The Muscle Mag
Danone has partnered with Michelin and biotech firm DMC Biotechnologies to scale up various bioprocesses, including precision fermentation. The main focus for Danone will be on developing bio-based ingredients to enhance the nutritional and functional qualities of its products while reducing their carbon footprint.
The project aims to develop technologies and infrastructure to support R&D on a pre-industrial scale, bridging the ‘valley of death’ between initial investment, R&D, and commercialization. This phase is often a barrier for foodtech start-ups due to a lack of suitable facilities or high investment costs.
The Biotech Open Platform, located at Cataroux Park, will include a fermentation tank and various downstream equipment. By 2025, the project plans to install a demo-scale production line with a fermenter and purification equipment, with additional equipment added in the future.
Furthermore, Danone is investing €16m ($17.1m) in a precision fermentation production line to be installed by 2025, with potential for a second line later on. The platform will eventually be open to other companies and partners to explore new product ideas on a semi-industrial scale.
By 2025, the project plans to install an initial demo-scale production line, including a fermenter and purification equipment. Additional equipment will be installed in the following years, including a second production line.
The site will be accessible to other companies and partners for testing ‘different recipes on a semi-industrial scale’, according to a company spokesperson.
DMC Biotechnologies, alongside Michelin and Danone (supported by Crédit Agricole), is a key player in the Biotech Open Platform. DMC specializes in developing technologies that optimize fermentation processes for commercial production of bio-based ingredients.
Lastly, Danone’s collaboration with Wilk and ImaginDairy will continue alongside the Biotech Open Platform project, focusing on leveraging precision fermentation to innovate for the food industry.
