Recap: Successful BFF kick-off and NIZO open day

On Friday, June 6th 2025, NIZO and Biotechnology Fermentation Factory (BFF) welcomed almost 130 guests from industry, academia, and partner organizations for a special and inspiring occasion: the official kick-off of the BFF, combined with the NIZO Open Day.

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Innovation in Focus

After a plenary session with presentations of NIZO, BFF, Vivici and COPILOT, the afternoon started with a networking lunch and was followed by several break out sessions. Key high light was the BFF scale model, giving a tangible preview of what the facility will look like and a technical session of the BFF, offering insights into the plans, capabilities, and scientific ambition behind this new facility.

The guided tour through NIZO’s pilot plant, showed visitors how research and practical application go hand in hand. Furthermore, visitors had the opportunity to join the network session and to visit the NIZO R&D demo workshops about;

• Sensory: Optimizing sensory aspects of plant-based and hybrid drinks
• Fermentation: Fermentation upscaling building blocks: from microliter to 10,000L and DSP
• Food Safety: Novel foods; digestibility, nutritional value and safety dossier applications

Connecting and Collaborating

A shared lunch and networking moments created space for meaningful conversations and new connections. The open, energetic atmosphere throughout the day underlined the power of collaboration within the ecosystem of food innovation, biotech, and production.

“It was fantastic to see so much energy, curiosity, and engagement. This event showed us just how alive the BFF is – and that we’re building it together,” according to Robyn Eijlander, one of the organizers.

What’s Next?

We look back on a successful day full of valuable insights, inspiring sessions, and promising leads. Follow-up conversations are already underway, and the next steps in the BFF journey are well in motion. Please contact us in case you want to know more about NIZO & BFF (e-mail to info@nizo.com or info@bff-ede.com).