New fermenta­tion facility for the food industry

The future Biotechnology Fermentation Factory (BFF) in Ede offered a first look on 6 June at what is set to become the national open-access scale-up centre for (precision) fermentation. More than 180 invitees attended the kick-off event, initiated by NIZO Food Research, which is closely involved in the development of the facility.

Starting point for collaboration

During the event, startups, investors, researchers and policymakers gathered at the construction site. They attended presentations, viewed a 3D model of the future BFF, and took part in in-depth sessions on technology, partnerships and regulatory matters. The programme also included a guided tour of NIZO’s existing food-grade pilot plant and R&D labs, which will eventually be fully integrated into the BFF’s services.

Scaling up without building from scratch

The BFF will be a public-private facility offering scale-up capacity to companies of all sizes. It will provide access to fermentation and downstream processing equipment, along with NIZO’s labs and expertise. “Even before the BFF is physically completed, we’ve already started,” says Marcel Oogink, Managing Director of BFF. “The strength of our concept lies in the direct connection with NIZO’s unique expertise and infrastructure.”

The initiative is funded by a €12.5 million grant from the National Growth Fund for Cellular Agriculture Netherlands, supported by in-kind co-financing from NIZO and investments from the Perspectieffonds Gelderland (managed by Oost NL). The first phase of the facility is expected to become operational in 2026.

Nizo.com