PFx Biotech, a startup incubated at UPTEC – Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto, has closed a €2.5 million investment round to develop a precision fermentation platform aimed at producing bioidentical human milk proteins.

Founded in 2022, PFx Biotech aims to transform the advanced nutrition landscape with a sustainable solution that can be used for feeding and supplementing a wide range of people, from children to the elderly population.

The startup’s goal is to produce, on an industrial scale, functional human milk proteins such as lactoferrin for use in infant formulas, sports nutrition, and elderly dietary supplements. These proteins are non-allergenic, free from genetically modified organisms, dairy-free, and contain no animal-derived ingredients, offering easy digestion and high bioavailability.

“This is a pivotal moment for PFx Biotech,” says Ali Osman, founder and CEO of the startup. “We are proud to have the support of investors aligned with our mission, who will help us unlock the potential of lactoferrin within a more sustainable nutrition model.”

The round was led by Buenavista Equity Partners, with participation from EIT Food and Beta Capital. This private investment comes alongside a €2.5 million grant awarded by the EIC Accelerator, allowing PFx Biotech to scale up lactoferrin production to pre-industrial levels, build its own laboratories, and expand its team.

In addition to its focus on innovation, the startup is also exploring new strategic partnerships in research and development and investing in expansion to international markets. PFx Biotech’s ambition is to position itself as a European leader in the production of high-performance innovative bioactive ingredients, with a positive impact on health and the environment.