Dutch industrial biotechnology company DAB.bio has appointed Professor Michael Helmut Kopf as its new Chief Technology Officer, effective May 1st. The Delft-based firm specializes in developing scalable solutions for continuous biomanufacturing.
Kopf brings extensive experience from leadership positions at major industry players. He previously served as Director of Alternative Fermentation at BASF and held technical roles at Alfa Laval and Pieralisi. He currently teaches as Professor of Industrial Bioprocess Development at TH Mannheim and lectures at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. Most recently, he chaired the Scientific Advisory Board at LanzaTech.
In his new role, Kopf will oversee all technology-related activities at DAB.bio. The company has developed proprietary FAST technology, which it says enables biomanufactured products to compete on cost with fossil-based and animal-derived alternatives. DAB.bio is currently working with clients across personal care, home care, fuels, specialty chemicals, and protein production sectors.
“Michael’s deep expertise and leadership will be instrumental in helping the company reach its full potential,” said CEO Eric van der Meer. He noted that Kopf’s appointment reflects the company’s ambition to drive the transition toward renewable, bio-based supply chains.
The appointment comes as industrial biotechnology attracts growing interest from manufacturers seeking alternatives to conventional chemical processes. DAB.bio positions its continuous biomanufacturing approach as offering both cost advantages and sustainability benefits compared to traditional batch production methods.
Kopf’s academic background and industry experience span the full development cycle of industrial biotechnology. His career has included work in biotechnology and chemical engineering across Europe’s leading research institutions and corporations.
The company’s technology is designed to support the shift from fossil-based and animal-based production to bio-based value chains. DAB.bio says this transition could contribute to more resilient global supply systems while reducing environmental impact.
Van der Meer added that Kopf was already familiar with the company before joining the leadership team. The board and shareholders expressed confidence that his technical knowledge would support the existing team in expanding the company’s market presence.
