The completion of this new biotechnology center is part of a EUR100 million (US$107 million) investment programme by DSM to scale up R&D in the Netherlands since 2013. The center, which offers the broadest range of biotechnology specialisations under one DSM roof, clusters innovation, houses over 400 research and developments experts, and builds on a solid history of nearly 150 years of fermentation and biotechnology innovation in Delft.

 

The new biotechnology center is a further step in the development of the site, where DSM Food Specialties has its global headquarters. DSM has expanded the site in Delft over the years, including building a large, modern food and application center. DSM has also invested together with other industry players in a state-of-the-art biotech fermentation pilot plant on the Delft site. The site is furthermore an important location for a number of industrial productions such as antibiotic intermediates, and yeast extracts and flavors.

 

Feike Sijbesma, CEO and chairman of the DSM managing board, commented: "DSM's new Biotechnology Center is where our scientist create solutions for societal challenges such as the need to provide all people globally with nutritious food, as well as enabling the transformation from a fossil-based to a bio-renewable-based society. DSM Biotechnology Center facilitates these needs, in an innovative environment and at an historic location in Delft where we build on nearly 150 years of scientific, academic and commercial activities."

 

It all started with the Nederlandsche Gist en Spiritusfabriek (Dutch Yeast and Spirits factory) in 1869. Since then, many innovations developed at the site have found their way into society including: a production strain and process for the large-scale production of penicillin which has saved millions of lives since World War II; a natural antifungal food preservative (Natamycin) which is widely used to protect a variety of foods and beverages from spoilage; and enzymes, which among other things enable the many millions of people worldwide with a lactose intolerance to include nutritious dairy in their diets.

 

DSM's science is also behind the next generation of sustainable biofuels where the company's conversion technologies, yeast and enzymes, convert non-food cellulosic biomass into ethanol.

 

Innovations currently under development in the new biotechnology center include the production of fermentative steviol glycosides-the reduced-calorie, sweet-tasting molecules in the Stevia plant - as an answer to the growing global demand for sugar-reduced food and beverages. DSM's fermentation know-how helps meet this global growing demand for steviol glycosides of a high purity and reliable quality that are sustainably produced.

 

The variety of specialisations in DSM's biotechnology center makes it a magnet for talent. The new center employs 400 bright scientists from 27 nationalities. The biotechnology center is at the heart of the Biotech Campus Delft. Biotech Campus Delft is an initiative of DSM Delft, Delft University of Technology, the City of Delft and the Province of South Holland and builds on Delft's existing competences and internationally recognised position as a world leader in biotechnology development.

 

DSM's Biotechnology Center will be named the Rosalind Franklin Biotechnology Center in honor of pioneering scientist Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958), whose extraordinary work during a tragically short life and career significantly contributed to the understanding of the structure of DNA, effectively creating the basis for modern biotechnology. By honoring Rosalind Franklin, DSM pays tribute to all female heroes of science.

 

The official opening of the center will be performed by Louise Fresco (president, Wageningen Agriculture University), Ilona Haaier (president, DSM Food Specialties) and Feike Sijbesma (CEO, Royal DSM).