ERINN Innovation is proud to be part of the Horizon Europe project XTREAM, a €4.5 million, four-year initiative coordinated by NORCE Norwegian Research Centre that explores the biodiversity of extreme aquatic environments to accelerate the circular bioeconomy.
XTREAM brings together a dynamic, multidisciplinary consortium to uncover novel enzymes, bioactives, and biomaterials from extremophiles, microorganisms that thrive in some of the planet’s harshest habitats, including deep-sea brine pools, hydrothermal vents, polar waters, and acidic lakes. These remarkable life forms hold vast potential for sustainable innovation across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, nutraceuticals, green industry, agriculture, and food.
ERINN Innovation leads the Exploitation Plan within Work Package 5, focusing on translating XTREAM’s scientific advances into real-world benefits for industry, policymakers, and society.
Above: Example of an acid drainage site characterised by low pH and elevated concentrations of dissolved metals.
The project targets microbes adapted to extreme temperatures, pressures, salinities, and pH levels – environments that challenge most life forms. By tapping into these unique ecosystems, XTREAM aims to discover exceptionally stable and functional biomolecules with broad application potential.
Beyond scientific discovery, XTREAM is committed to responsible and ethical exploitation. The project prioritises fair benefit sharing, supports policy development and capacity building, and employs low-impact, efficient biodiscovery methods that reduce environmental strain while accelerating innovation.
Above: Hypersaline conditions observed in marine solar salterns, representative of high-salinity environments.
As the lead of XTREAM’s exploitation activities, ERINN Innovation applies its proven Knowledge Transfer Methodology to identify and prioritise key exploitable results, engage stakeholders, and develop targeted strategies that maximise the uptake and impact of project outcomes. Our goal is to move XTREAM’s discoveries beyond the lab and into practical solutions that support Europe’s green transitions.
By developing bio-based alternatives to fossil-derived chemicals and materials, XTREAM aligns closely with major EU priorities, including the European Green Deal, EU Biodiversity Strategy, and the Sustainable Blue Economy, contributing to a resilient and circular bioeconomy.
(Main image: Representative polar and glacial environment, illustrating extreme cold conditions. All images licenced by WP5 lead- ScienSeed.)
