Our Focus Themes

Alternative sources of protein to meat and animal products have become an important pillar of the food industry and open up choices for a more sustainable nutrition.

Fraunhofer IGB conducts research into new processes and biotechnological agricultural production systems in order to contribute to food security with resource-efficient solutions:

• Proteins from rapeseed through EthaNa process
• Protein-rich algae biomass
• Fermentative production of protein-rich biomass with fungi, bacteria, and yeasts
• Scale-up of precision fermentation processes
• Cultivated meat

Fraunhofer IGB develops processes for recovering valuable substances from wastewater, solid waste and waste gas – from laboratory to pilot and demonstration scale. With its expertise in digitization and scaling of processes as well as own pilot plants, the institute supports start-ups, SMEs, municipalities, public utilities and special-purpose associations in the implementation of new technologies. 

• Development, piloting and market launch of sustainable processes for the use and recovery of residual materials
• How to work with us: Success by funded projects, use of our pilot plants and biorefineries

Excessive resource consumption and climate change are causing raw materials to run out, soils to erode and groundwater reserves to become scarce. Water is not only our most important foodstuff, but also fundamental for agriculture and the energy sector. With integrated concepts, Fraunhofer IGB takes into account the nexus of the resources water - energy - food - raw materials and develops comprehensive solutions for water and waste management, agriculture and the energy sector.