This significant investment, announced in the October 2024 funding round, positions PfxBiotech as one of Europe’s most promising deep-tech companies. The company was selected among 1,211 applicants, with only 6% of startups receiving funding, highlighting its innovative potential and breakthrough technology.

Founded in 2022, PfxBiotech is pioneering precision fermentation to produce human milk proteins, with a particular focus on lactoferrin. This bioactive and multifunctional protein offers tremendous applications in infant nutrition, reducing allergy risks, as well as in advanced nutrition solutions for seniors and athletes with specific dietary needs. The company’s technology not only enables the production of human milk proteins but also lays the groundwork for developing other functional molecules in the future, driving advancements in sustainable food production and animal welfare.

PfxBiotech’s approach represents a paradigm shift in food and biotech innovation. By using precision fermentation, the company can replicate nutritional compounds found in human milk, offering a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional dairy-based formulas. This method significantly reduces the environmental footprint of protein production while ensuring high bioavailability and safety for human consumption. The impact of this innovation extends beyond infant nutrition. The company is also addressing growing global demands for functional food ingredients that support immune health, gut health, and overall well-being. With an aging population and an increasing emphasis on high-performance nutrition, PfxBiotech is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation bioactive ingredients.

The EIC Accelerator program is one of Europe’s most competitive funding initiatives, supporting startups with up to €2.5 million in grants and equity investments of up to €10 million. Beyond financial support, PfxBiotech will also benefit from business acceleration services, including access to a global investor network, mentorship programs, and strategic scaling opportunities. Since its launch in 2021, the EIC Accelerator has approved €91.5 million in funding for 16 Portuguese deep-tech startups, reinforcing Portugal’s status as a hub for scientific and technological innovation. With this recent funding, PfxBiotech is set to scale its production capabilities and expand its market reach, bringing cutting-edge biotech solutions to a global audience.

PfxBiotech’s success marks an important milestone for Portugal’s biotech industry. As the country continues to attract investment in disruptive technologies, startups like PfxBiotech are demonstrating the potential of Portuguese innovation on the global stage. With a strong support system for research and development, Portugal is fostering a new generation of companies that are shaping the future of food, health, and sustainability. As PfxBiotech advances its mission, its breakthrough in precision fermentation and bioactive protein production will undoubtedly contribute to the next wave of biotech-driven solutions, reinforcing Portugal’s reputation as a leader in scientific excellence and technological advancement.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes