Bioprocessing is a broad term encompassing the research, development, production, and commercialization of products prepared from or used by biological systems, including food, feed, biopharmaceutical, and cosmetics while biomanufacturing is the manufacturing component of the biotechnology industry. The biomanufacturing technology is making an increasing impact in the chemical sector, enabling both the conversion of renewable resources, such as celluloses, starches, sugars and vegetable oils, and the more efficient conversion of conventional raw materials using biotechnological processes (including biocatalysis) into a wide variety of chemical substances and biotechnology products.

Bioprocessing and biomanufacturing needs to be designed and developed to overcome a number of challenges before its full potential can be realised. These challenges include the integration of scientific disciplines such as biochemistry, microbiology, molecular genetics and bioprocess technology to develop useful processes and products, based on microbial, animal, plant cells, seaweed or microalgae, their organelles or enzymes as biocatalysts. The issues currently restrict the development of bioprocessing and biomanufacturing include high cost of raw materials, inefficient process, low yield and productivity and biosafety requirements.

The main objective of the establishment of this research centre is to become the champion and leader in industrial biotechnology, especially in bioprocessing and biomanufacturing in Malaysia and Asian region. Industrial biotechnology has been identified by the “National Biotechnology Policy” as one of the thrust areas for the development of biotechnology industries in Malaysia.