Dutch ingredients startup Vivici has secured a significant €12.5 million in funding from the prestigious European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Programme. This capital injection is earmarked to accelerate the commercialization of its animal-free dairy proteins produced via precision fermentation. The funding underscores growing confidence in biotechnology's role in creating a more sustainable food system.
A Strategic Boost for Commercial Expansion
The new capital will be instrumental in scaling the market access and supply of Vivici's Vivitein™ Ingredient Portfolio. The company plans to enhance its production capabilities to meet rising customer demand for its functional protein ingredients. This strategic investment aims to bridge the gap between innovative technology and large-scale commercial availability.
Stephan van Sint Fiet, CEO of Vivici, described the EIC's support as a powerful endorsement of the company's vision. He stated that it signals Europe's recognition of the opportunity to make precision fermentation a commercial reality. This funding will enable Vivici to accelerate its mission for the benefit of both customers and consumers.
Pioneering Precision Fermentation
Vivici, founded in 2023, specializes in precision fermentation, a technology that combines traditional fermentation with modern biotechnology. This process allows the company to produce specific dairy proteins, like whey and lactoferrin, without involving any animals. The method promises to deliver high-purity ingredients sustainably and efficiently to meet global protein needs.
The company's flagship product line, the Vivitein™ portfolio, offers functional protein ingredients for nutrition innovators. Its first product, Vivitein™ BLG, is an isolated whey protein (beta-lactoglobulin) designed for premium applications. These ingredients are engineered to provide the taste and nutritional quality of traditional dairy without the associated environmental impact.
Building on Recent Momentum
This latest funding follows a period of significant commercial progress for the Dutch startup. Earlier this year, Vivici launched its second ingredient, Vivitein™ LF (lactoferrin), in the United States with self-affirmed GRAS status. This expansion demonstrates the company's rapid advancement from development to market-ready products.
The EIC award also builds upon a successful €32.5 million Series A funding round announced in February, which was led by APG and Invest-NL. Simon Penfold, Vivici's Chief Commercial Officer, noted that customer demand is already strong. This new backing will help the company meet market expectations for supply and pace.
Endorsement from Europe's Innovation Hub
The EIC Accelerator is the European Union's premier funding program for startups developing high-impact, deep-tech innovations. It provides a unique blend of grant funding and equity investment to help companies scale from validated technology to market leadership. Selection is highly competitive, validating a company's technological and commercial potential.
Vivici was one of just 38 innovative companies chosen in the latest evaluation round from a pool of 87 finalists. These selected companies hail from 16 different countries and are recognized for their transformative technologies. This achievement places Vivici among Europe's most promising deep-tech ventures.
The €12.5 million from the EIC Accelerator marks a pivotal moment for Vivici, reinforcing its position at the forefront of the alternative protein industry. This strategic funding not only validates its precision fermentation technology but also provides the necessary resources to scale production. As Vivici expands its commercial footprint, it is poised to make a substantial impact on building a more sustainable and resilient global food system.