Flemish biotech startup Zymofix has developed an innovative technology to convert low-value biomass waste streams, such as agricultural residues, into useful microorganisms. These microbes can be used to improve soil health, break down pollutants and replace traditional chemical processes in various industries. This was recently explained on the website of VLAIOThanks to this promising approach, the company is growing rapidly and recently raised another two million euros in investment capital, in addition to support from VLAIO, to further scale up their technology.
A cheaper and more sustainable alternative
According to CEO Emile Redant, Zymofix focuses on making the production of microorganisms accessible and affordable. Currently, these organisms are mainly produced in expensive bioreactors or via fermentation on substrates such as rice. This makes the process expensive and not always sustainable.
Zymofix takes a different approach: they process cheap, locally available biomass, such as digestate, plant residues and manure, with residual heat and use this as a breeding ground for the growth of micro-organisms. In this way, they give low-value biomass a second life and at the same time reduce production costs.
Applications in agriculture and industry
At the moment, Zymofix focuses mainly on the agricultural sector. The micro-organisms they cultivate help plants grow better and protect crops such as corn, wheat and sugar beet from stress factors. This contributes to a more sustainable agriculture with less chemical pesticides and artificial fertilizers.
In addition, the company also sees a future in other sectors. For example, their technology could contribute to waste processing and bioremediation, in which harmful substances in the soil and water are broken down by micro-organisms. Because the method is versatile and scalable, customized solutions can be offered for different industries in the long term.
Scaling up and market validation as the next challenge
With the recent capital injection of two million euros, Zymofix is taking the next step: scaling up their technology and building a first factory. Although the company has already proven that the method works in the laboratory and with a pilot installation, large-scale production brings new challenges, such as heat transfer and possible blockages in the process.
Another challenge is finding enough buyers. In order to successfully market their products, Zymofix must demonstrate that their micro-organisms work at least as well as existing alternatives. This requires scientific research.
Support from VLAIO and European subsidy
Before raising the recent investment, Zymofix could already count on support from VLAIO, the Flemish Agency for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. This was essential for the development of their technology, because Zymofix is not a spin-off from a university or research institute and therefore had to start from scratch.
Thanks to VLAIO, the company was able to conduct a feasibility study and develop a proof of concept. This not only led to a full-fledged development project, but also helped secure the European EIC Accelerator Grant, good for 2,5 million euros in additional funding.
