Description du projet
Des produits révolutionnaires pour protéger les cultures
La dépendance de l’agriculture à l’égard des engrais chimiques a des conséquences néfastes sur l’environnement, ce qui souligne le besoin impérieux d’alternatives telles que les biopesticides. Leur prééminence sur les pesticides a entraîné une augmentation de la demande de molécules d’origine biologique. La start-up française LIPOFABRIK a développé et breveté une méthodologie de production de mycosubtiline, un lipopeptide naturel produit par Bacillus subtilis aux effets antifongiques et stimulants éprouvés sur plusieurs cultures. Elle a également développé un autre produit, qui présente une activité biostimulante. Le projet Lipofabrik, financé par l’UE, entend remédier à la pénurie actuelle de ce type de biomolécule sur le marché. À cette fin, il industrialisera la formulation et le processus de production, permettant ainsi une production en masse à des prix compétitifs.
Objectif
LIPOFABRIK is an innovative start-up from the University of Lille, specialized in the production of biological molecules with application in the phytosanitary, food, cosmetic and medical cleaning markets. Our specialised team of researchers has developed and patented a production methodology for mycosubtilin, a bioactive lipopeptide produced by Bacillus subtilis with demonstrated antifungal and stimulating effects in several crops. Since 2013, LIPOFABRIK holds exclusivity on this patent, focused now on its market exploitation and IP portfolio expansion.
LIPOFABRIK has invested over 5 years and €2.18 million in the development, validation and business preparation of mycosubtilin for application as biopesticide and biostimulant. We have demonstrated the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of mycosubtilin against fungal infections in open field and greenhouses, reporting the superior efficacy in several peer review publications.
We have a lipopeptide production plant in pilot stage, yielding 50 kg per year. In views of the ongoing market demand, regulatory requirements and unmet needs faced by manufacturers of plant protection products, we aim to industrialise our production line responding to the market demand at a cost-efficient price. LIPOFABRIK aims to produce at quantities 10 times higher, with prices 5 times lower and higher purity than competitors offer.
This project aims to overcome the current market shortage on lipopeptides, industrialising our proprietary formulation and process to be aligned with the voiced demand. Upon completion, we will operate the first industrial lipopeptide production plant in Europe, providing a sustainable and cost-efficient solution for natural plant protection. Our proprietary biopesticide ingredients will be sold at a competitive price, being the only European company with capability to deliver bulk amounts, from 200-400 tons per year, of lipopeptides needed for large scale application in agriculture and gardening.
Champ scientifique
Programme(s)
Régime de financement
SME-2 - SME instrument phase 2Coordinateur
59655 VILLENEUVE D'ASCQ
France
L’entreprise s’est définie comme une PME (petite et moyenne entreprise) au moment de la signature de la convention de subvention.