About the project

Industrial biotechnology upcycles renewable resources and waste streams in closed bioreactors with living organisms and engineered biological components to obtain diverse, high value products. Microbial cell factories, enhanced through synthetic biology, are central to this process. To accelerate synthetic biology, data-driven insights, rapid prototyping and testing, and biomanufacturing must converge in a biofoundry that combines biological expertise with computational, automation, and analytical resources. ​

The Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) cycle, a key concept in synthetic biology, is the foundation for FIN-BioFoundry. The DBTL cycle enables precise genetic engineering, rapid cell construction, and iterative improvement, supported by bioinformatics, modelling, and AI. Cells may be computationally designed and subsequently built (engineered) to exhibit enhanced or entirely novel traits. Multiple cell variants can be tested to identify preferred properties. Finally, the data allows learning how engineering modulates cellular functions. ​

FIN-BioFoundry brings together the scientific excellence and industry interface of VTT, Aalto University (Aalto), University of Turku (UTU), and Tampere University. The combined expertise of the RI partners covers the diverse use and engineering of microbes, skills in bioprocess development, bioinformatics, and AI for efficient conversion of a broad range of feedstocks to chemicals, materials, fuels, food, and pharmaceuticals. FIN-BioFoundry enables turning synthetic biology into cutting-edge science and innovations that create new business opportunities and societal benefits for Finland and beyond. ​

Emphasis is placed on planning, construction, and implementation of a shared, interoperable data management platform including considerations on data quality, formats and sharing. Initiatives such as common practices for laboratory work documentation (electronic lab notes and data management systems) and standard operational procedures (SOPs) for equipment and workflows are ongoing. ​

Education and workforce training activities of FIN-BioFoundry include university level training, student internships and education of infrastructure operators across the RI. The virtual training platform of FIN-BioFoundry (https://lab.aalto.fi/biofoundry/360/) provides information about biofoundry operations and is used in teaching and skill development among partners and open to everyone.