The “J.P.A. Espersen Foundation” focuses on supporting local communities, where "Espersen" companies operate. As a leader in the global frozen fish products industry, the company and its foundation strive to create synergy between business objectives and sustainable practices. One of the foundation's objectives is to donate to research projects related to marine pollution and the foundation has a wish to enhance its contributions, offering financial incentives to research aimed at marine environment conservation.
The financial support from the Danish family foundation has been secured for Klaipeda University through the KU Endowment Fund, which has been aiding the university for nearly four years. Through a focused initiative that engages both the business sector and citizens, the fund allocates resources to foster scientific research and projects, fostering the development of the most talented scientists, lecturers, and students, enhancing the university's research and educational infrastructure, and contributing to the continuous improvement of study programs.
Vytautas Adomaitis, Head of the KU Endowment Fund, emphasized the significance of the "J.P.A. Espersen Foundation" support for the "InnoAerogel" project. "We are deeply grateful for the ”J.P.A. Espersen Foundation's” decision to allocate €50,000 in targeted financial support. The breakthrough developed by Klaipeda University scientists not only presents new opportunities to combat pollution more effectively but also contributes to global environmental goals, with significant potential to ensure a clean and healthy Baltic Sea ecosystem. This assistance empowers our researchers to continue their vital work and strengthens our commitment to promoting open innovations that contribute to a more sustainable future."
The development of the oil spill clean-up sorbent is being led by the KU spin-off company, MB "Inobiostar," in collaboration with Klaipeda University, as part of the European Innovation Council's "EIC-Accelerator" program, which partially funds the "InnoAerogel" project.
The innovation lies in the product’s operating principle and environmental safety. The base material – made from paper waste – is aerogel, and oil pollutants are broken down by microorganisms sourced from the Baltic Sea, which are ingeniously incorporated into the aerogel structure.
"We are delighted that the KU Endowment Fund and the “J.P.A. Espersen Foundation” have been able to provide financial support for research focused on marine environment conservation. The generous contribution from the “J.P.A. Espersen Foundation” sets a positive example for other companies looking to contribute to scientific progress and environmental preservation. We hope that other companies will follow suit and allocate resources for the implementation of this socially important project”, – commented Dr. Tatjana Paulauskienė, CEO & Founder of MB "Inobiostar”.
During the two-year project period, a pilot production of aerogel with oil-degrading microorganisms is planned to be set up and launched in Klaipėda.
