Biotech Open Platform Pioneers Precision Fermentation With $16M Investment
Clermont-Ferrand, France – The “Biotech Open Platform” initiative, spearheaded by Danone, Michelin, DMC Biotechnologies, and Crédit Agricole Centre France, is set to revolutionize the biomanufacturing industry. With an initial investment surpassing 16 million euros, this project aims to accelerate the development of advanced fermentation processes, particularly through precision fermentation.
Scaling Up Sustainable Solutions
Slated for deployment at the Parc Cataroux Center for Sustainable Materials, the platform will be a pivotal innovation accelerator backed by Michelin. As the industry pivots away from fossil-based resources, precision fermentation has emerged as a sustainable alternative, utilizing microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and fungi to produce essential proteins, enzymes, and other molecules critical for the agri-food and materials sectors.
Large-scale Biomanufacturing
While foundational research in biotechnologies has advanced significantly, there remains a pressing need for large-scale application. The Biotech Open Platform focuses on scaling up innovative products and processes from the laboratory to industrial-scale production. By 2025, the project aims to install an initial demo-scale production line complete with fermenters and purification equipment, with plans to expand infrastructure in subsequent years.
Michelin Group President, Florent Menegaux, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The Michelin group is pleased to announce the creation of the Biotech Open Platform, a unique tool that will enhance the development of bio-sourced materials, a key challenge for the industry of tomorrow.”
Strategic Partnerships for Future Growth
Danone CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique mirrored this sentiment, noting, “At Danone, we have always been focused on investing in the future of food, and this partnership is the next step in this journey.”
DMC Biotechnologies CEO Kenny Erdoes added, “For us, as an American startup, the development of the new Biotech Open Platform will enable us to accelerate the scale-up and commercialization of new products leveraging our transformative fermentation technology.”
Future Outlook
With its comprehensive approach, the Biotech Open Platform is poised to address the scale-up needs of its founding partners while eventually welcoming other companies facing similar challenges in the industrial biomanufacturing sector. The project represents a significant leap forward in the global pursuit of sustainable and efficient bio-based material production.
For further information, visit Danone, Michelin, and DMC Biotechnologies.
