Opus Cactus, a pioneering startup based at Campus Groningen, is redefining sustainability through the cultivation of the Opuntia cactus. "What if a single plant could tackle some of the world's biggest problems?" asks Sotirios Pilafidis, Head of Research and Development at Opus Cactus. This question drives the company’s mission to use this highly resilient cactus for food, feed, and bioenergy solutions, while actively contributing to regenerative agriculture, decarbonization, and the fight against climate change.

Founded in early 2023, Opus Cactus aims to transform underutilized, arid land into a sustainable biomass source. The company cultivates Opuntia cacti on marginal lands where traditional crops struggle to grow. "This cactus requires minimal water and fertilization, yet it produces a significant amount of biomass," Pilafidis explains. "We’re restoring degraded lands by farming a plant that thrives under extreme conditions while using its biomass for food, feed, and energy production."

While Opus Cactus’ largest cultivation site is in South Africa, the company is expanding into Oman and Southern Europe, including Italy and Greece, regions increasingly affected by climate change. "We are already setting up a farm in Sicily," says Pilafidis, "and exploring other locations across Europe where climate conditions are changing rapidly."

"We chose Campus Groningen because of its strong scientific network"

Although cultivation takes place abroad, Opus Cactus has established its research and development (R&D) base at Campus Groningen. "We chose Campus Groningen because of its strong scientific network," Pilafidis says. "There is a lot of expertise in bioeconomy, chemical engineering, and bioprocesses here, which makes it the ideal place for collaboration and innovation. The campus is home to leading educational programs, companies, startups, and innovation labs, which creates a dynamic ecosystem that fosters growth and development in our field."

R&D for Sustainable Solutions

Opus Cactus focuses on three key areas: bioenergy, fermentation for alternative proteins, and in vitro plant cultivation. In bioenergy, the company optimizes biogas from Opuntia biomass, aiming to reduce fossil fuel dependence, particularly in arid regions where traditional sources like food waste and manure are scarce. "Cactus cultivation provides a renewable, year-round feedstock for sustainable energy," says Pilafidis. The company collaborates with institutions like Entrance and ZAP to advance its biogas technologies.

For alternative proteins, Opus Cactus explores microbial fermentation using cactus biomass to produce proteins for human and animal consumption. These innovations include plant-based and microbe-derived proteins, along with bio-compounds like emulsifiers and stabilizers.

In in vitro plant cultivation, Opus Cactus develops resilient Opuntia varieties that thrive in extreme desert conditions. "We’re breeding strains that endure temperature fluctuations from 40°C to -10°C while increasing yields and minimizing land and water use," says Pilafidis.

A Circular Approach to Sustainability

A key pillar of Opus Cactus’ philosophy is creating a fully circular and regenerative production model. "Many sustainable bio-production processes still depend on glucose, which often comes from sugarcane grown in overexploited areas," Pilafidis explains. "We want to start sustainability at the source: growing biomass locally, converting it into valuable products, and returning waste back to the land."

From biogas to biodegradable plastics, Opus Cactus is developing multiple applications to maximize the cactus’ potential. "Our long-term ambition is to create a refinery concept, using every part of the cactus to replace products currently derived from fossil fuels," Pilafidis states. This effort plays a direct role in decarbonization, helping industries transition to low-carbon, renewable alternatives.

Global Expansion and Market Demand

Opus Cactus is already in discussions with global partners, including chemical companies and industries seeking sustainable energy alternatives. "We’re working with biogas plants in Greece that struggle with seasonal waste availability," Pilafidis shares. "By planting cactus on non-arable land, we can provide a stable, year-round feedstock."

Beyond Europe, the company is also exploring opportunities in Oman, U.S. and various African regions, where large areas of desert land remain underutilized. Additionally, Opus Cactus is developing sustainable biofuel solutions in response to industry demand. "Large fuel producers have approached us, looking for ways to integrate more green biofuels into their supply chain," Pilafidis reveals. By providing cactus-derived biofuels, Opus Cactus is actively reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation sector.

A Growing Team with Room for Interns

At present, Opus Cactus has a small but dedicated team of four employees in Groningen, six in Cape Town South Africa, and a full-scale farming operation with 15 workers in Bloemfontein South Africa. The company is actively seeking interns and researchers to contribute to its projects. This provides lots of opportunities for students at the Hanze and University of Groningen on the campus. "We welcome students with backgrounds in biochemistry, fermentation, food science, and product development," says Pilafidis. "We want people who can bring fresh ideas and even lead their own research initiatives within our startup environment."

Ambitions

Looking ahead, Opus Cactus aims to scale up its biogas, animal feed and alternative protein production, while also expanding into biomaterials. "We want to unlock the full potential of this plant," Pilafidis states. "By integrating sustainability, innovation, and a circular economy approach, we believe Opus Cactus can play a role in the future of bio-based industries."

Source article: Campus Groningen
Header photo: Leon Philips, lab technician (left) and Sotirios Palafidis, Head of R&D at Opus Cactus. Source photo's: Opus Cactus