plant cell institute

shaping the future of microbotanics

Plant Cell Institute (PCI) logo, representing its mission to promote plant cell culture technology and the microbotanics industry.

Who are we?

Plant Cell Institute (PCI) is a global community dedicated to unlocking the potential of plant cells by accelerating research, development and commercialization of microbotanical products for consumer markets. As a central hub of expertise, PCI connects scientists, industry leaders, investors, and consumers to drive innovation and growth in the field of microbotanics.

Interested in joining our networking platform or participating in our online meetups? Contact us at hello@pci.bio to get involved. 

Our vision

A future where microbotanics delivers unique plant-derived ingredients and consumer products which provide resilient, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions to supply chain challenges.

Saffron threads from the Crocus sativus flower, the world's most valuable spice, prized for its flavor and ideal for plant cell culture technology applications in microbotanics. Image by Mahdi Dastmard from Unsplash.

Crocus sativus - the vivid red stigmas of the saffron crocus flower yield saffron, the world’s most expensive spice, prized for its unique flavor and golden hue

Vanilla pods from the Vanilla planifolia orchid, valued for their rich flavor and fragrance, showcasing potential for plant cell culture technology applications in microbotanics. Image by Binesh A B from Pixabay.

Vanilla planifolia - primary source of natural vanilla extract, valued for its rich and complex flavor and fragrance profile

Our mission

Our mission is to promote the growth of the microbotanics industry by supporting research breakthroughs, facilitating solutions to technological bottlenecks, and accelerating the large-scale production of microbotanical products for consumer markets worldwide. Used for decades in industrial-scale pharmaceutical production, the technology behind microbotanics is now poised for broader applications. The plant cell institute is dedicated to adapting and promoting this proven technology to deliver cost-effective solutions for everyday consumer products. 

Our focus areas

A forest of trees, symbolizing the Plant Cell Institute's commitment to leveraging nature's potential through innovative plant cell culture technology for sustainable microbotanical products. Image by Kazuend from Unsplash.

innovation

supporting collaborative research to advance plant cell technology with a focus on high-impact applications that meet market demands and add high value to consumer products

Close-up of a purple succulent plant, symbolizing the Plant Cell Institute's focus on addressing challenges and overcoming bottlenecks in plant cell culture technology. Image by Annie Spratt from Unsplash.

bottlenecks

supporting initiatives to address key technical challenges, such as adapting plant cell technology for scalable and cost-effective production suited to consumer goods

A dandelion releasing its seeds, symbolizing the Plant Cell Institute's commitment to sharing plant cell culture technology openly and fostering accessibility in the microbotanics industry. Image by Saad Chaudhry from Unsplash.

open access

creating and promoting open-source access of plant cell technology expertise and innovation, accelerating industry progress and lowering barriers for new entrants

Golden wheat field, symbolizing the Plant Cell Institute's commitment to sustainable solutions and resilient supply chains for plant-derived products in the microbotanics industry. Image by Evi Radauscher from Unsplash.

sc & sustainability

identifying and addressing supply chain vulnerabilities of plant-derived ingredients and products, as well as tracking the environmental footprint of the microbotanics industry and promoting its positive ecological impact

Close-up of a yellow-green leaf vein structure, symbolizing interconnectedness and the Plant Cell Institute's efforts to foster collaboration in the microbotanics industry. Image by frames-for-your-heart from Unsplash.

networking

hosting events, seminars, and forums that connect scientists, industry experts, investors, and engaged communities to drive collaboration, knowledge exchange, and industry growth

Rows of green crops in a field, symbolizing the Plant Cell Institute's dedication to promoting regulatory frameworks for safe and quality-assured integration of plant cell culture technology based microbotanical products into global markets. Image by maddy-weiss from Unsplash.

regulations

promoting regulatory frameworks that ensure the safe, quality-assured integration of microbotanical products into global markets

Want to join our community and learn together?

We are a growing global community of companies and scientists dedicated to sharing knowledge and raising awareness about plant cell technology. Our monthly community meetings provide a platform to discuss the science and business of microbotanics. Want to join us? Reach out at hello@pci.bio

Our organizing team

Lucas van der Zee

Wageningen University

Juliane Hitzel

PCI Organizer

Philippe Jutras

CEO, Aberland

Tom Clement

CEO, New Dawn Bio

Szymon Kubiszewski-Jakubiak

CSO, Another Food

Derek Scholin

PCI Organizer

Sowmya Purushothaman

PCI Organizer

Our members

Black logo of Aberland, a member of the Plant Cell Institute, contributing to advancements in plant cell culture technology and the microbotanics industry.
Black logo of Another Food, a member of the Plant Cell Institute, contributing to advancements in plant cell culture technology and the microbotanics industry.
Black logo of Ayana Bio, a member of the Plant Cell Institute, contributing to advancements in plant cell culture technology and the microbotanics industry.
Black logo of Celleste Bio, a member of the Plant Cell Institute, contributing to advancements in plant cell culture technology and the microbotanics industry.
Black logo of Chi Botanic, a member of the Plant Cell Institute, contributing to advancements in plant cell culture technology and the microbotanics industry.
Black logo of Foray Bio, a member of the Plant Cell Institute, contributing to advancements in plant cell culture technology and the microbotanics industry.
Black logo of New Dawn Bio, a member of the Plant Cell Institute, contributing to advancements in plant cell culture technology and the microbotanics industry.
Black logo of VTT Finland, a member of the Plant Cell Institute, contributing to advancements in plant cell culture technology and the microbotanics industry.
Black logo of Wageningen University, a member of the Plant Cell Institute, contributing to advancements in plant cell culture technology and the microbotanics industry.