BIOPROCESS PILOT FACILITY BV

Their core work

BPF is a dedicated pilot-scale bioprocessing facility in Delft, Netherlands, that helps research consortia scale up bio-based processes from lab to demonstration level. They provide fermentation, extraction, filtration, and enzymatic treatment infrastructure for projects converting biomass and waste streams into valuable products — from bio-polymers and single-cell proteins to pheromones and mycelium-based textiles. Their value lies in bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial production, offering the physical plant and process expertise that most partners in a consortium lack.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2016–2018), BPF focused on classic biorefinery operations: wood and lignocellulose pre-treatment, multi-feedstock processing, and agricultural waste valorization through extraction and filtration. From 2020 onward, the focus shifted toward higher-value fermentation products — insect pheromones for pest control, fungal mycelium for textiles, and bio-monomers for polymers. This evolution shows a move from bulk biomass processing toward precision fermentation for specialty bio-based products.

BPF is pivoting from general biomass processing toward fermentation-based production of high-value specialty chemicals and materials, making them an increasingly relevant partner for circular bioeconomy projects needing scale-up capacity.

How they like to work

BPF operates exclusively as a participant — they have never coordinated an H2020 project, which is consistent with their role as an infrastructure and process partner rather than a research leader. With 119 unique partners across 24 countries, they integrate into large, diverse consortia (typical for BBI Innovation Actions). This makes them easy to work with: they bring equipment and process know-how without competing for scientific leadership.

BPF has built an extensive network of 119 unique partners across 24 countries, reflecting their participation in large BBI-funded demonstration projects. Their reach spans most of the EU, with strong connections in bioeconomy-focused countries across Western and Northern Europe.

What sets them apart

BPF fills a critical gap in the bio-based innovation chain: they are a dedicated, independent pilot facility, not a university lab or a corporate R&D center. This means consortia can access industrial-scale fermentation, extraction, and downstream processing equipment without the IP complications of partnering with a competitor. Based in Delft — a major Dutch biotech hub — they combine proximity to TU Delft expertise with hands-on scale-up capability.

Highlights from their portfolio

• PHERA
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 1.2M), targeting the unusual application of fermenting insect sex pheromones for crop pest management — showing BPF's versatility beyond traditional biorefinery.
• SYLFEED
  Demonstrates BPF's full biorefinery chain capability: wood-to-feed conversion via lignocellulose pre-treatment, hydrolysis, and single-cell protein production at demonstration scale.
• MY-FI
  Represents BPF's move into circular economy materials — producing mycelium-based textile fibers through fungal fermentation, a fast-growing application area.