From 30 September to 2 October 2025, Valorial, an innovation cluster based in western France, was delighted to welcome the partners of the European Biotech4Food project to Rennes for the sixth steering committee meeting. This landmark event brought together all the stakeholders involved in this ambitious project, which aims to accelerate biotechnological innovation for more sustainable food systems.
Over two and a half days, participants had the opportunity to visit several leading biotechnology companies in Brittany, including Antofénol, Seaweed Concept and BCF Life Sciences (one of the industrial partners of the Biotech4Food project). These visits highlighted the practical applications of biotechnology in key areas such as food, nutrition and nutraceuticals, whilst fostering and stimulating exchanges between the consortium partners.
The first day began with a visit to Antofénol, a specialist in eco-extraction solutions. Unique in Europe, its innovative process of plant extraction using microwave technology – without chemical solvents – enables the industrial-scale production of natural, environmentally friendly solutions. The afternoon continued at Seaweed Concept, a marine biotechnology company that develops processes for the preservation and processing of macroalgae to produce stable, high-performance and eco-friendly ingredients that meet the most demanding industrial standards.
On 1 October, the partners took part in an event organised by Valorial entitled ‘Microalgae, probiotics, microbial proteins: the food of tomorrow’. This hybrid event brought together local businesses and European stakeholders to provide a brief overview of the various biotechnological applications in western France, whilst fostering inter-regional exchanges and discussions among all participants and speakers. In the afternoon, the delegation had the opportunity to visit BCF Life Sciences, a specialist in the extraction of free amino acids from keratin. Its unique industrial process enables this resource to be utilised across various markets: pharmaceuticals, infant and medical nutrition, aquaculture, food supplements and sustainable agriculture.
The final morning was devoted to presentations on the technical and strategic progress made by the project partners. The European clusters involved reviewed the various work packages, highlighting the collaborative spirit that drives Biotech4Food and its key role in the sustainable transformation of the European agri-food sector.
These three days of discussions highlighted the strength of the Biotech4Food network and the importance of collaboration between European stakeholders in accelerating the transition towards more sustainable and innovative food systems. Company visits, technical discussions and networking opportunities helped to strengthen synergies between partners and identify new avenues for cooperation.
Driven by a collective dynamic and strong regional roots, Biotech4Food continues its mission: to make biotechnology a key driver for the sustainability and competitiveness of the European agri-food sector.
