Fermentation and bioprocessing: scalable solutions for future food systems
Fermentation is a powerful method for next-gen food production. We support companies to design scalable, efficient and sustainable fermentative processes, from strain to scale.
Fermentation is becoming a key technology to create tasty, nutritious foods. Yet, designing a proper fermentation process can be challenging. It requires the correct microorganisms, substrates, and bioprocesses. At Wageningen University & Research, we help partners reach fermentation’s full potential by guiding them through the entire development process, from strain selection and process design to techno-economic validation and proof-of-concept. With advanced sensors and AI, we speed up development and shorten time to market. Whether you are cultivating biomass, create innovative foods, or produce precision-fermented ingredients, our scalable-by-design approach ensures industrial relevance and cost efficiency.
Discover our expertise
Fermentation technology for sustainable chemicals and food ingredients
We develop fermentation technologies in which micro-organisms produce sustainable food ingredients and biobased chemicals. For this, we combine microbiology, process expertise, and industrial scaling.
Fermentation technology for sustainable chemicals and food ingredients
We develop fermentation technologies in which micro-organisms produce sustainable food ingredients and biobased chemicals. For this, we combine microbiology, process expertise, and industrial scaling.
Applied food microbiology: ensuring food safety and shelf life
We help companies improve food safety and shelf life with science-based solutions for microbial control, predictive modelling, and hygienic processing.
Biosensing and diagnostics solutions
We develop and implement smart diagnostic solutions that deliver fast, accurate insights into safety and quality, across sectors. Our tests detect, among other things, toxins, microorganisms, pesticides and antibiotics.
Protein technology
We investigate and enhance the functionality of plant and animal proteins to support the development of tastier, higher-quality and more sustainable food products.
Product concentration (Dewatering)
Industries working with water-rich streams face costly, energy-intensive concentration processes that risk degrading product quality. We develop mild, efficient dewatering solutions and technologies that preserve value, reduce waste, and deliver high quality water-fit-for-use.
Computer vision and robotics for the agri-food industry
Agri-food companies constantly need to ensure consistent product quality. At Wageningen University & Research (WUR), we offer solutions for automated quality inspection of agri-food and bio-based products. We develop advanced solutions for agri-food sector using optical sensing, AI and robotics solutions.
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Why partner with WUR
We offer:
- Bridging lab-scale innovation and industrial application
- Our scalable-by-design approach reduces investment risks and accelerates scale-up
- Strong expertise and partnerships help bring products to market faster
Contact us
Wageningen Food & Biobased Research works at the interface between fundamental and industrially driven applied research, together with industrial partners. If you are interested in collaborating with us, please contact us.
Focus areas
Fermentation and bioprocessing
Fermentation is a powerful method for next-gen food production. We support companies to design scalable, efficient and sustainable fermentative processes, from strain to scale.
Fermentation and bioprocessing
Fermentation is a powerful method for next-gen food production. We support companies to design scalable, efficient and sustainable fermentative processes, from strain to scale.
Health benefit substantiation for food
The food industry continuously strives to develop healthier products that align with consumer expectations and evolving regulations.
Wageningen University & Research supports companies to reformulate their products with trusted, evidence-based health benefit substantiation.
Ingredient flexibility for smarter food reformulation
Ingredient flexibility is becoming essential as costs rise, ingredients change and sustainability targets grow.
Food producers need to reformulate, but without losing taste, texture or processing performance. Wageningen University & Research helps make that possible.
Biobased or renewable materials and plastics
Industry demands materials and plastics that are sustainable, circular, fossil-free and safe.
We help manufacturers develop those materials without compromising on quality or economic viability. With over thirty years of experience, we develop high-performance, renewable materials based on biomass and side streams, such as agricultural and forestry residues.
Biobased chemicals for safe and circular materials
Industries face growing pressure to replace persistent and harmful substances with safe and sustainable alternatives. We closely work together with businesses to create and implement new circular materials that are non-hazardous and mechanically, or chemically, recyclable or (bio)degradable to the highest content possible.
We develop biobased chemicals and materials that are renewable, non-toxic and compliant with future regulations. Our techno-economic analyses make sure they’re also economically viable.
Industrial and agricultural water solutions
Water scarcity, rising treatment costs, rising energy consumption, and stricter environmental rules. These are the main challenges industries and agricultural businesses face when it comes to their water usage.
We help to overcome these challenges by developing water technologies that reduce costs, support regulatory compliance, and improve sustainability.
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