Belgian biotech startup AmphiStar has received a €2 million grant from SPRIN-D (Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation), contributing to a total of €10 million in funding secured this year. The grant will support the company’s innovative biotechnology platform, which focuses on producing custom biosurfactants for the personal and home care markets.
AmphiStar was selected as one of only six teams to progress to the second phase of a competitive funding program backed by the German government. Last year, the company successfully obtained €1.5 million in the program’s initial phase and is gearing up to compete for an additional €2 million in the final round next year.
CEO Pierre-Franck Valentin noted that this grant will significantly enhance their innovation capabilities, allowing the company to develop bespoke, eco-friendly surfactants. “The non-dilutive funding empowers us to meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions in our industry,” he said.
The startup utilizes synthetic biology to create tailored biosurfactants from organic waste, presenting a sustainable alternative to traditional surfactants. Co-founder and COO Sophie Roelants emphasized that the technology distinguishes itself by producing high-performing molecules while prioritizing sustainability.
AmphiStar has already demonstrated success in the SPRIN-D program, achieving a continuous biomanufacturing process for 75 days—15 days longer than expected—using waste materials to generate a novel biosurfactant. This initiative has captured the attention of an international jury, reflecting the company’s leadership in sustainable biochemistry.
With this new funding, AmphiStar is poised to further its mission of delivering effective, environmentally responsible products to global markets, marking a significant step forward in their innovative journey.
