At the end of September 2024, we unveiled the BioMusher at the Future Food-Tech summit in London. This innovative bioreactor offers food manufacturers a way to reduce waste and maximize the value of their processes. The pilot version of the demo-sized bioreactor was built in close collaboration with Tankki. To gain insight into the development process, we spoke with Antti Rantala, CEO of Tankki.

From Vision to Reality: Designing the BioMusher

Tankki Oy is a family-owned company specializing in the design and manufacturing of stainless steel tanks, mixers, and related equipment. With decades of expertise across diverse industries, they deliver customized solutions tailored to evolving client needs.

As building the first BioMusher, the project began with a comprehensive pre-design phase to define the hardware requirements and its core functions.

Throughout the design phase, Tankki and BioMush worked closely to align on the vision and technical specifications. Early-stage modeling of various equipment sizes enabled Tankki to identify optimal batch sizes and assess how the manufacturing process could scale in the future. By involving mechanical and automation engineers from the outset, both teams ensured a smooth exchange of information and rapid problem-solving.

“Collaboration was essential, especially when working on something entirely new,” Rantala explains. “By combining our technical expertise with BioMush’s product insights, we developed a highly functional bioreactor. This close partnership allowed us to respond quickly to challenges and implement innovative solutions.”

Bioreactor for More Sustainable Solutions in Food Industry

After finalizing the pilot, Tankki constructed the bioreactor and successfully completed the initial trial runs. Thorough preparation and technical precision ensured that no major structural changes were needed after testing.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Rantala emphasizes the value of combining expertise from different fields. “Our partnership with BioMush demonstrates the power of merging industry knowledge with creative engineering. By working side by side, we refined innovative ideas and delivered a bioreactor designed to meet the evolving needs of the food industry.”

The successful development of the BioMusher not only highlights the potential for sustainable solutions in food manufacturing but also sets the stage for future. With a focus on minimizing waste, the BioMusher represents a significant step forward in transforming side streams into high-value products. This means less waste, greater efficiency, and a tastier, more sustainable outcome for industry players.