The BRIGHT Biofoundry

Where practical knowledge arises in the melting pot between wet biology, dry biology, big data, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

The BRIGHT Biofoundry is a dynamic, technology-driven research hub dedicated to accelerating innovation in our missions with a particular focus on the design and development of microbial cell factories and novel food systems. It seamlessly integrates key enabling technologies within a multidisciplinary ecosystem, combining computational and molecular biology to transform large-scale biological data into actionable insights — all while adhering to the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles. Operating from TRL0 to TRL6 — from early-stage ideas to the creation of spin-offs — and supporting bioprocess development from nanoliter to 100-liter scale, the BRIGHT Biofoundry drives the entire innovation pipeline. To ensure that mission and other projects are both economically viable and impactful in advancing the green transition, it maintains strong collaborations with the Sustainable Innovation Office and the Commercialization and IP Support team.

Figure 1. The BRIGHT Biofoundry teams

The BRIGHT Biofoundry comprises specialized teams, each contributing unique capabilities to the research pipeline:

  • Automation: Streamlining laboratory processes to enhance throughput and reproducibility.
  • DNA Foundry: Designing and assembling complex genetic constructs and microbial cell factories with high precision.
  • Adaptive Laboratory Evolution: Engineering microbial traits through evolutionary strategies.
  • R&D Kitchen: Rapid prototyping and experimental development of novel food systems.
  • Pre-Pilot Plant: Bridging laboratory and industrial-scale production for process validation.
  • Analytics: Providing high-resolution, quantitative analysis of biological samples.
  • Reconstruction: Systematically modelling and simulating biological networks using pan omics analysis.
  • Computational Design & Analytics: Utilizing AI and data science to optimize biological design and interpret biological data.
  • Informatics Platform: Delivering FAIR-compliant data management infrastructure, shared ontology, and centralized interfaces to support data-driven project execution.
     

Contact

Jochen Förster Professor, Director BRIGHT Biofoundry

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