biotope by VIB Position Paper Argues Food Biotech Must Build New Systems, Not Optimise Old Ones

The position paper by biotope by VIB outlines an investment framework for "planetary health biotech," focusing on food as a key domain for impactful biological advancements. The paper argues that biotech should create new production pathways rather than simply optimizing existing ones to deliver true value. The incubator has supported European startups in food, agriculture, and materials, emphasizing the importance of reducing dependence on fragile supply chains in the food industry.

The document also addresses recent disappointments in the biotech sector, highlighting the need for realistic expectations around timelines, market readiness, and value capture. Investable biotech companies are those that replace fragile systems, integrate into existing value chains, demonstrate economic viability, and are designed for scalability from the start. The paper emphasizes the importance of biotech solutions becoming a strategic necessity in the face of challenges like climate change and geopolitical instability affecting food, medicine, and critical chemical supplies in Europe.