SEVO Bioscience (previously GC Lipid Tech), Agropur Coopérative, and the Centre de Recherche sur les Biotechnologies Marines (CRBM) have launched a $280,000 collaborative research initiative to develop new biotechnological solutions for valorizing dairy industry co-products using microalgae. The two-year project, running from July 2025 to June 2027, is supported through the Genomics Integration Program – Agriculture, Biofood, Forestry and Environment, a joint initiative of Genome Québec and the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies (FRQNT).
This collaboration is designed to address one of the major challenges facing Québec’s dairy industry: the increasing volume of co-products generated during the production of cheese, milk protein concentrates, and whey. These streams, once exported or dried for animal feed, are now constrained by environmental concerns and shifting international market dynamics.
The project aims to build on a bioprocess developed at CRBM that enables the conversion of dairy co-products into plant-based biomass using microalgae. Through genetic engineering, the partners will work to enhance the efficiency and viability of the process, supporting the emergence of a more sustainable and circular bioeconomy.
This initiative reflects the shared commitment of SEVO, Agropur, and CRBM to leverage innovative biotechnology in service of Québec’s agri-food sector — transforming local challenges into resilient, high-value bio-based solutions.
For more information, visit the official project summary on Genome Québec’s website