NSF-funded BRIDGES initiative targets biobased manufacturing growth
One of 12 winners in NSF’s Regional Innovation Engines competition, BRIDGES will transform underused farmland into sources of renewable materials by cultivating specially developed perennial grasses and converting them into products for industries including automotive, construction, and packaging.
The initiative is led by the University of Tennessee, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Auburn University, AGgrow Tech LLC, and Volkswagen Group of America. Researchers will focus on developing a full biobased product pipeline, from agricultural production and research to commercialization, workforce training, and regional economic development.
The BRIDGES team estimates the project could generate tens of millions of dollars in additional annual income for farmers, attract more than $2 billion in private investment, and create thousands of manufacturing and supply chain jobs. More than 10,000 people are expected to participate in technical, agricultural, and manufacturing workforce development programs.
Category: Chemicals & Materials
