In a bold move to advance the development of precision fermentation, four visionary companies have come together to establish the "Biotech Open Platform" project. Danone, Michelin, DMC Biotechnologies, and Crédit Agricole Centre France have pooled their resources and expertise to create an industrial and technological platform that will support the scaleup of innovative biotech processes.
The project, which has received an initial investment of over 16 million euro, will be situated in Clermont-Ferrand, France, within the Parc Cataroux Center for Sustainable Materials. This strategic location, supported by Michelin, is an innovation accelerator that will provide the ideal environment for the platform to thrive.
As industries increasingly seek alternatives to fossil-based resources, the Biotech Open Platform project aims to provide sustainable solutions through precision fermentation. This cutting-edge biotech process utilizes microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, or fungi to produce proteins, enzymes, and other valuable molecules for use in the agri-food and materials sectors.
While fundamental research in precision fermentation has made significant progress, the Biotech Open Platform project recognizes the need to scale up these technologies to meet industrial demands. By 2025, the project plans to install an initial demo-scale production line, including a fermenter and purification equipment. As the platform grows, additional equipment will be added, including a second production line, to accommodate the needs of its founders and other companies facing the challenge of industrial biomanufacturing scaleup.
The Biotech Open Platform project represents a significant step forward in the development of bio-sourced materials, as emphasized by Florent Menegaux, president of the Michelin group. Danone's CEO, Antoine de Saint Affrique, echoed this sentiment, stating that the partnership aligns with the company's focus on investing in the future of food.
For DMC Biotechnologies, an American startup, the Biotech Open Platform offers a unique opportunity to accelerate the scaleup and commercialization of their transformative fermentation technology. Kenny Erdoes, CEO of DMC, expressed enthusiasm for the project's potential to drive innovation and growth.
The collaboration between these four industry leaders demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing sustainable solutions through precision fermentation. By pooling their resources and expertise, the Biotech Open Platform project is poised to make significant strides in the development of bio-based materials and ingredients, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
