‘Pilotus Maximus’: Best Practices for Pilot and Demo Programs

Lab – pilot – demo - commercial scale is the traditional route for successful commercializing (bio) processes. The significant cost of pilot and demo scale operations, however is a large cash drain for any size company.

This presentation will describe how to maximize returns on pilot and demo operations by shortening timelines and reducing process development costs - and how to do so without cutting corners or increasing risks. The tools include integral reliance on techno-economic analysis; mastering scale-down; high precision fermentation and careful management of the details needed for real-world deployment, technology transfer, construction & operations.

Examples of Genomatica’s experience in successfully applying this discipline to multiple biobased processes will be shared. These include GENO BDO™, which reached commercial-scale production of 1,4 -butanediol (an intermediate non-natural chemical) directly from sugars in late 2012; two different process technologies for producing butadiene; and more.