Amsterdam Hosts ECBForum 2025, Exploring How Sustainable Finance Drives Change

The ECBForum 2025 conference will convene on 24 June 2025 at De Hallen Studios, Amsterdam. This event gathers EU policymakers, public and private‑sector investors, portfolio companies, and domain experts. It aims to accelerate Europe’s transition toward a circular, climate‑positive economy. Organised by the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF), the one‑day forum focuses on mobilising capital for business models. It aims to generate a tangible environmental impact, from biobased chemicals and sustainable food systems to forestry, packaging, and the blue economy.

Notably, this year marks the third edition of the ECBForum, with a renewed focus on impact scale-ups, circular technologies, and the advancement of biotechnology. Interactive sessions will explore financing tech ventures, scaling sustainable investment, regulatory frameworks, and long-term value creation. Participants will experience the Sustainable Scaleups Showcase, meet Europe-wide portfolio companies. They will also engage in networking activities infused with Amsterdam’s entrepreneurial spirit.

In particular, speakers will outline financing roadmaps, regulatory initiatives, and market‑ready technologies that move beyond pilot scale. All sessions are geared toward scaling up investment in ventures reaching Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6–9 and meeting strict ESG criteria.

Investment Panels Focus on Green Finance Mechanisms

Peter Wehrheim, Head of the Bioeconomy & Food Systems unit at the European Commission. He will open the day by detailing how EU Sustainable Finance tools are steering capital into high‑impact climate projects. Prof. Richard Kitney will showcase the U.K.’s progress in synthetic biology as an engine for circular industrial production.

Isabelle Laurencin, Partner at the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF), joins the stage to break down funding pathways for innovative, resource‑efficient food‑system ventures. Her perspective highlights ticket sizes ranging from €2.5–€10 million and the fund’s hands‑on approach to portfolio support.

Investors and Institutions Assess Finance’s Role in Advancing Sustainability Objectives

A dedicated session moderated by Elisabeth Storm de Grave (Invest‑NL) digs into catalytic financing for circular and bio‑based scale‑ups. Chantal Schrijver (EIB) outlines guarantee facilities designed to crowd in private capital. On the corporate side, Fabio Bernasconi of Nestlé discusses strategic partnerships that align multinationals with cutting‑edge green start‑ups. In doing so, they demonstrate how large‑cap players can accelerate market adoption of circular innovations.

Sustainable Scaleups and Creative Community Engagement

A highlight of the forum is the Sustainable Scaleups Showcase. Portfolio companies from across Europe will pitch breakthrough circular solutions. As a result, the event highlights interaction between innovators and investors, fostering new partnerships. As the day concludes, attendees will join a creative upcycling challenge hosted by Amsterdam’s own The Upcycle. Followed by an evening of networking, food, and music at the iconic Kanarie Club, all set within the repurposed industrial charm of De Hallen Studios.

Integrating Green Goals into Regulatory Frameworks

Throughout the day, panels will explore how EU taxonomy rules, mandatory sustainability reporting, and next‑generation ESG. These benchmarks are embedding climate objectives across banking, insurance, and capital‑market supervision. The conversation aligning financial regulation with environmental science is now a prerequisite for Europe’s competitiveness in the 2030s.