our mission

We believe that the materials we build our world from matter — for people, for ecosystems, and for future generations. SUM Institute is a sustainable materials think tank that asks the big questions about how we research, design, and transition to a circular, bio-based materials economy. We work at the intersection of science, policy, and society, bringing together diverse expertise to tackle challenges that no single discipline can solve alone.

our story

We help companies comb through big data sets and realize otherwise hidden trends, opportunities and threats to their business.

why partner with us?

skill & experience

We have worked with multinational companies, as well as smaller businesses from all continents.

supportive mindset

We have worked with multinational companies, as well as smaller businesses from all continents.

high professional standards

We have worked with multinational companies, as well as smaller businesses from all continents.

established European network

We have worked with multinational companies, as well as smaller businesses from all continents.

Balázs Imre, PhD
Head of Big Questions
a.k.a. Director of Strategy & Research

Polymer engineer & sustainable materialist.

Researcher at Budapest University of Technology and Economics and the HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences. Leads the Hungarian BIOEAST HUB and BIOEAST's Biomaterials working group. Member of the SCAR Bioeconomy working group. Responsible for strategic leadership, decision-making, and shaping SUM's research agenda.

Interests:
biopolymers research, R&I management, project management, policy analysis, strategic planning

our
team

Anikó Fehér
Head of Making it Happen
a.k.a. Director of Operations

Bioengineer, biotech & biorefinery researcher.

Bioengineer with experience in the sustainable valorisation of biomass. Plays a key role in coordinating and implementing international projects at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics and the HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences. Responsible for the operational management, organisation, and efficient execution of R&I projects.

Interests:
sustainable biotechnology, project management, international cooperation, operational coordination

Csaba Fehér, PhD

Senior expert

Lilo Maximillan realized that the world of data analysis was a hot mess while working for a big international corporation as an intern. Seeking to make it easier for companies worldwide to make sense of data, she set on a mission to change the world of data herself.

our
experts

Mariann Szabó, PhD

Senior expert

Economist | sustainable territorial transition

Researcher at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics with more than 15 years of experience in international projects. Currently, she serves as the WP leader of the NiCE project and is a Task Leader in LIGNOFUN. She is also a member of the Regional Science Association International.

Interests:
sustainable territorial development, circular economy, business models, project management, policy analysis, and strategic planning.

Bálint Imre

Expert

Lilo Maximillan realized that the world of data analysis was a hot mess while working for a big international corporation as an intern. Seeking to make it easier for companies worldwide to make sense of data, she set on a mission to change the world of data herself.

Enikő Manek, PhD

Senior expert

Nanotechnologist, formulation chemist, materials scientist, and environmental researcher

Owner of the world's first nanoformulation consulting company, Teuton Tech (US), and CSO and co-founder of a microtechnology-based personal care company, Goldie Lux (CAN). Scientific advisor for various biotechnology, nanotechnology, and IP law projects. Former Clinical Assistant Professor and former Board Member of the American Chemical Society, Hungary Chapter.

Interests:
nanoformula-based platform technologies, advanced agrochemicals, polymers for biomedical applications, high-risk/high-gain research, commercialisation, executive management.

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Qualified employees

Not only is our team full of professionals – we're a fun bunch, too.

Projects delivered

Last year, we successfully completed over 100 individual projects worldwide.

Key industries

We have specialist experience in a handful of industries.

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Who are we

Data Analysts

Our in-house data analysts have a hands-on approach to data, with heavy emphasis on clear communication with the client.

Data Engineers

All of our data engineers are Boston University graduates, and undergo our in-house developed training program upon joining the team.

Designers

Our designers have an extensive background in data analysis, and often work together with our other specialists on various projects.

Consultants

All of our consultants have specialist experience in the field of data science, and aim to understand the data needs of your business.

Happy clients

Don't just take our word for it – our clients frequently stay in touch with us and work with us on future projects that require big data insights.

John Bjerrand

I work in agricultural consulting, meaning that we often need to use big and complex datasets to justify expensive investments for our clients. Lilo's consultants helped us see the big picture with their visualization tools and expertise.

Anna Claudio

As the in-house supplier manager, it's sometimes had to understand which manufacturers work best for our needs. Lilo's data analysis helped us identify where we could save and which manufacturers worked the best for us in the long term.