ABOUT
LIGNOVATIONS is unlocking the natural power of Lignin to accelerate the transition to a sustainable society.
OUR MISSION
ACCELERATE THE TRANSITION TO A CIRCULAR ECONOMY
ENABLE BIO-BASED VALUE CHAINS
IMPROVE THE SUSTAINABILITY OF EVERYDAY PRODUCTS
OUR STORY
2016
Our co-founders Martin Miltner, Angela Miltner and Stefan Beisl focus their research at TU Wien on biomass valorization and biorefineries, under the guidance of Prof. Friedl. They explored the unique properties of lignin, particularly its natural protection against UV radiation and oxidative stress. This work led to the developing of an innovative technology to manufacture Colloidal Lignin Particles in a sustainable, scalable and affordable process. This discovery opened opportunities for the functional use of lignin high-value applications across many industries. We patented the technology, which opened opportunities for the functional use of lignin in high-value applications across many industries.2019
Inspired by the potential of Colloidal Lignin Particles and industry interest, we decided to commercialise the technology by launching a spin-off. This step was made possible through national funding support, including the Austrian FFG Spin-off Fellowship grant, which financed both technological and business development.2021
We incorporated Lignovations GmbH, with initial funding from Austrian business angels. Our focus was on intensive technological development, during which we evaluated over 30 lignin sources to refine our products further. Victor Tibo joined our founding team, contributing valuable business expertise.2022
Our team expanded with skilled experts in research and production to drive technological advancement.2023
A successful investment round raised €2.2 million, enabling us to establish a commercial production facility certified to C-GMP and ISO 9001 standards. Support from Plug & Play USA and MassChallenge Switzerland accelerated our growth and helped us forge valuable connections with industry partners.2024
We launched LignoGuard® SPF Booster for the cosmetic market, winning five industry awards, including the IFSCC Sustainability Award, the in-cosmetics Green Ingredient Award, and the SEPAWA Innovation Award. Collaborations with IMCD and UNIGOLDEN allowed us to bring LignoGuard® to customers across key European markets.
OUR VISION
“Unlocking nature's ingenuity to promote a society in harmony with the environment.”
OUR TEAM
R&D ENGINEER
JOHANNES ADAMCYK
QUALITY CONTROL
MARIA MARTINEZ
MARKETING MANAGER
BARBARA JARYCH
COSMETIC APPLICATIONS
KATHARINA KÖHLER
QUALITY CONTROL
ANDREAS WOLF
PRODUCTION
LUKAS SHAHROUEI
R&D
ISABEL STROBL
R&D
JONAS NEURAUTER
R&D
JULIAN LEHNER
OUR AWARDS
IN THE PRESS
Innovative Colloidal Lignin Particles for Natural SPF Boosting and Antioxidant Protection
January 2024
"The collaboration of Lignovations GmbH and Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) has showcased a groundbreaking innovation in the field of cosmetics, showcasing the application of Colloidal Lignin Particles as effective SPF boosters and powerful antioxidants.."
"The collaboration of Lignovations GmbH and Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) has showcased a groundbreaking innovation in the field of cosmetics, showcasing the application of Colloidal Lignin Particles as effective SPF boosters and powerful antioxidants.."
COLLABORATE TO INNOVATE
We’re always prepared to collaborate in new and unexpected ways.Get in touch with us to explore the possibilities.