Downstream processes unlocking biotechnological transformations

Specific challenge: A general bottleneck for biotechnological processes is the fact that product concentrations are typically low and it is common that several by-products are produced. These two factors make downstream processing (DSP), isolation and purification having an important impact on the economics of the system causing up to 80% of the production costs. Achieving high efficiency at low costs calls for approaching the design and scale up of the bioprocess and downstream separations as a single integrated process. The development and demonstration of downstream processes is expected to unlock a number of biotechnology transformations that are not economically viable at present.

Scope: The aim is to develop and demonstrate downstream processes which overcome the often low and complex productivity of bioprocesses. This includes tools and technologies such as in-situ product removal, separation and purification technologies, newly developed materials (e.g. membranes, adsorbents, resins, etc.), reliable scale-up methods. Demonstration activities should aim at proving the industrial relevance of the developed downstream processes and their integration in the overall biochemical process. Strong weight will be put on industrial leadership of the proposals which are aimed at introducing a real innovation focus. Activities will span between Technology Readiness Levels 5 and 7.

For this topic, proposals should include an outline of the initial exploitation and business plans, which will be developed further in the proposal project.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU between EUR 6 and 10 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Expected impact:

         Efficient and integrated downstream processes leading to a tangible reduction of investment and operating costs of the targeted biochemical process.

         Demonstration of downstream processes leading to a significant improvement of the environmental footprint of the targeted biochemical process.

         Contributing to realising the objectives of industrial and innovation policy, such as the EU Strategy for Key Enabling Technologies.

Type of action: Innovation Actions