In this work dynamic optimal startup and shutdown policies were computed and validated in an experimental lab-scale continuous bioreactor. Using the theoretical optimal profile, a reduction in the startup time was achieved when compared to simple steplike changes in the manipulated variables. Therefore, the use of optimal startup policies led to raw material savings. To test the optimal startup policies, two operating points were selected. Experiments were run at these conditions to fit kinetic rate constants leading to a reliable model representation of the addressed biosystem. The practical implementation of theoretical optimization results is not a trivial task, and this is I major contribution of the present work. This is true especially for the optimal dynamic shutdown results that are not, up to our best knowledge, reported in the open literature.