NextGenBioprocess: Gencovery, Greencell, and Bioaster join forces to develop second-generation digital twins to enhance bioprocess control through AI.

Sep 28, 2022

Pink Flower

[English Translation]

Official Statement: https://lyonbiopole.com/actualites/les-resultat-de-lappel-a-projets-rd-booster

Based on several technological innovations and complementary expertise, the NextGenBioprocess project aims to meet the optimization and reliability needs in bioproduction by developing second-generation digital twins for reliable online characterization and monitoring of bioprocesses. This perfectly aligns with the axis of the National Strategy for Accelerating Bioproduction, linking with the Digitalization of the biotechnology industry (Industry 4.0) and the use of Artificial Intelligence in the service of process robustness. This project, led by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region in partnership with BPI France, is of primary interest to strengthen the competitiveness of the French bioproduction sector in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and at the national level.

Gencovery

Gencovery, established in 2020, develops and markets a software platform to assist biotechnology companies in digitizing their R&D and production processes. The company's vision is to globally connect data and expertise throughout the development and production processes, enabling biotechnology companies to accelerate and sustain their processes. Its SaaS solution (Constellab™) and innovative collaborative approach respond to the Industry 4.0 demand in biotech and have already convinced ecosystem stakeholders. Gencovery has specialized in designing digital twins of cellular metabolism, which serve as an ideal proxy for integrating massive omics data with applications in both R&D (bioengineering, understanding cellular action mechanisms, metabolism optimization) and biomanufacturing (optimal monitoring and control of bioprocesses). Gencovery's solutions and services are involved in agronomy, nutrition, environment, and health.

Website: https://grencovery.com

Greencell

GREENCELL (formerly BIOVITIS), founded in 2000, is entirely dedicated to the production of pure bacterial and fungal biomasses and ingredients derived from this biomass. The company excels in industrial process mastery, covering product conception through to commercialization. GREENCELL holds a significant number of wild microbial strains in its catalog (over 600 in collection and around fifty in regular production). These are natural organisms that have not undergone any modification, as opposed to Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

The bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi cultivated by GREENCELL are mainly intended for the following markets:

  • Agri-food and the production of ferments and derived ingredients

  • Agronomy with 10 biofertilizer products, all benefiting from market authorization adapted to various crops: large-scale crops, industrial crops, market gardening, vines, arboriculture, green spaces, and lawns, etc. Additionally, GREENCELL offers natural solutions for livestock (treatment of litter, manure, and slurry).

  • Environment, with specific microbial cocktails aiming to enhance the technical-economic performances of purification stations (increasing purifying yields and reducing operating costs). These cocktails target urban, agricultural, and industrial domains.

  • Health and well-being, involving the production of probiotic strains and the production of active ingredients from microorganisms for skin wellness. GREENCELL conducts advanced research on microbiome properties, particularly in connection with neurodegenerative diseases.

Website: https://greencell.tech

BIOASTER

Established in 2012, BIOASTER is an IRT (Institut de Recherche Technologique), specialized in microbiology and infectiology. BIOASTER conceives, develops, and employs transformative technological innovations to meet industries' needs. Through public/private collaborative projects, it contributes to accelerating the development of high-value medical and nutritional solutions for human and animal health. BIOASTER is involved in four application domains that all utilize biological production processes:

  • Antimicrobials (fighting against antimicrobial resistance): addressing needs related to the production of biologically originated antibiotics.

  • Vaccines (enhancing the safety and efficacy of vaccines): responding to needs associated with bacterial fermentation and cell cultures.

  • Microbiota (fully utilizing human and animal microbiota): addressing needs linked to the bioproduction of microorganisms beneficial to health.

  • Diagnostics (rapidly diagnosing infections at the patient's bedside): meeting requirements related to the production of recombinant reagents.

Website: https://bioaster.org