Biotechnology Fermentation Factory (BFF) Gives First Look at the Future of (Precision)Fermentation in the Netherlands

Ede, The Netherlands – June 6, 2025 – Today, the Biotechnology Fermentation Factory (BFF), empowered by NIZO Food Research, welcomed over 180 invited guests for a dynamic kick-off event at its future site in Ede. While the facility itself is still under construction, the event offered a first glimpse into what will become the Netherlands’ flagship open-access public-private scale-up facility for (precision) fermentation.

The BFF is being developed to accelerate innovation in the field of (precision)fermentation, providing critical infrastructure for companies working on  products such as proteins, enzymes, and fats. The event brought together stakeholders from across the ecosystem—from startups and investors to researchers and policymakers—who explored the facility’s concept, future capabilities, and immediate opportunities for collaboration.

A Preview of What’s to Come

Attendees were invited into the heart of NIZO’s facilities, where the BFF team, together with NIZO experts and partners, hosted presentations, a walk-through of a 3D model of the BFF infrastructure, and breakout sessions on key topics such as technical capabilities, project collaboration, and regulatory pathways. Guests also toured NIZO’s existing food-grade pilot plant and R&D labs—resources that will be fully integrated into the BFF’s service offering.

“Even before BFF is physically complete, the work has already started,” said Marcel Oogink, Managing Director of BFF. “The strength of our concept lies in its immediate connection to NIZO’s unique expertise and infrastructure. Companies can already initiate scale-up and application development projects today.”

Built for Impact

BFF is designed as an open-access public-private facility, meaning that companies of all sizes—from early-stage startups to multinational food producers—can make use of its scale-up capacity without the burden of investing in their own infrastructure. The facility will offer advanced fermentation and downstream processing equipment, complemented by NIZO’s application labs, product development experience, and regulatory support. The BFF is co-financed by NIZO and supported by Oost NL through the Perspectieffonds Gelderland. The first phase of the facility is expected to become operational in 2026.

Nikolaas Vles, CEO of NIZO, added:
“Today’s event demonstrates the power of collaboration and shared vision. The BFF is more than a building—it’s a commitment to sustainable food innovation. Together with our partners, we’re making it easier and faster for companies to bring precision fermentation products to market.”

Part of a National Movement

The development of BFF is part of the broader Dutch initiative for cellular agriculture, funded through the National Growth Fund and coordinated by the Cellular Agriculture Netherlands Foundation (CAN). Alongside Cultivate at Scale (CaS) in Maastricht, which focuses on cultivated meat, BFF helps establish the Netherlands as a global frontrunner in creating a robust, accessible, and future-ready food system.