattering techniques to analyze structural and morphological transformations in manufacturing processes such as Reaction Injection Moulding and 3D printing, where he developed the concept of morphology mapping. Currently, he is involved in a project applying time-resolving x-ray scattering to injection moulding of semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymers and biopolymers. Geoffrey Mitchell has edited several books, including "Controlling the Morphology of Polymers" and "Electrospinning � Principles, Practice and Possibilities," with a second edition scheduled for 2024. He is currently co-authoring a book with Professor Mahadevappa Kariduraganavar of Karnatak University in Dharwad, India, titled "Design, Processing and Degradation of Plastics."

Dr. Hsin-Cheng Chiu received his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Utah in 1994. After serving as a faculty member in the Department of Chemical Engineering at National Chung Tsing University for 15 years, he moved to National Tsing Hua University in 2009.Dr. Chiu has a professional background in design, synthesis and development of stimuli-responsive supramolecular nanoconstructs for targeted deliveryand controlled release of therapeutics. His current interests focus on exploiting hetero junction semiconductor nanomedicines for cancer theranostic applications and developing polymeric multifunctional targeted protein degradation chimeras for treatments of cancer and other diseases. He has published more than 100 peer-reviewed research articles, including those in Biomaterials, Journal of Controlled Release, Advanced Functional Materials, AngewandteChemie, Macromolecules, ACS Nano, etc. Dr. Chiu also served as the President of the Taiwan Biomaterials and Controlled Release Society from 2020 to 2022. His work has been recognized by receiving the Outstanding Research Award from National Science and Technology Council of Taiwan, the Fellow of Biomaterials Science & Engineering from the International Union of Societies of Biomaterials Science & Engineering, the International the Award of Excellence in Research from Li Chio Zen Biomaterial Research Foundation, Academic Excellence Award of National Tsing Hua University, etc.

Dr. Albin Kälin is a pioneering figure in sustainable manufacturing and Cradle to Cradle® design. From 1981 to 2004, he served as Managing Director of Rohner Textil AG in Switzerland, where he led the company to win 19 international design awards and initiated the development of Climatex®, the first Cradle to Cradle® products worldwide. For his entrepreneurial achievements, Kälin was named the “Rhine Valley Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2001. Between 2002 and 2007, he was a member of the supervisory board of Fein Elast Group in Austria, and from 2005 to 2009, he served as CEO of EPEA Internationale Umweltforschung GmbH in Hamburg, as well as EPEA Netherlands from 2007. In 2009, Kälin founded epeaswitzerland gmbh, where he continues to serve as CEO. The company specializes in Cradle to Cradle® design concepts, supporting companies worldwide in creating sustainable, cyclable products. Kälin has received numerous accolades, including the CEO Today Europe Award in 2021, and a series of awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024, recognizing his innovative leadership and contributions to sustainable manufacturing. Epeaswitzerland gmbh, under his leadership, has become a global leader in sustainable design, with a strong focus on maintaining the quality of raw materials throughout multiple product lifecycles and using only safe, assessed chemicals. The company operates across various industries, implementing Cradle to Cradle® projects worldwide.

Dr. Shouke Yan is Professor in the College of Material Sciences and Engineering at Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT) in Beijing. After receiving a B.S. from Qufu Normal University in 1985, he completed his M.S. in Polymer Science at the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CIAC- CAS) under the guidance of Prof. Enle Zhou. After completing his M.S. study, he joined the CIAC-CAS as an Assistant Professor and then earned his Ph.D. in Polymer Science at the CIAC-CAS under the joint guidance of Prof. Decai Yang and Prof. J. Petermann (Dortmund University, Germany) through a sandwich program between the CAS and the Max-Planck-Society. He then took a position on the research staff at Dortmund University under the direction of Prof. J. Petermann. In 2001, he returned to China through the Hundred Talents Program, to become full Professor at the Institute of Chemistry, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (ICCAS). He has been recognized with several honors, including the Excellent Hundred Talents Award and an NSFC Outstanding Youth Fund. His current research focuses on the multiscale structure of polymers.

Michael Carus, Founder and Managing Director nova-Institute. Michael Carus is one of Europe's leading experts, market researchers and policy advisors on the renewable carbon economy - including bio-based, CO2-based and recycling. In late 1994, together with five other scientists, he founded the private and independent nova-Institute for Ecology and Innovation. From the beginning, Carus has been involved in the company as an owner and one of the managing directors. Today, the nova-Institute employs nearly 50 scientists from a wide range of disciplines, covering markets, technologies, sustainability, communication and policy. In 2020, Carus founded the Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI), which by 2024 will have more than 60 members from the chemical and other industries. Carus is one of the two executive managers of the RCI.

Prof. Feng-Huei Lin is a distinguished researcher in the field of biomedical engineering with an extensive background in biomaterials and regenerative medicine. He completed his Ph.D. in Materials Science from the National Cheng-Kung University, Taiwan, in 1989, following his Master's in the same discipline and institution in 1985. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Earth Science from the National Cheng-Kung University in 1980. Prof. Lin has been a leading figure in various prestigious institutions, holding key positions such as Tenure Distinguished Professor at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University (since 2012), and Director at the National Health Research Institute's Institute of Biomedical Engineering from 2014 to 2022. He has also served as Director of the Biomedical Engineering Division at the NHRI, and the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at NTU. An influential voice in the scientific community, Prof. Lin is a member of the editorial boards of top-tier journals, including the International Journal of Molecular Sciences and Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology. He was the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Biomedical Engineering from 2007 to 2011. Prof. Lin's research has significantly contributed to the advancement of biomaterials and regenerative medicine, with over 500 SCI-indexed publications since 1990, an H-index of 72, and more than 19,000 citations. He has been recognized as one of the world's top 2% scientists for four consecutive years by Stanford University and is ranked 32nd in Materials Science globally.

Dr. Febi Varghese is a Post Graduate in Engineering (M.Tech-First Rank) and took his Ph.D from the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi University. Having 30 years of professional experience, Dr.Febi has worked as the Director of Coir Board of India and as the Chairman & Managing Director of Travancore Cements Ltd., Managing Director of Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd. ,Kerala State Industrial Enterprises Ltd., Kerala State Coir Corporation Ltd., KERAFED , Kerala State Coconut Development Corporation Ltd., etc. and also as the Financial Analyst of United Nations . Dr. Febi Varghese has been a regular Speaker to International Conferences held in Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, etc. He is a Fellow of both Institution of Engineers (India) and Indian Institute of Technical Arbitrators and recipient of Management Excellence Award. Dr. Febi has umpteen number of published Papers and Books and Patented Product to his credit.

Professor Gan is the recipient of the “One-Hundred Talents” funding award of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) (2004) and the Distinguished Youth Fund of NSFC (2010). He received his B.S. and M.S. from Tianjin University in 1987 and 1990, respectively. After his Ph.D. at Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, CAS in 1993, he worked at the same institute till 1998. During 1997-1998, he worked at Chinese University of Hong Kong as visiting scholar and postdoctoral. From 1998 to 2004, he went to Japan and worked at Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN Institute) as RIKEN Fellow and Research Scientist of Japan Science and Technology Corporation (JST). When he received “One-Hundred Talents” funding from CAS, he joined Institute of Chemistry, CAS in 2004. In December of 2012, he moved to BUCT and works as a full professor in the College of Life Science and Technology. The research interests of Professor Gan’s group focus on biocompatible and environmentally friendly polymeric materials.

Professor Ying-Chieh Chen is Vice Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at National Tsing-Hua University, Taiwan. She specializes in vascular tissue engineering, biomaterials for tissue regeneration, stem cell research, and regenerative medicine. With over 14 years of experience, her academic journey includes a Ph.D. from National Tsing-Hua University and postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Chen has published 32 SCI journal papers, receiving over 3,200 citations, and has earned several awards, including the 2021 MRS-T Young Researcher Award and multiple prestigious research scholarships.

Dr. Metzsch-Zilligen is a distinguished chemist specializing in physical chemistry, having earned her PhD from the University of Cologne in 2006. With extensive experience in the food industry, she transitioned to the German Plastics Institute (DKI) in 2011, which later integrated into Fraunhofer LBF in 2012. She led the "Additivation and Durability" department and, as of April 1, 2024, heads the "Plastics" division at Fraunhofer LBF. Her research focuses on developing new additives and optimizing additive systems for thermoplastics. A strong advocate for sustainability, she has significantly advanced the quality of recyclates, enhancing their mechanical, sensory, and optical properties to promote the use of recycled materials over virgin plastics.

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Dr. Ming-Fa Hsieh is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU), Taiwan. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from National Tsing-Hua University and a B.S. in Chemistry from Tamkang University. Dr. Hsieh's career spans academia and industry, including roles as Associate Dean of CYCU's College of Engineering and Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering. He previously served as a researcher at the Biomedical Engineering Center, Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Taiwan. His research focuses on biomaterials, cytoprotective effects, and cartilage repair, with publications in journals like *Frontiers in Chemistry* and *International Journal of Molecular Sciences*.

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Prof. Joana M. R. Curto is a Chemistry Professor at the University of Beira Interior (UBI) and Principal Researcher at FibEnTech-UBI and CERES, University of Coimbra. A Chemical Engineer with a PhD in Paper Engineering, her research centers on sustainability and bioresources, particularly in the functionalization of fiber-based materials from renewable sources like cellulose fibers. She coordinates R&D projects and leads efforts in the PRR Project “From Fossil to Forest FF2F.” She is also an expert in optimizing materials for improved performance and sustainability using advanced simulation and AI methodologies.

MSc.Eng. Liliana Rubio is a Chemical Engineer and Polymer Specialist with over 20 years of experience in New Business Management, R&D, and marketing. She holds a Master’s in Project Management and MBAs in Business Administration and Innovation Management. As Co-Founder of PMO Polymer Business Intelligence in São Paulo, Brazil, she leads projects aimed at scaling DeepTech startups and technology-based companies within the framework of Sustainable Development Goals and the Bioeconomy. A sought-after speaker on innovation and sustainability, Liliana has spoken at major industry trade shows worldwide. She has received numerous accolades, including the Extra Prize for Innovation from Clariant Corporation and an Honorable Mention in the Think Beyond Plastics competition. She is also a founding member of Empresabilidad and serves on the Board of Directors of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Nucleus of the Brazilian ESG Institute (IBESG).

Prof. Dalila Hammiche is a Class A Lecturer and specialist in polymer composites, focusing on sustainable materials, thermoplastic and bio-based composites, and natural fiber nanocomposites. With over 100 publications, three books, and six book chapters, she is also Editor-in-Chief of the Biopolymer Applications Journal and holds an international professorship at the International Telematic University Uninettuno, Italy

Ms. Angela Ivanova is the CEO and co-founder of LAM�ON, a pioneering company in the production of biodegradable laminating film for paper and cardboard, as well as packaging foil for food, cosmetics, and other goods. Under her leadership, LAM�ON has made significant strides in promoting sustainable packaging solutions. Angela's contributions to the industry have earned her recognition as an EIC Ambassador, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in 2017, an EIT Manufacturing forum expert in 2020, and an EIT Manufacturing Leader in 2021. Her work continues to drive innovation and sustainability in manufacturing and packaging

Prof. Mariyam Jameelah obtained her B.Eng.(Hons), Mat. Eng from University Sains Malaysia in 1999. This was followed by her M.Sc. in Materials Engineering from the same university and Ph.D. from University of Sheffield, UK in 2000 and 2005 respectively. On completion of her PhD, she was appointed as a tutor in 2002 at UKM. She is currently appointed as a full Professor in Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Department, UKM and recently was a Visiting Professor at Nagaoka University of Technology, and Sophia University in Japan. Administratively, she was appointed as an Assistant Dean of Entrepreneurship, the Chief Editor of Journal Kejuruteraan UKM, Chair for Materials Competition Lecture of UKM and Postgraduate Coordinators of Mechanical Engineering Department. She was also the co-founder of the Malaysian Tribology Society (MYTRIBOS). She sat on many committees at International, National and University levels. She served as the secretary of Malaysia Tribology Society from 2007 until 2021. Currently she has been appointed as the Vice President for Asia Tribology Council until now. She has received numerous research grants and awarded outstanding academic achievements as well as members of many International and National professional organizations. She has successfully supervised many local and foreign Master and PhD students. She enjoys cycling and reviewing papers, and still being invited to review many journal articles by renowned publishers.

Prof. Dr. Zizi Abdeen is the Head of the Polymer Lab in the Department of Petrochemicals at the Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute. She completed her PhD in Chemistry at Ain Shams University, Egypt, and pursued postdoctoral studies at the same institute. Dr. Abdeen has published over 42 papers in reputable journals and serves on the editorial boards of more than 32 scientific journals. Her research interests include the development of nano-microgels, targeted oily water treatment, chitosan applications in the petroleum field, polymer nanosystems, metal nanoparticles, hydrogels, and the green synthesis of metal nanocomposite polymers.

Professor Elizabeth Amir received her Ph. D. in organic chemistry in 2007 from Tel Aviv University, Israel. She did her post-doc in the field of organic electronics and bio-polymers with Prof. Craig Hawker in the University of California, Santa Barbara. During her research she developed thin layer electronic devices based on organic materials. In 2012 she joined the Department of Polymer Materials Engineering at Shenkar College, Israel. Elizabeth’s research is focused on polymer chemistry, materials research and engineering that integrate fundamental studies with the development of functional materials with precise properties and function for advanced applications in organic electronics, textile and biomedical fields. One of her main research objectives is development of new industrially applicable technologies for the fabrication of functional and flexible surfaces using eco-positive and energy efficient processes. Elizabeth published over 30 manuscripts in leading scientific journals and a recipient of 10 grants awarded by Israeli Innovation Authority and other organizations and companies.

Venessa Dsouza is a 2nd year Ph.D. candidate at the Professorship of Bioprocess Engineering at TUM Campus Straubing, Germany. She completed her Master of Science in Chemical Biotechnology at TUMCS and now continues research focused on exopolysaccharides, both fungal and bacterial, their upstream and downstream processing and upscaling. A part of her study also involves model based process design and cost analysis for industrial production of biopolymers and bi-products. During her Bachelor of Engineering in Biotechnology, at KLE Technological University, India, she worked on optimization of bacterial cellulose production, composite preparation and characterization, where she published 2 scientific papers, paving the way for her current research interest in biopolymers.

Mr. Chang-Hao Yah is a Ph.D. student at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University. He holds a Bachelor's (2019–2023) and a Master's (2023–2024) degree in Mechanical and Materials Engineering from Tatung University.

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Ms. Atefe Sadeghi Lari received her B.Sc. and M.A. degrees in Polymer Engineering from the University of Tehran, Iran, in 2017 and 2020, respectively. In 2021, she joined Prof. Nicole R. Demarquette’s research group as a Ph.D. student. Currently, she is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the École de Technologie Superieure (ÉTS), Montréal, Canada. Her research has focused on the modifications of pullulan and the development of a stimuli-responsive drug delivery system based on pullulan.

Dr. Shu-Wei Huang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Science at National Taitung University, Taiwan, specializing in biomedical materials for treating degenerative diseases, chronic wounds, and infections. With a Ph.D. from National Taiwan University's Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering and a medical engineering background from Yang Ming University, Dr. Huang's career spans research scientist and project management roles at top institutions like Wan Fang Hospital and Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Her work advances innovative animal models for osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and orthopedic infections in mice, rats, and hamsters. Recognized with awards such as the 2023 National Innovation Award for New Bone Screw Development and the Outstanding Paper Award at Wan Fang Hospital, Dr. Huang is also celebrated in the medical device community, earning accolades from the AAOS and Medical Design. She serves as a consultant for programs like the TMU SPARK Biomedical Training Program and IRCAD’s Innovation Workshop, where she mentors young innovators. Dr. Huang is a sought-after speaker and educator, teaching biodesign and clinical translation at leading institutions to foster interdisciplinary healthcare solutions.

Dr. Janaina A. G. Barros holds a degree in Chemistry (2002) and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of São Paulo, specializing in the synthesis and physical-chemical characterization of polymers for biomedical applications, including hydrogels for wound dressings and drug delivery systems. She has extensive expertise in superabsorbent polymers derived from corn sugar, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. Her research includes projects on Kraft lignin extraction for heavy metal removal, development of lyophilized bovine pericardium heart valves, collagen scaffolds for bone regeneration, and gold nanoparticles coated with albumin for cancer drug development. Dr. Barros currently serves as an Instructor of Biotechnology III at SENAI of Biotechnology Dr. Celso Charuri.

Shihheng Chen is a plastic and hand surgeon from Taiwan. He obtained his PhD in biomedical engineering with biomaterial research related to peripheral nerve regeneration. He also underwent two years of fellowship in Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery. He is now working in the Division of Trauma Plastic Surgery in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and focus on reconstruction of upper limb traumas especially peripheral nerve surgeries as well as reconstruction for rheumatoid hands and autoimmune hand diseases.

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Mr. Abdelhai Aouaitia is a polymer materials specialist with a Master's in Polymer Materials from M'Hamed Bougara University in Algeria. His expertise spans polymer processing techniques such as blow molding, film extrusion, injection molding, and thermoforming, as well as recycling processes and material characterization. Proficient in MATLAB, ASPEN, and standard office software, Abdelhai is also trilingual, speaking Arabic, French, and English. He has practical experience from internships and training in both technical and marketing domains, including an Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Innovation Program at Larbi Tebessi University.

Naima Hammoudi is a research assistant professor at Abdelhamid Ibn Badis University, Algeria. She holds a Ph.D. in macromolecular materials and their applications, having graduated with the highest academic distinction from the University of Aboubeker Belkaid. Her research focuses on nanobiotechnology, polymers, and biopolymer materials, with over five years of experience. Naima has authored international publications and presented her work at numerous conferences. She is proficient in polymer chemistry, biochemistry, and microbiological analysis, contributing significantly to advancements in material sciences.

Dr. Rajiv Kumar, M. Pharm, PhD, is a Professor and Dean at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, NIILM University, India. With over 12 years of teaching experience, he specializes in drug delivery systems for poorly bioavailable drugs. His research focuses on pre-formulation profiling, bioavailability improvement, and the evaluation of neurological disorders through cellular studies. He has published extensively in renowned journals and has been invited as a guest speaker internationally. Dr. Kumar is also an active member of the International Society for Neurochemistry and serves on editorial boards of pharmaceutical journals.