Typcal, a Brazilian startup growing mycoprotein using biomass fermentation, has been accepted into the seventh cohort of the biotech incubator biotopeby VIB. The company has reportedly developed proprietary fungi strains that grow faster and on more diverse feedstocks than competing technologies, enabling scalable, sustainable protein and fiber production.
Through the program, Typcal will receive €250,000 in direct funding and €100,000 in non-cash tailored support, including mentoring and access to knowledge and expertise. The startup is one of three to be chosen following a competitive three-week basecamp, where ten early-stage ventures received hands-on support to refine their business models, validate scientific approaches, and assess market readiness.
The other two startups that made the cut are BugBiome, a British company unlocking the power of microbial ecosystems to protect crops, and B-COS, a Belgian university spin-off that aims to replace chemical pesticides with bio-based products.
“The backing we need to scale faster”
Biotope was founded in 2022 by Belgium’s Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB). Its aim is to help early-stage biotech ventures advancing planetary health move from proof of concept to seed-round readiness within 18 months. The program helps founders build commercially viable, scientifically rigorous businesses with a clear route through regulation, IP, and scale-up.
Previous participants in biotope span seven countries, and have collectively raised almost €30 million in follow-on funding. Those that have successfully secured seed funding include AmphiStar, Zymofix, B’ZEOS, and PFx Biotech.
Typcal previously received R$250,000 (around €39,800) in funding from the Brazilian government last year.
“Joining biotope gives us the backing we need to scale faster and bring a more flexible mycoprotein platform to market,” said Paulo Ibri, CEO of Typcal. “With access to top-tier scientific and business support, we’re ready to accelerate our next phase of growth.”
