Explore how BioMADE is securing the future of the US through bioindustrial manufacturing innovation – Manufacturing Today

Advancing Sustainable Bioindustrial Manufacturing in the United States

Introduction to Bioindustrial Manufacturing and Its Historical Context

Biotechnology and bioindustrial manufacturing, though often perceived as modern innovations, are fundamentally based on fermentation processes first utilized by humans over 10,000 years ago. Today, American companies employ advanced biological methods to safely produce a wide array of everyday products including chemicals, materials, plastics, and textiles. However, the United States faces a critical shortage of pilot-scale biomanufacturing infrastructure necessary to support scaling these biobased products from laboratory research to full commercial production.

BioMADE: Building a Sustainable Bioindustrial Ecosystem

In response to this infrastructure gap, the U.S. Department of Defense established the Bioindustrial Manufacturing And Design Ecosystem (BioMADE) in 2020. BioMADE aims to develop technologies that enhance American competitiveness in the bioindustrial sector while fostering a sustainable, domestic end-to-end bioindustrial manufacturing ecosystem. The initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action

Jill Zullo, Executive Vice President and COO of BioMADE, provides insights into the organization’s mission and its efforts to develop pilot-scale bioindustrial manufacturing facilities.

Organizational Structure and Membership

BioMADE operates as a membership organization and public-private partnership, launched fully in April 2021. It includes over 325 members across the United States, encompassing large corporations such as Cargill, Lockheed Martin, and Black & Veatch, as well as startups, small businesses, nonprofits, universities, and community colleges. The Institute was created to address national security concerns related to biomanufacturing and to accelerate the development of the domestic bioindustrial market, while also engaging with global companies.

Focus on Technology Readiness and Innovation

BioMADE specializes in advancing technologies within Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 4 to 7, bridging the gap between initial proof of concept and full commercialization—often referred to as the “Innovation Valley of Death.” This focus supports the SDGs by promoting innovation and sustainable industrialization:

1. Assisting companies in scaling promising biotechnologies from laboratory to pilot and demonstration stages.
2. Mitigating investment risks associated with infrastructure development.
3. Expanding the biomanufacturing workforce to support sustainable economic growth.

Development of a National Network of Pilot-Scale Facilities

To facilitate the transition from concept to commercialization, BioMADE is establishing a national network of pilot- and demonstration-scale bioindustrial manufacturing facilities across the United States. This network addresses the diverse needs of its members by providing specialized capabilities at multiple locations:

California Facility

• Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, a hub for biotech startups, research institutions, and universities.
• Features 4,000-liter fermenters for pilot-scale production.
• Focuses on chemicals and materials such as lubricants, paints, coatings, and lightweight composite materials.
• Supports SDG 9 by fostering innovation and infrastructure development in a key technology cluster.

Iowa Facility

• Equipped with 5,000 to 10,000-liter fermenters and designed to be food-grade.
• Produces probiotics, prebiotics, flavors, sweeteners, nutritional supplements, and agricultural products.
• Strategically located near Iowa State University and corn liquefaction facilities to utilize commercial feedstocks efficiently.
• Contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 by promoting sustainable agricultural and food production.

Minnesota Facility

• BioMADE’s flagship demonstration facility, occupying a 120,000 square foot building.
• Hosts the largest fermenters with a capacity of 25,000 liters.
• Focuses on chemicals and materials including anti-corrosive lubricants, high temperature-resistant composites, fuels, and ignition components.
• Equipped with explosion-proof capabilities to support Department of Defense projects.
• Advances SDG 9 and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by supporting national security and industrial innovation.

Integration of Advanced Technologies and Innovation

BioMADE’s pilot-scale facilities incorporate various technologies to optimize biomanufacturing processes, including:

• Downstream equipment for cell separation, concentration, and purification of fermentation products.
• Standard unit operations with potential for crystallization and spray drying capabilities.
• Collaboration with local partners to access specialized equipment and unit operations.
• Support for member-developed innovative sensors and continuous fermentation processes.
• Space allocation for testing and demonstrating novel technologies.

These efforts enhance sustainable industrial practices and contribute to SDG 9 by fostering innovation and resilient infrastructure.

Workforce Development and Industry Collaboration

As a proud member of Manufacturing USA®, BioMADE is committed to advancing domestic bioindustrial manufacturing by:

• Closing critical gaps in pilot- and demonstration-scale infrastructure.
• Partnering with manufacturers and innovators to advance technology development.
• Training a skilled domestic workforce to support manufacturing jobs across the bioindustrial sector.
• Positioning the United States as a global leader in bioindustrial innovation and competitiveness.

These initiatives align with SDG 8 by promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth and productive employment.

Conclusion

BioMADE’s strategic development of pilot-scale bioindustrial manufacturing infrastructure and its emphasis on innovation, workforce development, and sustainable practices significantly contribute to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Through its national network of facilities and collaborative approach, BioMADE is fostering a resilient, competitive, and sustainable bioindustrial sector in the United States.

For more information, visit www.biomade.org.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article discusses the development of pilot-scale bioindustrial manufacturing infrastructure and the advancement of innovative technologies in biomanufacturing.
   • BioMADE’s role in building a national network of facilities and supporting technological innovation aligns with fostering resilient infrastructure and promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The focus on bioindustrial manufacturing of chemicals, materials, plastics, and textiles using sustainable biological processes supports sustainable consumption and production patterns.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • BioMADE’s efforts to expand the biomanufacturing workforce and create manufacturing jobs contribute to sustained, inclusive economic growth and productive employment.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • By promoting bioindustrial manufacturing that can replace traditional chemical processes, the article implies a contribution to reducing environmental impact and supporting climate action.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • BioMADE is described as a public-private partnership involving government, industry, academia, and nonprofits, exemplifying multi-stakeholder partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including encouraging innovation and increasing the number of research and development workers.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicators related to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
   • Number of pilot-scale and demonstration-scale bioindustrial manufacturing facilities established (implied as a measure of infrastructure development).
   • Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) progression from proof of concept to commercialization (measuring innovation advancement).
   • Number of companies supported in scaling up biobased products (reflecting industrial growth and innovation uptake).
2. Indicators related to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
   • Volume or proportion of products manufactured using bioindustrial processes versus traditional methods (implied measure of sustainable production).
   • Reduction in waste or byproducts through improved purification and downstream processing technologies.
3. Indicators related to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
   • Number of jobs created in the bioindustrial manufacturing sector.
   • Number of workforce training programs and participants supported by BioMADE.
4. Indicators related to SDG 13 (Climate Action)
   • Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through adoption of bioindustrial manufacturing (implied).
5. Indicators related to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
   • Number and diversity of members and partners in the BioMADE public-private partnership network.
   • Number of collaborative projects and innovations funded or supported.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: manufacturing-today.com