Rotterdam Startup Develops Revolutionary Bio-Based Insulation from Bacteria
Rotterdam, Friday, 24 April 2026.
Foamlab, a Rotterdam-based startup, is creating groundbreaking insulation material using bacterial nanocellulose with municipal funding support. The innovative foam is produced by feeding bacteria sugars from waste streams, resulting in material that’s lighter, stronger, and provides superior insulation compared to conventional fossil-based alternatives. What sets this apart is its complete biodegradability at end-of-life. Founded by former Silicon Valley software executive Jeroen van Rotterdam, the company plans to launch a pilot factory and is seeking millions in investment to scale production for both construction and fashion industries.
From Silicon Valley to Sustainable Innovation
The journey behind Foamlab’s revolutionary insulation material began with an experienced tech executive’s desire for meaningful impact. Jeroen van Rotterdam, who spent 30 years in software development including a role at Citrix in Silicon Valley, founded the company in July 2024 with a clear vision [1]. “At some point I thought: if I’m going to build something big one more time, I want it to have real impact,” van Rotterdam explained [1]. The founder partnered with TU Delft professor Elvin Karana, who had already spent two years experimenting with bacteria to create strong cellulose materials, making Karana a co-founder of the venture [1]. This collaboration between industry experience and academic research has positioned Foamlab at the Bio Campus in Delft to develop what could become a game-changing alternative to petroleum-based insulation [1].
The Science Behind Bacterial Foam Production
Foamlab’s innovative process transforms bacterial cultivation into high-performance building materials through a sophisticated biotechnology approach. The company cultivates bacteria in large vats, feeding them sugars preferably sourced from waste streams, which the bacteria then convert into bacterial nanocellulose [1]. This biological process creates foam that is lighter, stronger, and provides better insulation than many conventional fossil-based insulation foams, while offering the crucial advantage of being compostable at the end of its lifecycle [1]. Van Rotterdam draws parallels to nature’s engineering prowess, noting “You can compare it to what a spider does. A spider web is stronger than steel if you compare it at the same thickness. Nature can make materials that perform better than what we make from oil” [1]. The resulting foam material represents a significant advancement in sustainable construction materials, addressing both performance and environmental concerns simultaneously.
Municipal Support Accelerates Development Timeline
The development of Foamlab’s bio-based insulation has been significantly accelerated through strategic municipal support, particularly the Circulaire Innovatie Subsidie from the municipality of Rotterdam [1]. This funding represents part of a broader municipal initiative to support circular innovation projects that can reduce environmental impact while improving building performance [GPT]. Van Rotterdam emphasizes the importance of having the right partnerships and support, stating “It’s normal for it to take ten years from lab idea to actual production. We’ve been working for a year and a half now and are already planning a pilot factory. We’re going faster than average, but that’s only possible because we have the right partners and support” [1]. The Rotterdam circular innovation subsidy application period remains open until May 29, 2026, providing continued opportunities for sustainable building technology development [1].
Scaling Up for Construction and Fashion Markets
Foamlab is preparing for rapid scaling with ambitious plans targeting multiple industries and significant investment requirements. The company is focusing on applications in both construction and fashion industries, exploring uses such as floor insulation, cavity wall insulation, and insulation for winter coats [1]. To support this expansion, Foamlab is preparing to launch a pilot factory in Zuid-Holland and actively seeking an investment of several million euros [1]. The company’s accelerated timeline reflects both the urgency of sustainable building solutions and the effectiveness of municipal support systems. As Rotterdam continues to position itself as a leader in circular economy initiatives, Foamlab’s success could serve as a model for how local government funding can effectively accelerate the development of green building technologies that have the potential to transform the construction industry’s approach to sustainable insulation materials.