Implementation of innovation and project management best practices in technological development. Case study: natural antioxidants from olive pomace in the main olive growing area of Arge

Abstract

This article presents the progress achieved in the technological maturation of a viable biorefinery model that transforms olive pomace into an Olive Bio-phenol Concentrate (OBC), a natural antioxidant. The OBC, a natural antioxidant with significant commercial potential, and its associated production process represent the first Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). Using Technological Readiness Levels (TRLs), agile framework and project management and innovation best practices, the project advanced from TRL 1 to TRL 5, with progress toward TRL 9, in just six effective months of work. Key achievements include laboratory and pilot-scale production and characterization of the OBC, preparation of its technical data sheet, mapping of olive pomace generation, setting of risk and TRL methodologies for application, preliminary economic feasibility assessment, engagement with regulatory agencies, presentation of the development to olive oil companies to match their expectations and collaboration with animal nutrition companies for initial testing. The results demonstrate the viability of producing high-value bio-products from olive by-products and contribute to circular economy innovation in the olive sector.