Two Key Milestones Reached in Micropeptide Biomanufacturing

Two Key Milestones Reached in Micropeptide Biomanufacturing: 5-batch Regulatory at 15m3 and Scale-up at 75m³ for Biofungicidal Applications.

Micropep develops biocontrol active ingredients based on micropeptides, which are short chains of amino acids naturally produced by living cells that with high precision interact with specific biological targets in plants, plant pathogens, or insects.

The challenge, from a technical perspective, is to rapidly find the best micropeptide sequences that combine great efficacy, good stability, and great manufacturing potential. Krisalix, Micropep’s proprietary discovery platform, enables just that by leveraging generative AI, predictive models, high quality experimental data in biology, chemistry, bioproduction, as well as critical agronomic expertise to accelerate the identification and optimization of micropeptides as active ingredients.

Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant and Micropep began their collaboration in Summer 2023, launching with a 150L fermentation run and the development of an efficient downstream process (DSP) at pilot scale. In 2024, the partnership reached a major milestone: successful completion of a 5-batch regulatory phase at 15m³, demonstrating strong process reproducibility. Building on that success, April 2025 marked the scale-up of Micropep’s bioprocess to 75m³, validating its readiness for industrial demonstration and paving the way for commercial deployment. During this scale-up journey, more specific in September of 2024, Micropep announced the closing of their Series B Round at $40M Funding Raised From Corteva, Sparkfood, and BPI Green Tech Ventures

Micropep plans to use the Series B funding to accelerate go-to-market strategy through partnerships, complete the regulatory studies of the first biofungicide molecule, and expand its pipeline of micropeptide active ingredients on the Krisalix™ platform.

Hendrik Waegeman (Head of Business Operations, Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant): We feel privileged that we were able to support the scale up and validation at industrial relevant scale of this very promising novel technology. The difference between good and great is in the details, and it is thanks to the very constructive and interactive collaboration between both of our teams that we have been able to make fast progress and produce a market-ready product in the first large scale batch.

David Thomassey (Head of Manufacturing, Micropep): From day one, our goal has been to develop, scale up, and industrialize a cost-efficient bioprocess at large industrial scale. I’m proud to see this vision materialize with the successful and efficient bioproduction of our first micropeptide; delivering a product that is both affordable and highly effective in providing sustainable crop protection.

This achievement reflects the strength of our collaboration with Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant. Their deep technical expertise and equipment capabilities, combined with the talent, commitment, and vision of our manufacturing team, have enabled us to move quickly and confidently toward market readiness.

As we continue our journey toward commercial launch, we see this milestone as a foundation for expanding our industrial partnerships. We welcome new partners who share our vision for advancing sustainable agriculture at scale.”