David Andresen
MSc Study
Bioengineering
University
Aalborg University (AAU)
Company
Unibio A/S
Project title
Using ML for productivity optimization in U-loop reactor
Project description
The global demand for sustainable protein production is increasing, and Unibio aims to enable data-driven decision making by training a machine-learning (ML) algorithm on years of collected historic data from fermentation processes. Integrating machine learning with process modeling in fermentation is a step towards Industry 4.0, whereby UNIBO in collaboration AAU will aim to improve fermentation efficiency, reduce production costs, and enhance product quality. This project will involve data collection, meaningful data extraction (feature extraction), model training, model integration, and continuous learning. The developed models will aim to predict the behavior of the fermentation process, enabling real-time monitoring and control, and identifying opportunities for optimization. Overall, the integration of ML with process modeling will meet the demand for sustainable and state-of the art protein production practices.
What was your motivation for becoming a Helix Lab Fellow? I wanted to collaborate with industry for my master’s thesis and Helix Lab is great at facilitating this. Working with Unibio makes my thesis seem more relevant than the projects I have previously worked on at university.
Additionally, Helix Lab organises trips to visit the industry in Kalundborg, which further helps me get a better idea of what different companies exist and their operations.
What is the most exciting part of being a Helix Lab Fellow? It is hard to pick just one thing, but living with a lot of other students who are also writing their thesis makes the stay in Kalundborg much more enjoyable and makes it very easy to establish a social life in Kalundborg.
What perspectives do you see for your future after being a Helix Lab Fellow? I hope that my stay at Helix Lab will make the transition from studying to working easier than it would have been otherwise. And if I end up working close to Kalundborg, my time as a Helix Lab Fellow means that I already know some people in and around Kalundborg, which would make working here less daunting than it otherwise would have been.