BII Launches Upscalator to Help Biosolutions Start-ups Scale
A new upscaling-opportunity has just been launched by BII and the Novo Nordisk Foundation
BioInnovation Institute (BII), with support from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, has launched Upscalator, a new initiative aimed at helping European biosolutions start-ups scale innovative, sustainable technologies and accelerate the green transition.
Upscalator focuses on early-stage companies developing biosolutions within food, agriculture, chemicals, materials, and related sectors. The initiative is designed to address one of the biggest challenges for biosolutions start-ups: moving from development to industrial-scale production.
Sofie Carsten Nielsen, Director of DI Biosolutions, is excited about the news: The launch of the Upscalator initiative is not just critical for Denmark, for the whole of Europe. Events over the last weeks have clearly shown that Europe needs to be able to fend for ourselves. Luckily for Europe, we have all of the components to make the booming Danish biosolutions sector a true European champion, not least due to the accelerator programs of the BioInnovation Institute. So we strongly support Upscalator and are certain it will play a crucial role in delivering a stronger, more resilient Europe.”
Through Upscalator, start-ups gain access to biomanufacturing expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and tailored funding instruments. The program combines strategic advisory services with hands-on support, including a dedicated Process Design Unit equipped for screening, fermentation, and advanced analytics. In addition, companies can tap into a network of validated upscaling and service providers to support faster and more robust scale-up.
Upscalator represents the next step in BII’s broader support framework for life science entrepreneurs and aims to strengthen Europe’s biosolutions ecosystem by reducing time-to-market for sustainable technologies.
The initiative will be presented in detail at State of Bio 2026 on 5 February, where a representative from BII will provide the first in-depth insight into Upscalator and its potential impact. While State of Bio 2026 is already sold out, more information about the new initiative from BII and the Novo Nordisk Foundation is available here: We are here for the changemakers.
