ZYMOPTIQ raises over €3 million to roll out its innovative enzyme dosing technology
Founded in 2019, the Lille-based biotechnology company is accelerating the market launch and development of its disruptive enzyme activity measurement technology. To this end, it has completed a funding round bringing together, alongside Thia Ventures and Captech Santé, the regional funds Nord Création and Nord France Amorçage, a private investor with expertise in the field, and BPIFrance.
Democratizing enzyme activity measurement through a unique, patented enzyme sensor technology: this is the disruptive concept developed by Alexis Vlandas, a researcher at the CNRS, and his colleagues at the IEMN laboratory in Villeneuve d'Ascq, together with their scientific partners (University of Lille, INRAE, INSA Toulouse, etc.).
Several years of scientific research have led to the development of this technology, which responds to the growing need to characterize enzymes, highly effective but also very fragile molecules found in many products and processes (baking, biofuel, cosmetics, detergents, etc.). "Currently, analytical measurements of enzyme activity are carried out using traditional biochemical methods that require cumbersome and tedious protocols, qualified and experienced personnel, and significant laboratory resources for a limited test throughput. Our sensor makes it possible to measure enzymes in a much simpler, faster, and more robust way," explains Alexis Vlandas, co-founder of ZYMOPTIQ.
Thanks to this fundraising, ZYMOPTIQ will be able to accelerate the commercialization of its first product in France and Europe, then internationally, via a network of commercial partners. An extension of the range of enzymatic activities compatible with this technology is also announced to cover all the analytical needs of the various targeted industrial sectors.
Incubated at Eurasanté (Lille) and StartLife (Netherlands), the startup is the winner of the 2018 I-lab prize (a national competition to support the creation of innovative technology companies) and the BPIFrance "Deep Tech" label. Its ambition is to create 30 jobs within four years (from 17 employees in 2021 to 47 in 2025) and generate €10 million in revenue in 2025.
Philippe PEBAY, CEO: "This fundraising provides ZYMOPTIQ with the means to achieve its ambitions. The presence of investors who are experts in the fields of application of our technology—notably Thia Ventures and Captech—establishes the credibility of our solution and will enable us to accelerate the technical and commercial deployment of our solutions."
Alexis Vlandas, co-founder: "ZYMOPTIQ has convinced leading investors of the technical and economic potential of its disruptive innovation, proving that the transfer of cutting-edge technology is possible thanks to the support of the academic and institutional ecosystem. Who would have thought that scientific advances in nanotechnology would replace conventional approaches in biochemistry and enable us to meet the challenges of enzymology, particularly in industrial environments?"
Éric BERNOS, Investment Director at Captech Santé Nutrition: "ZYMOPTIQ has developed an innovative technology that sets a new standard in enzyme activity measurement. Their first products have attracted the attention of major names in animal nutrition. The team's expertise and vision convinced Captech Santé Nutrition."
Abel Rossignol, Investment Director at Thia Ventures: "Thia Ventures is convinced of the catalytic potential of this technology and applauds the quality of ZYMOPTIQ's management team. Commercial development, particularly internationally, is one of the key factors for success. Thia Ventures will put its experience and network at the service of the company."