FRANCE – Danone, in collaboration with US-based precision fermentation start-up DMC Biotechnologies, tire manufacturer Michelin, and French bank Crédit Agricole Centre, has announced the creation of the “Biotech Open Platform.”
The initiative, which has an initial investment of over €16 million (US$17 million), aims to scale up precision fermentation technologies and promote innovation in the agri-food and material sectors.
The Biotech Open Platform will be located in Clermont-Ferrand, France, within the Parc Cataroux Center for Sustainable Materials, an innovation accelerator supported by Michelin.
The first phase will see the installation of a demo-scale production line, including a fermenter and purification equipment, with plans for additional equipment and a second production line in subsequent years.
This expansion will enable the platform to meet the scaling needs of its founding companies and eventually support other businesses in the industrial biomanufacturing sector.
The initiative also receives support from public and private institutions, including the University of Clermont Auvergne, Greentech, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and Clermont Auvergne Métropole.
Antoine de Saint-Affrique, CEO of Danone, emphasized the partnership’s potential to advance “the future of food” by developing cutting-edge fermentation technologies that will drive innovation, enhance health benefits, and contribute to the decarbonization of the food industry.
Kenny Erdoes, CEO of DMC, highlighted that the collaboration will accelerate the scale-up and commercialization of new products using their transformative fermentation technology, Dynamic Metabolic Control, which makes fermentation more standardized, robust, and predictable.
Michelin president Florent Menegaux described the biotech platform as a “unique tool” to enhance the development of bio-sourced materials, which is crucial for the industry’s future.
The food and beverage (F&B) industry increasingly seeks sustainable alternatives to fossil-based resources.
Biotechnology, particularly precision fermentation, is viewed as a promising solution to meet supply needs while providing efficient materials.
Precision fermentation uses microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, or fungi to produce proteins, enzymes, and other industrially relevant molecules, making it ideal for innovation in the agri-food and materials sectors.
Danone’s recent sustainability initiatives in France include launching a plant-based beverage facility and partnering with Danish company Too Good To Go to enhance food waste management through AI and food labeling in retail products.
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