Fermentation and Bioprocessing for Smart and Sustainable Pharma

The Fermentation and Bioprocessing for Smart and Sustainable Pharma project offers Dutch pharmaceutical professionals modular training in fermentation and bioprocessing, aimed at smart and sustainable production of innovative medicines. By upskilling employees more efficiently in new technologies, automation, and regulatory compliance, the project helps companies optimize their production processes and strengthen the competitiveness of the Dutch pharmaceutical sector. The initiative is part of PharmaNL’s Human Capital Growth program and started in early 2026.

The project is led by Sven Stielstra (LIFE Cooperative) and carried out in collaboration with knowledge partners and companies including Noorderpoort, NHL Stenden, Hanze University, Thermo Fisher Scientific Groningen, EV Biotech, and Regenity. The educational program is modular and consists of three progressive modules:

  1. Emerging Technologies – aimed at senior scientists and business developers to anticipate future developments.
  2. Theory and Practice Combined – professionals learn to design processes smarter and more efficiently, including automation, data analysis, and regulatory compliance.
  3. Hands-on Training – practical experience in production environments, applying protocols, technology, and safety procedures.

“Our formula for success is simple: a project by and for industry, together with knowledge partners, to create training that is directly applicable and alive. This ensures that professionals stay ahead in a rapidly changing field,” says Stielstra.

The program targets professionals from vocational (MBO) to academic (WO) levels and promotes multidisciplinary collaboration between biology and engineering. Modular training enables companies to onboard employees faster, allowing the sector to respond quickly to new technologies and accelerate the production of innovative medicines. After three years, the program will be fully self-sustaining, making the training both durable and future-proof.

Objective

To develop and sustainably embed modular, flexible education in fermentation and bioprocessing, enabling Dutch pharmaceutical professionals to continuously update their knowledge and skills and apply them directly in practice.

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