BioMade announced 17 new projects designed to drive the scale-up and commercialization of American biomanufactured products. They include producing biodegradable plastics, upcycling waste to create new products, certification programs to prepare the workforce of tomorrow’s U.S. bioeconomy and developing cell-free systems for commodity chemicals.
BioMade represents 30 member organizations, spanning 18 states from New York to Texas, throughout the private and nonprofit sectors, academic research institutions and community colleges. The work is designed to revitalize American manufacturing by advancing and commercializing the bioindustrial production of components incorporated into everyday items, reshoring manufacturing jobs and bolstering a domestic supply chain of commodity and platform chemicals. This announcement embodies BioMade’s mission of supporting projects that will enhance competitiveness of the U.S. bioindustrial manufacturing industry.
“America’s leadership in research must be matched by leadership in process and scale-up capability. That is what today’s biomanufacturing announcement is all about,” said Dr. Arati Prabhakar, assistant to the president for science and technology and director of the White House office of science and technology policy. “That’s how the vision of engineering living cells to sustainably produce chemicals, materials and structures will become a reality. Thanks to the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, we can lead the world in biomanufacturing.”
Dr. Douglas Friedman, chief executive officer at BioMade, added: “The next five to 10 years will determine the global leader of the bioeconomy. At BioMade, we believe the U.S. is uniquely positioned to seize this opportunity. We are proud to support these member-driven projects that will translate our country’s rich history of biotechnology innovation into manufacturing leadership. All Americans will benefit from investments in America’s bioindustrial manufacturing future.”
Bioindustrial manufacturing uses biological systems, including microbes such as bacteria, yeast and algae, to produce materials and chemicals that are incorporated into products we use every day, like bio-based cement, plant-based nylon, paints and adhesives. The processes are powered by feedstocks from the United States, such as corn, woody biomass, waste gases and agricultural waste, thereby creating new markets for farmers, spurring rural job growth nationwide, ending U.S. reliance on foreign materials imports and manufacturing sustainable products on American soil.
“The United States has all the foundational pieces to build a flourishing bioeconomy. Working collaboratively across the public and private sectors, we can overcome challenges on the road to commercialization,” said Dr. Melanie Tomczak, head of programs and chief technology officer at BioMade. “Our incredible members are developing the technology behind the bio-based products of tomorrow. These projects will help to bridge the gap between bioindustrial manufacturing and U.S. consumers, stocking store shelves with more sustainable products and giving Made in America a renewed meaning.”
BioMade was catalyzed by the U.S. Department of Defense and is a member of Manufacturing USA.
