A report by Invest-NL highlights that the Netherlands risks losing its share of the global biotech ingredients market, currently at around 3%, dropping to 1% by 2040 without intervention. The main challenges include difficulties securing financing, accessing production facilities, and obtaining customer commitments to scale up from scientific advances to commercial production. Under improved conditions, Dutch biotech could generate €8 billion annually by 2040, but current policies suggest only €2 billion. The report identifies fermentation-derived ingredients, upcycled food streams, and cultivated meat as key areas. It recommends coordinated support for industrial production, improved access to shared facilities, and better collaboration among regulators, companies, customers, and investors. Financing gaps persist due to regulatory delays, uncertain demand, and unsuitable financing models. The report also suggests focusing on higher-value products and leveraging the Netherlands’ strengths in fermentation science and process engineering.
From cells to real meat
