Novozymes intensifies biotech research

Danish enzymes company Novozymes has linked up with a major breeding ground for food scientists, the Technical University of Denmark, to set up the 'Novozymes Bioprocess Academy'. The move is a bid to enhance chemical engineering research and the education of graduates and researchers in the biotechnological field.

Novozymes claims that this is the right time to start a new research initiative because established biotech companies like themselves, as well as the many new biotech companies, are seeking opportunities to effectively use biotechnology.

Provisionally concluded for five years, the new academy will work with the university's Department of Chemical Engineering​ and the BioCentrum-DTU. Although industrial enzymes are the most important business area for Novozymes, enzymes for the production of pharmaceuticals and microorganisms for environmental protection are also key products, the company stressed this week.

"We anticipate great pressure to get a number of new biotechnological products fully developed, fine-tuned for production and onto the market,"​ said Anders Gram, research vice president at Novozymes​ and a member of the steering group for the new activity.

The sensitive issue of biotechnology may be occupying consumer groups in Europe but the scientists are, not surprisingly, keen to press ahead with new discoveries. According to Novozymes, the new partnership will seek to consolidate Denmark's position in disciplines such as fermentation, protein recovery and product formulation. In addition, the new project is expected to be the first step in the setting up of a new research centre by the Department of Chemical Engineering, BioCentrum and Danish industry.

The Novozymes Bioprocess Academy will have an annual budget of around DKK4 million (€0.54m).