GENOPOLE / PROTOPIA - Advanced prototyping and ingredient formulation platform

Protopia is an advanced prototyping platform launched by Genopole to support biotech start-ups, particularly in the field of precision fermentation.
Protopia’s strength lies in its multidisciplinary integration: it combines cell culture laboratories (biosafety levels L1 and L2), a microbiology lab, and dedicated spaces for the formulation and analysis of ingredients derived from biotechnological processes. These facilities enable the design, testing, and refinement of product prototypes originating from precision fermentation, under conditions close to those of end markets (agri-food, cosmetics, and nutrition-health).
Protopia also features a sophisticated analytical suite, equipped with a wide range of instruments such as a texture analyzer, rheometer, viscometer, colorimeter, refractometer, moisture analyzer, and more, allowing rigorous evaluation of prototypes’ physicochemical properties (texture, taste, stability, etc.). In addition, a professional kitchen (HACCP zone) is available to prepare testable food formulations, with industrial-grade equipment including combi ovens, fryers, and others.
Thanks to this setup, start-ups can transform an ingredient derived from a biotech process (such as fermentation) into a pre-commercial product without requiring heavy upfront investments, while reducing costs and lead times related to outsourcing. Protopia’s collaborative and shared approach fosters synergies between companies, enabling intersectoral partnerships (foodtech, cosmetics, biomaterials) around common projects. The platform also includes five modular workboxes of approximately 10 sqm each, offering flexible and private working spaces.
Moreover, Protopia plays a strategic role in the France 2030 policy by supporting sustainable bioeconomy and the transition toward cleaner, decarbonized biotechnological processes. It also provides scientific and business support to its users — offering advice on scale-up, pre-industrialization, and prototyping for start-ups.
Protopia’s ambition is therefore to fill a critical gap in the biotech value chain: not only by validating molecular concepts but also by giving them a tangible product form, ready to be tested and commercialized. Integrated at the heart of the Genopole ecosystem, this infrastructure strengthens the regional innovation environment and fosters the emergence of a sovereign and sustainable biotech sector.

• Mr Julien PICOT