https://www.michelin.com/en/publications/group/biotech-biotechnology-platform?utm_source=chatgpt.com

A new European scale-up infrastructure bridges the gap between laboratory biotechnology and industrial production.

The Biotech Open Platform (BIOP) has started operations at Michelin’s Innovation Park – Cataroux in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Created in 2024, the 5,000 m² facility represents an initial investment of more than €20 million and is now welcoming its first advanced-fermentation projects.

BIOP provides integrated fermentation, purification and bioprocess-development facilities, with fermentation capacity up to 15 m³. Processes can be developed from laboratory scale to quantities of up to one tonne for application testing and validation prior to commercial production.

The platform was founded by Danone, Michelin, US-based DMC Biotechnologies, Crédit Agricole Centre France, Clermont Auvergne Innovation and Greentech. Their complementary expertise combines food fermentation, industrial biotechnology, materials science, research and regional innovation.

The facility is open to start-ups, industrial companies and research organisations. Its purpose is to address one of Europe’s important biotechnology bottlenecks: turning promising laboratory processes into robust processes operating under conditions representative of industrial production.

Source: Michelin, 29 September 2026, Biotech Open Platform inaugurates its biotechnology platform, opening a new chapter for industrial innovation in Europe.