At the White House, BioMADE announced a suite of nine projects that will collectively help secure America’s future through bioindustrial manufacturing innovation, education, and collaboration. Consistent with the goals of the newly signed Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy, the projects will lead to the creation new biomanufactured products, develop best practices, assist with vaccine component production, and grow the bioindustrial manufacturing workforce.
“The projects announced today will elevate the commercial readiness of bio-products, optimize chemicals for bio-derived foams and adhesives, and develop state-of-the-art methodology for fermenter design that will accelerate technology commercialization across the bioindustrial manufacturing industry,” said Dr. Douglas Friedman, BioMADE CEO. “They will also help build a skilled workforce to fill new jobs created in the growing domestic bioeconomy by establishing biotechnology-focused summer camps for underserved communities, creating a training course for biosecurity in bioengineering, and launching high school bioengineers in rural and inner-city high schools on paths to college and careers.”
This announcement comes on the heels of an Executive Order from President Biden that launches a National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative, which will create jobs, build secure and more resilient supply chains, and lower prices for Americans by growing biomanufacturing capacity, expanding market opportunities for bio-based products, training a diverse workforce, and more.
Friedman announced these projects while participating on a panel discussion at a Summit on the National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative hosted at the White House. The panel was moderated by Dr. Elisabeth Reynolds, Special Assistant to the President for Manufacturing and Economic Development and also featured Ms. Barbara McQuiston, Deputy Chief Technology Officer for Science and Technology for the U.S. Department of Defense and Dr. Christophe Schilling, CEO of BioMADE member Geno. Panelists discussed investments, resources, and opportunities that will allow the U.S. to harness the full promise and potential of biomanufacturing.