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At the White House today, 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.
“This Executive Order will move the U.S. biomanufacturing industry forward by creating a cohesive whole-of-government approach, opening doors for infrastructure investments, and building and sustaining a robust biotechnology workforce,” added Friedman. “We’re excited by the opportunity to work with the Administration to lead the U.S. to more resilient and sustainable supply chains and create a thriving bioeconomy, both through the projects we are announcing today and the work of all of our member ecosystem.”
BioMADE is also announcing two major projects funded by the American Rescue Act, through the Rapid Assistance for Coronavirus Economic Response Grant Program from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. These projects, totaling nearly $9 million, will assist with vaccine adjuvant development and manufacturing antigens critical for use in testing and medical treatments for coronaviruses. Together, these innovative projects play a critical role in the safety, efficacy, delivery, and stability of industrial components of vaccines and viral testing. Launched in 2021, BioMADE is a Manufacturing Innovation Institute sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense. By supporting the development of biomanufacturing technologies, BioMADE and its network of 150+ members across 29 states are strengthening American competitiveness, creating a more resilient supply chain, and helping the U.S. becoming more self-sufficient. Read about the projects below, and learn more about BioMADE by visiting biomade.org.
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