Projects will support the domestic production of sustainable materials and chemicals for consumer products and defense applications, while also creating the manufacturing workforce of the future.

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MN/EMERYVILLE, CA, October 30, 2024 - Today, BioMADE announced 17 innovative new projects that will 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; developing cell-free systems for commodity chemicals; and more.

These projects highlight the breadth and depth of BioMADE's membership, representing 30 member organizations—spanning 18 states from New York to Texas—throughout the private and nonprofit sectors, academic research institutions, and community colleges. This work will 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 Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Dr. Arati Prabhakar. "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."

"The next five to ten years will determine the global leader of the bioeconomy. At BioMADE, we believe the U.S. is uniquely positioned to seize this opportunity," said Dr. Douglas Friedman, Chief Executive Officer at BioMADE. "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, and more. The processes are powered by feedstocks from the U.S., 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 U.S. 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."

By supporting the scale-up of bioindustrial manufacturing technology from research labs to commercial production, BioMADE and its network of nearly 300 members across 37 states are strengthening American competitiveness, securing the U.S. supply chain, reshoring manufacturing jobs, supporting rural development and domestic agriculture, and producing more sustainable products untethered from reliance on petroleum. BioMADE is building a diverse and globally competitive STEM workforce, preparing American workers to fill new jobs throughout the U.S. bioindustrial manufacturing ecosystem, including BioMADE's national infrastructure network of pilot-scale facilities. BioMADE was catalyzed by the U.S. Department of Defense and is a proud member of Manufacturing USA®. Read about the new projects below and learn more about BioMADE by visiting biomade.org.