Karin Willquist is Program Lead for New Businesses and business developer in the water program at NG Nordic, where she drives the creation of innovative, circular business solutions that turn industrial water challenges into new value opportunities. She brings a strong scientific background in biotechnology and environmental systems, with deep expertise in industrial wastewater valorization, biological treatment technologies, and resource recovery.

Karin has led major innovation initiatives that convert process water and other water‑rich residual streams into high‑value products. In the Vinnova‑funded MultiBio project, she oversaw work transforming process water from the pulp and paper industry into biohydrogen, bioplastics, and protein‑rich biomass for sustainable fish feed, a demonstration of how circular water‑based biorefineries can support both industry and environmental goals. Her research background also includes contributions to biological mine water treatment, specifically strategies to reduce metal leakage from mining operations under Swedish conditions. This work strengthens her applied expertise in environmentally focused, water‑related biotechnologies. Karin’s EU‑level innovation experience includes coordination of the Horizon 2020 project BIOMIMIC, which develops biotechnological methods to recover metals from hazardous waste streams. The project aims to increase resource efficiency while reducing water and energy consumption in metallurgical processes, contributing to more sustainable industrial water and materials management across Europe. 

With a PhD‑level research profile and a strong publication record in microbial processes, hydrogen production, and biorefinery systems, Karin blends scientific depth with strategic business development skills. She is dedicated to advancing next‑generation water solutions that enable sustainable industry transformation.