GEA to Equip Open-Access Fermentation Pilot Line at NIZO Campus

GEA has been selected to supply and install a precision and biomass fermentation upscaling line for the Biotechnology Fermentation Factory (BFF) at the NIZO Food Innovation Campus in the Netherlands. The facility, scheduled for completion in 2026, will support companies in validating and scaling fermentation-based processes for various applications including animal-free dairy proteins and enzymes.

The BFF project aims to bridge the gap between laboratory proof-of-concept and commercial manufacturing steps, providing an open-access model for developers. The pilot line will include 1,000-liter and 10,000-liter fermenters, allowing for media preparation, fermentation, cell harvest, and downstream processing. With an emphasis on confidentiality and technical reliability, the facility will generate decision-grade data sets to aid the industry in moving confidently towards industrial readiness.