JANUARY 2025
2024 Impact Report
In 2024, we worked with over 300 partners to design and test new solutions for societal change. Across Europe we supported our ecosystem of clients and changemakers to advance their missions, from making cities in deepest Norway safer for active mobility to providing automated public transport to the elderly in Greece. This Impact Report summarises our collective work on the ground.
We want to thank all our partners, clients, and collaborators for making so many ideas happen in 2024!
Message from our Directors
“Another year, another global crisis. Pandemics, wildfires, social unrest, wars — disasters seem to be pummeling us with greater speed, breadth, and intensity than ever before. In the face of all of this, it is easy to fall into despair. At the very least, it’s easy to lose faith that the actions of individuals or small organizations can actually make a difference in the face of such enormous pendulum swings.
But, the complex challenges we are facing globally can also trigger a more optimistic perspective. Both the COVID pandemic and the war in Ukraine have shown us how rapidly large-scale societal shifts can take place, even in contexts where power and existing behavioral patterns seemed calcified. The importance of elections and policy are on display; the impact of people’s movements has been strongly reconfirmed. We are repeatedly inspired to see and understand that even small actions can have outsized and long-lasting effects.
We also see this in our work. The projects and programs we run, increasingly as part of a broader ecosystem of like-minded organizations, start out as seeds. With enough nurturing and care, they grow into forests that transform the socio-economic landscape. Systems change is possible. We are continuously learning about what conditions need to be in place for it to take root.
As Metabolic gets ready to celebrate its 10th anniversary, we once again look back on the achievements of the past year. We are excited and energized to continue this work with our clients and partners, our strongest allies in charting the path toward an economy within planetary boundaries. We hope you can also take some inspiration from this work.”
— Sebastiaan van Herk and Rolf Bastiaanssen, Directors at Bax
Our Impact in 2024
Highlights from 2024
Supporting SSE Renewables to develop a circular 2GW windfarm
Bax’s Circular Economy team was proud to have supported SSE Renewables, Pensioenfonds ABP, and APG in securing a permit to build a 2GW wind farm in the Netherlands. Circularity was a central component of the Netherlands’ Enterprise Agency’s evaluation of offers, making up 10% of the overall bid criteria.
Releasing Bax’s open-source Innovation Readiness Levels methodology
This year saw the launch of Bax’s innovation methodology, Innovation Readiness Levels. Innovation Readiness Levels bring professional innovation management to mission-driven innovations, with objective frameworks that link missions to innovation actions.
Bax’s Venture Studio Publiq expands to four ventures
Launched in December 2023, our venture studio Publiq increased its number of ventures to four in 2024, with Pendel and Healthy Cities joined by sharing economy network Digital Kiosks and affordable housing company Essential Housing. In 2025, Publiq aims to expand its impact through innovation ventures for the public good alongside Bax clients.
Developing the next generation of Urban Health Analysis
Our healthy urban planning venture Healthy Cities launched the upgraded version of its tool for urban planners, the Healthy Cities Generator at the end of 2024. The overhauled tool, developed in collaboration with EIT Urban Mobility and the University of Lisbon, factors in the potential health cost savings associated with urban plans each year.
Founding Europe’s leading network for sharing economy infrastructure
Led by Bax, the Digital Kiosks Network launched this year, promising to transform the sharing and rental economy. The new European network facilitates the sustainable implementation of sharing stations by working with more than 30 public authorities, housing providers, sharing station providers, brand manufacturers, researchers, and sharing economy practitioners.
Helping the DUT drive urban transformations
In 2024, Bax confirmed its commitment to progressing Europe’s sustainable urban future with the launch of a four-year strategic collaboration with the Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) Partnership. Bax provides expert support on the strategic development of DUT’s three key Transition Pathways – 15-minute cities, circular economies, and positive energy districts.
Bax refreshes brand identity and mission for 2024
Bax refreshed its mission and identity in 2024, reflecting our strong commitment to making societal impact happen on the ground.
Opening our Brussels and Düsseldorf Offices
Bax expanded its presence this year, opening offices in Dusseldorf and Brussels. The expanded presence will enable Bax to better serve changemakers on the ground in Germany and Belgium.
Impact by Topic Areaeerrr
Circular
In 2024, our work on Circular focused on advancing nature-friendly solutions that blended conservation, circularity, and economic growth. By supporting initiatives to promote resource efficiency and reduce waste, we helped drive the transition to a circular economy across Europe, benefiting both people and the planet.
Our work on Circular innovation in 2024 included:
- Rolling out circular procurement strategies in sectors like construction, infrastructure, ICT, and textiles across Northern Europe.
- Supporting eight European cities in transforming urban biowaste and wastewater into sustainable bio-based products.
Our Circular highlights from 2024
Advancing Circular Bioeconomy in Urban Centres
Bax collaborates with the HOOP project to support eight European cities and regions in developing large-scale urban circular bioeconomy initiatives, focusing on transforming urban biowaste and wastewater into sustainable bio-based products.
Partners
ACR, anci lazio, Gemeente Almere, biomass research, CETAQUA Galicia, cetenma, CSCP, CluBE, DRAXIS, Greenovate, ITENE, BIR, Lipor, PRO curement, RDA, SAV, SAVONIA, Science for Change, Stadt Münster, 2GO OUT, Ayuntmiento de Murcia
WHAT WE DID
- Provided Project Development Assistance to build technical, economic, financial, and legal expertise for bio-based investments.
- Defined and tailored circular business models aligned with each city’s unique waste management strategies and resources.
- Assessed the potential of start-ups and scale-ups to facilitate the development of bankable projects.
OUR IMPACT
- Facilitated sustainable investments in the circular bio-based economy across Europe.
- Launched innovative projects aimed at valorizing urban biowaste and wastewater into bio-based products.
- Established the HOOP Urban Circular Bioeconomy Hub, a European network for exchanging best practices and lessons learned.
TEAM
Kees Joosten
Director, Utrecht Office
Johanna Reiland
Innovation Consultant
Advancing Circular Bioeconomy in Urban Centres
Bax collaborates with the HOOP project to support eight European cities and regions in developing large-scale urban circular bioeconomy initiatives, focusing on transforming urban biowaste and wastewater into sustainable bio-based products.
Partners
ACR, anci lazio, Gemeente Almere, biomass research, CETAQUA Galicia, cetenma, CSCP, CluBE, DRAXIS, Greenovate, ITENE, BIR, Lipor, PRO curement, RDA, SAV, SAVONIA, Science for Change, Stadt Münster, 2GO OUT, Ayuntmiento de Murcia
WHAT WE DID
- Provided Project Development Assistance to build technical, economic, financial, and legal expertise for bio-based investments.
- Defined and tailored circular business models aligned with each city’s unique waste management strategies and resources.
- Assessed the potential of start-ups and scale-ups to facilitate the development of bankable projects.
OUR IMPACT
- Facilitated sustainable investments in the circular bio-based economy across Europe.
- Launched innovative projects aimed at valorizing urban biowaste and wastewater into bio-based products.
- Established the HOOP Urban Circular Bioeconomy Hub, a European network for exchanging best practices and lessons learned.
TEAM
Kees Joosten
Director, Utrecht Office
Johanna Reiland
Innovation Consultant
Work with us on Circular Innovation
Contact Bax’s Circular team to learn more about how we can support your innovation strategy.
Digital
In 2024, our work in Digital focused on advancing Europe’s digital transformation across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and energy. By driving the adoption of cutting-edge digital solutions, we helped organisations unlock the potential of data and technology to foster innovation, improve decision-making, and enhance operational efficiency.
Our work in 2024 included:
- Supporting the launch of the Digital Health for All (DigiH4A) project, set to unlock reimbursement pathways and build trust between healthcare providers and patients.
- Driving AI healthcare innovations through our involvement in the EU’s €60 million TEF-Health initiative, supporting SMEs in transforming their AI solutions into market-ready services.
- Developing frameworks to prioritise digital R&D activities, ensuring alignment with industry needs and EU regulations, and supporting the integration of emerging technologies into critical sectors.
- Advancing cross-sector collaboration, including in the Dutch agrifood innovation ecosystem, where we conducted over 30 interviews and facilitated collaboration among over 60 organisations to tackle sustainability challenges and labour shortages through automation and digitalisation.
Our Digital highlights from 2024
Joining the EU’s €60M TEF-Health initiative to drive AI innovations to market
In 2024, Bax joined the EU’s €60 million TEF-Health initiative, which aims to establish Europe as a leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for healthcare. Through this initiative, we’re supporting SMEs in transforming their AI healthcare solutions into market-ready services, ensuring rigorous testing and validation processes that align with EU values and regulatory standards.
WHAT WE DID
- Collaborated with HUmani – CHU Charleroi-Chimay to provide essential physical facilities, including hospital platforms, living labs, and laboratory testing environments.
- Supported the integration of intensive care technology providers into the consortium, ensuring access to clinical settings and facilitating feedback from healthcare professionals.
- Partnered with over 50 organisations across Europe, including the Belgium node led by Multitel, to streamline testing for AI healthcare solutions.
OUR IMPACT
- Enabled SMEs to validate their AI healthcare solutions in compliance with EU regulations, laying the groundwork for market readiness.
- Ensured AI solutions meet essential safety and efficacy standards, setting the stage for wider adoption.
- Facilitated the groundwork for AI adoption in intensive care, contributing to the integration of clinical information systems, data monitoring, and telemedicine solutions, which will drive future improvements in patient care.
TEAM
Núria Vàzquez Salat
Innovation Consultant, Health
Initiating the Dutch Agrifood Innovation Ecosystem
Bax collaborated with the NXTGEN Handsfree Agrifood consortium to develop a national R&D program aimed at addressing labour shortages and sustainability challenges in the Dutch agrifood sector through automation and digitalisation.
WHAT WE DID
- Conducted over 30 interviews to align stakeholder expectations and contributions.
- Developed a decision-making framework to prioritise R&D activities and investments.
- Facilitated collaboration among 60+ organisations to foster a mission-driven innovation ecosystem.
OUR IMPACT
- Secured €27 million in funding for ecosystem activities.
- Established a strong foundation for the agrifood innovation ecosystem to thrive.
- Enabled the advancement of innovative solutions contributing to sustainability and food security.
TEAM
Gerard Don
Innovation Consultant, Digital, Nature
Kees Joosten
Director, Utrecht Office
Max Meijer
- Innovation Consultant, Nature
Work with us on Digital Innovation
Contact Bax’s Digital team to learn more about how we can support your innovation strategy.
Energy
In 2024, our work on Energy focussed on accelerating the green energy transition across Europe, driving policy and business solutions for sustainable energy systems. By supporting initiatives in local energy planning and battery circularity, we helped municipalities, SMEs, and business organizations transition to cleaner, more efficient energy practices.
Our work in 2024 included:
- Something on COBRA TBC
- Working with six European cities to develop Local Energy Action Plans (LEAPs), introducing a replicable model for urban energy transformation focused on sustainable energy use in key sectors.
- Creating a partnership of cities, finance experts and cleantech providers to build 7 regional energy finance ecosystems worth €150m
Our Energy highlights from 2024
Optimizing Li-ion Battery Reverse Logistics in Europe
Bax collaborates with 11 partners, including Skoda and Renault, in the BatteReverse project to enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of Li-ion battery reverse logistics across Europe.
WHAT WE DID
- Secured €4.9 million in Horizon Europe funding to develop innovative battery assessment, transportation, and dismantling processes.
- Established Europe’s largest battery circularity community, fostering collaboration among over 260 experts.
- Analyzed over 20 circular business models and created a digital twin of the battery reverse logistics chain.
OUR IMPACT
- Reduced battery assessment time by 80% and sorting and dismantling time by 50%, enhancing reverse logistics efficiency.
- Aimed to prevent over 30 severe accidents annually associated with Li-ion battery handling.
- Projected to add over €30 million in annual value to Europe’s economy through novel circular business models.
TEAM
Maarten Buysse
Innovation Consultant, Circular, Energy
Amy McCready
Communications Consultant, Energy, Health
Pioneering Local Energy Action Plans Across Europe
Bax is collaborating with six European cities to develop Local Energy Action Plans (LEAPs), aiming to enhance energy system management in partnership with Distribution System Operators (DSOs) and align with city-wide decarbonisation goals.
WHAT WE DID
- Supported a partnership of 6 front-running cities, E.DSO, Climate Alliance and others to launch LEAP initiatives across mobility, residential and industrial use cases.
- Assisted cities in addressing their unique energy challenges, from district electrification to renewable integration.
- Supported local decarbonisation goals through tailored, actionable energy plans.
OUR IMPACT
- Initiated Europe’s first generation of LEAPs, offering a replicable model for urban energy transformation.
- Helped cities to develop cross-sector integration of local energy planning across mobility, logistics, industry, and residential areas.
- Introduced cities to investment strategies and a network of energy investors
TEAM
Rolf Bastiaanssen
Chief Growth Officer, Energy
Joost van Cruchten
Innovation Consultant, Energy
Work with us on Energy Innovation
Contact Bax’s Energy team to learn more about how we can support your innovation strategy.
Health
In 2024, our work on Health focused on enhancing healthcare sustainability through innovation and improving urban planning to foster health-focused communities. By advancing digital health solutions and supporting innovative urban planning practices, we helped create more inclusive and efficient healthcare systems.
Our work in 2024 included:
- Enhancing elderly care by integrating digital health solutions, empowering over 150 homecare providers and supporting SMEs in advancing technology readiness.
- Presenting the €VALUE tool at the Healthy City Design 2024 Conference, guiding cities in evaluating the economic impact of health-focused urban planning.
- Supporting the launch of the Digital Health for All (DigiH4A) project, set to unlock reimbursement pathways and build trust between healthcare providers and patients.
Our Health highlights from 2024
Enhancing Elderly Care in Europe through Digital Solutions
Bax collaborates with RISE and 14 partners in the ACE project to improve independent living for older adults in Northern Europe by integrating innovative digital health solutions into homecare services.
WHAT WE DID
- Led the ACE project proposal, securing funding and assembling a consortium of 14 partner organizations.
- Supported local SMEs in scaling homecare innovations and navigating reimbursement pathways.
- Provided expertise in health innovation, project management, and strategic communication to ensure seamless integration of digital solutions.
OUR IMPACT
- Empowered over 150 homecare providers with innovative tools and methodologies.
- Supported SMEs in advancing their technology readiness levels from TRL 7-8 to TRL 8-9.
- Contributed to the sustainability of healthcare systems by promoting digital health solutions.
TEAM
David Chadima
Innovation Consultant, Health
Charline Morichon
- European Programmes Consultant
Amy McCready
Communications Consultant, Energy, Health
Transforming Urban Health with the Healthy Cities Generator tool
In 2024, Bax collaborated with EIT Urban Mobility and the University of Lisbon to enhance the Healthy Cities Generator tool. This evidence-based solution equips cities to integrate health considerations into urban planning, demonstrating how improved infrastructure can enhance public health and reduce costs.
WHAT WE DID
- Supported pilots in Bradford, UK, and Cascais, Portugal, to test the tool’s ability to assess real-world urban planning actions.
- Analysed green space improvements and traffic reduction, showcasing their economic and health benefits.
- Delivered hands-on training for stakeholders, fostering practical adoption.
OUR IMPACT
- Enabled cities to estimate potential cost savings from health-promoting urban strategies.
- Demonstrated improvements like mobility hubs in Lisbon’s Santo Antonio Valley, which boosted mental health.
- Highlighted the scalability of health-focused urban planning in diverse contexts, influencing healthier, more liveable cities
TEAM
Marta Rofín Serrà
- Urban Planner
Innovation Consultant
Innovation Consultant, Energy
Work with us on Health Innovation
Contact Bax’s Health team to learn more about how we can support your innovation strategy.
