On October 30, BioMADE, the US domestic biomanufacturing enabling organization funded by the Department of Defense, revealed 17 new projects that aim to propel the growth and commercialization of biomanufactured products in the United States. These projects cover a range of goals, from developing biodegradable plastics and converting waste into valuable products, to creating workforce certification programs that will equip individuals for roles in the future bioeconomy. Other initiatives include advancing cell-free systems for producing commodity chemicals and much more.

The projects reflect the diverse capabilities within BioMADE’s network, with contributions from 30 member organizations across 18 states, including New York and Texas, representing the private sector, nonprofits, academic institutions, and community colleges. This collaborative effort aims to rejuvenate American manufacturing by scaling up bioindustrial production to meet the needs of everyday products, bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., and strengthening the domestic supply chain for key chemicals. This initiative aligns with BioMADE’s mission to enhance the competitiveness of the U.S. bioindustrial manufacturing sector.

“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,” noted Arati Prabhakar, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology. “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.”

According to Dr. Douglas Friedman, BioMADE’s CEO, “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. 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 relies on biological systems—like bacteria, yeast, and algae—to produce everyday products such as bio-based cement, plant-based nylon, paints, and adhesives. This process uses U.S. feedstocks, such as corn and agricultural waste, helping to expand markets for American farmers, create rural jobs, reduce reliance on foreign imports, and manufacture sustainable products domestically.

Dr. Melanie Tomczak, BioMADE’s Head of Programs, stated, “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. 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 advancing bioindustrial technology from research labs to commercial production, BioMADE’s network of nearly 300 members across 37 states is boosting American competitiveness, strengthening the U.S. supply chain, reshoring jobs, and supporting rural development. BioMADE also aims to build a diverse, skilled STEM workforce for the bioindustrial manufacturing sector, with plans to prepare American workers for new opportunities through pilot-scale facilities within its infrastructure network. Initiated by the U.S. Department of Defense, BioMADE is part of Manufacturing USA®. For more information, visit biomade.org.

Projects Summary
17 Projects | $13.9 Million Federal Funds | $13 Million Non-Federal Cost Share
Federal funding provided by the U.S. Department of Defense

Project Highlights:

1. Greener Chemistry via Process Integration and Intensification – This project aims to biomanufacture Ecoteria™, a bio-based malonate with applications in fragrances, coatings, and more. Member: Lygos (CA)
2. Protein Production for Cell-Free Biomanufacturing – Focused on sustainable aviation fuel, this project will develop cell-free isobutanol production. Member team: Invizyne Technologies (CA), University of Georgia (GA)
3. Upcycling Wastes to Carboxylic Acids – This project will convert organic waste streams into valuable chemicals, replacing petrochemical-based products. Member team: Johns Hopkins (MD), Technology Holding (UT), CleanJoule (UT)
4. Engineered Yeast Lysis – Researchers will enhance yeast systems to commercialize intracellularly stored bioproducts. Member team: Manus (GA), University of Texas at Austin (TX)
5. Gas Fermentation for Local Biomaterials Production – This project will scale PHA production from methane gas, creating biodegradable plastic substitutes. Member team: Mango Materials (CA), UC Davis (CA), Black & Veatch (KS)
6. Sustainable Bio-Acrylics and Organic Acids – Targeting the acrylates industry, this project will focus on the bio-production of 3-HP for applications in adhesives and paints. Member team: Bluestem Biosciences (NE), ideaCHEM (SD), Iowa State University (IA), Southeast Community College (NE)
7. Building a Tropical Sustainability Center – This initiative will develop bioindustrial pre-treatment technology suited for Hawaiian feedstocks. Member team: NCERC at SIUE (IL), University of Hawai‘i – Hilo (HI)
8. Biomanufacturing Project Management Certificate Program – A certificate program focused on building a workforce for green biomanufacturing. Member team: Binghamton University (NY), NCERC at SIUE (IL)
9. Security and Safety of Cell-Free Systems – A policy-focused project to analyze safety in cell-free biomanufacturing. Member team: University of Minnesota (MN), Georgia Tech (GA)
10. Genetic Toolkit for Non-Model Organisms – Developing genetic tools for sustainable biomanufacturing using non-standard bacteria. Member: Rice University (TX)
11. Biomanufacturing Textile Fibers from Spent Yeast – This project will repurpose yeast biomass for textile production. Member team: Tandem Repeat Technologies (PA), ARCTOS Technology Solutions (OH), University of Georgia (GA)
12. Sustainable Carbon Fiber from Waste – Producing biobased carbon fiber from waste ethanol and carbon dioxide. Member team: Industrial Microbes (CA), Georgia Tech (GA), FERMWORX (GA)
13. Continuous Biomanufacturing from Food Waste – Converts food waste into lubricants. Member team: Capra Biosciences (VA), Virginia Tech (VA)
14. Domestic Heparin Supply – Scaling recombinant heparin production with ARMI | BioFabUSA’s support. Member: Tega Therapeutics (CA)
15. State of Technology Studies – Studies focusing on Arctic biomaterials, enzyme tech for specialty chemicals, and bio-preservatives. Led by Montana State University (MT), Purdue University (IN), and Tufts University (MA)