MicroBioGen, Lesaffre announce exclusive worldwide licensing and collaboration deal on industrial yeast technology

Sydney-based industrial biotechnology company MicroBioGen has struck a deal with French research and bioengineering group Lesaffre, initially focussing on baking, food and biochemicals.

According to a statement from the pair on Thursday (Central European Time), the deal involves a “worldwide exclusive license and collaboration agreement” combining MicroBioGen’s expertise in yeast biotech with Lesaffre’s “bioengineering and fermentation expertise, global R&D and production footprint and network”.    

MicroBioGen CEO Geoff Bell said that the two companies share “a commitment to innovation and excellence” as well as a “dedication to better nourishing and protecting the planet.” 

Bell added: “This partnership represents a major milestone for MicroBioGen, opening new pathways for growth and innovation and establishing MicroBioGen as the leading global partner for ‘Yeast Innovation as a Service’. We look forward to extending our innovative solutions to improve the efficiency, sustainability and economics of new sectors.”

Bell’s company began in 2001 with a focus on breeding yeast for biofuels. Today it is pursuing opportunities “in existing and emerging industries” including in baking, sustainable feed, and energy. It cites figures showing that Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (which it focusses on) underpins around US$2 trillion in products worldwide.

Last year it won in the Resources and Energy category at the Australian Export Awards.

Picture: dry yeast (credit Tom Fritz Studios/Lesaffre media library)

Editor’s note: MicroBioGen CEO Geoff Bell will appear alongside BluGlass Chair James Walker and Calix CEO and Managing Director Phil Hodgson at @AuManufacturing’s Spotlight on Scaling up event on June 25 at UTS. Their panel is titled “Patient capital: how long tech takes at times”. You can find ticketing and other information here.

Further reading

Towards 3% R&D – innovation in biofuels by Geoff Bell of MicroBioGen

MicroBioGen appoints new Deputy Head of Research

Winners announced at 2024’s Australian Export Awards

In the strain game