Biotech refers to the technical use of biological systems, cells or organisms for the development of products and processes. It brings together disciplines such as biology, chemistry, process engineering and automation. The goal is to precisely control, monitor and transform biological processes into stable, reproducible processes.
Biotech applications range from laboratory operations to continuous industrial production processes. The technical design is a key factor in determining whether a biological process can be scaled and operated economically.
Biotech processes are now used in a wide variety of industries and represent key biotech applications across various sectors. In the pharmaceutical‑ and biopharmaceutical industry, they form the basis for producing complex active ingredients and vaccines, as well as cell and gene therapies. In industrial biotech, biological processes are used, for example, in fermentations or enzymatic conversions.
The food and beverage industry is also increasingly using biotech for process optimization or the development of new products. Furthermore, it is gaining importance in the area of energy and the environment, for example, in sustainable reservoir and conversion concepts. Despite differing objectives, these applications are united by their high demand for technical precision and process stability.
The growing importance of biotech is closely linked to global developments and the pursuit of sustainable growth. The demand for sustainable production methods is growing, as is the demand for bio-based and personalized products. At the same time, biotech processes must be transferred more quickly from research to industrial scale.
This scaling process brings new technical challenges. Manual processes quickly reach their limits, while automated systems enable reproducible conditions and consistent process quality. Automation therefore becomes the central enabler of modern biotech.
Biotech applications place specific demands on plant technology and automation. Process parameters such as temperature, pressure, media flows and gas composition must be precisely controlled and continuously monitored. At the same time, hygienic designs and sterilizable components are essential to protect sensitive biological systems.
There is also a need for flexible and modular plant concepts. Processes must adapt to various stages of development: from laboratory trials to production facilities. A seamless automation strategy enables the consistent transfer and scaling of processes.
Festo supports biotech applications with a portfolio tailored to the technical requirements of biological processes. The focus here is on combining automation, process-oriented hardware and in-depth engineering expertise.
Additionally, Festo is actively involved in researching future technologies. As part of innovation projects, biological principles are analyzed and applied to technical applications. Examples of this include the PhotoBionicCell and the BionicHydrogenBattery, which demonstrate how biological processes can be leveraged for new approaches in energy, resource utilization and system design. These research projects provide important momentum for the further development of biotech applications and emphasize the commitment to combine innovation with industrial practice.
PhotoBionicCell
The PhotoBionicCell illustrates how biological processes can be combined with modern open-loop and closed-loop control technology. It exemplifies the approach of making biological reactions technically controllable, thereby unlocking new biotech applications.
BionicHydrogenBattery
With the BionicHydrogenBattery, Festo incorporates biological functional principles in the context of sustainable energy systems. The solution demonstrates how biotech‑based concepts for energy production and storage can be technically implemented and integrated into overarching systems.
The abovementioned examples represent Festo's biotech portfolio. Additionally, Festo supports biotech applications throughout the entire process: from individual automation components to comprehensive engineering‑ and system solutions. Biological, process engineering and technical requirements are combined with purpose.
Since biotech projects are unique, direct professional exchange is essential. Festo supports users in analyzing their specific requirements and developing tailored technical solutions for their respective project needs.
Biotech is a key technology for numerous industries that will continue to gain importance. The success of biotech processes depends significantly on precise, reliable and scalable technical implementation.
Festo combines automation expertise with deep process understanding and supports companies in implementing biological processes in an efficient and future-proof manner, from the laboratory to industrial applications.