BioMADE will be investing in state-of-the-art bioindustrial manufacturing infrastructure in Minnesota, following support of up to $100 million from Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Legislature in the 2023 legislative session. The forthcoming biomanufacturing infrastructure investments in Minnesota will be the first start in a national network of critically needed pilot-scale biomanufacturing innovation facilities that will transform American manufacturing for the 21st century.
“Minnesota is ready to be a leader in bioindustrial manufacturing,” said Governor Walz. “The positive impacts of bioindustrial manufacturing will go far beyond farming and rural communities, benefiting everyone by creating new products domestically, strengthening supply chains, and helping reach ambitious climate goals. From the farm to the manufacturing floor, bioindustrial manufacturing holds real promise for industry, farmers, and workforce in the state of Minnesota and the nation as a whole. From Fortune 20 companies to higher education to tech entrepreneurs, I’m excited for Minnesota to play a significant leadership role in the next generation manufacturing economy.”
“I commend Gov. Walz and legislative leaders for passing a state match to federal funding I secured for development of bioindustrial manufacturing hubs,” Rep. Betty McCollum (MN-04) said. “This investment puts Minnesota at the forefront of revolutionizing manufacturing to harness homegrown agricultural products to deliver a cleaner, sustainable biomanufacturing economy and help achieve our carbon reduction goals.”
“We look forward to building partnerships with state and regional stakeholders as we identify sites and move forward with this infrastructure investment,” said Dr. Douglas Friedman, BioMADE Chief Executive Officer. “We’re grateful to Governor Walz, Congresswoman McCollum, and the Minnesota Legislature for their vision and support of this national initiative. Together, we are poised to secure domestic supply chains, develop sustainable products that are better for the environment, create new markets for American farmers, and provide new jobs to urban and rural communities.”
Bioindustrial manufacturing uses biology to convert agricultural feedstocks and waste streams to high-value chemicals, materials, and products that Americans use every day. Cement, fire-resistant materials, durable fibers, bioplastics, food products, and more can all be created through bioindustrial manufacturing.
The bipartisan support from state of Minnesota builds on federal investment and domestic biomanufacturing priorities established by Congress and the Biden administration. Congress included an initial investment of $300 million through the FY23 Consolidated Appropriations Act to support the first phase of a network of pilot-scale bioindustrial manufacturing infrastructure around the country. Starting with this Minnesota site, BioMADE and its partners will establish the U.S. as a leader in the burgeoning bioeconomy while also strengthening American competitiveness and retaining American research and development efforts. Additionally, in September 2022, President Biden signed Executive Order 14081, which was issued to provide a whole-of-government approach for building a sustainable, safe, and secure American bioeconomy.
“Minnesota’s agricultural industry plays an integral role in the state’s economy and BioMADE will continue to strengthen, diversify, and grow this sector,” said Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic (DFL – Minneapolis). “I appreciate Representative McCollum’s advocacy and commitment to this project and the partnership between the University of Minnesota and industries. This pilot project will allow Minnesota to be a leader in biomanufacturing and create new jobs in our state.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to continue to support bioindustrial manufacturing in Minnesota,” said Senate President and Chair of the Jobs and Economic Development Committee Sen. Bobby Joe Champion (DFL – Minneapolis). “Congresswoman McCollum has been our congressional champion and she was gracious enough to attend our Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee to help explain the gravity of the opportunity in front of us. This could bring billions of dollars in investment and job creation to our state, and make us a leader in an industry that not only has huge growth potential, but could help address climate change by making products with renewable materials, rather than petroleum. As a state and country, we have a choice: we can make these investments now, and develop the infrastructure to produce these products at scale, or we can watch these jobs and industries grow overseas. I know what my preferred path is, and that’s building that infrastructure and creating those good-paying jobs here in Minnesota.”