Groningen, March 24th 2025

Groningen-based biotech startup EV Biotech has made a fresh start under new ownership of RUG Ventures. The promising Northern startup focuses on designing and optimizing precision fermentation strains and processes, and is back on track thanks to new investments, fresh leadership, and a refined vision.

EV Biotech, founded over five years ago by Linda Dijkshoorn, was regarded as one of the flagship companies of the northern biotech industry. Using bacteria as miniature factories to produce compounds in a cleaner way, EV Biotech provides multiple industries with biological and less polluting methods for producing flavors and fragrances. With its renewed strategy and additional investment, the company is now ready to continue its mission to make a lasting positive impact on our society.

New Vision

With the backing of RUG Ventures, EV Biotech is entering a new phase of growth with a refined business model and vision aimed at accelerating commercialization. The company is shifting its focus from contract research organization (CRO) work to establishing strategic partnerships with industry leaders in sectors such as pharma, specialty chemicals, and sustainable bioproducts. With a strengthened leadership team, including the return of founder Linda Dijkshoorn as Chief Commercial Officer and Max Guillaume leading the modeling department, EV Biotech aims to scale its AI-powered platform for precision fermentation. The platform enables faster, more reliable strain engineering with a clear focus on translating its lab-based expertise into large-scale biomanufacturing solutions for high-value bio-based ingredients.

Investors

RUG Ventures has played a pivotal role in EV Biotech’s resurgence. Director Corina Prent emphasizes the company’s potential: “We see it as an absolute gem of the biotech industry in the Northern region. Together with new investors who also recognize the great potential of EV Biotech, we have provided the necessary funding to help the company get back on its feet.”

Prent emphasizes that it would have been a great loss if EV Biotech had disappeared entirely, especially since the company is built on technology developed at the University of Groningen. She considers the survival of EV Biotech to be of regional importance. “That was a key factor in our decision, as the company aligns well with regional developments in the use of renewable resources and circularity.”

Interested in partnering up? EV Biotech is entering a new chapter and is open to new partnerships. For more information, please visit their website.

Source: RTV Noord, RUG Ventures