MBI (Michigan Biotechnology Institute) has partnered with Sarnia, Ont.-based Bioindustrial Innovation Canada for a collaboration-driven binational agreement designed to expedite development and commercialization of bio-based chemicals and materials.

MBI, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Michigan State University (MSU) Foundation, focuses on the development and commercialization of bio-based technologies, many of which have been precipitated by MSU’s research capacity in bio-based disciplines. MBI is known for pioneering derisking, a process that quickly and cost-effectively weeds out flawed technologies while accelerating viable ones through a stage-gated innovation process.

BIC, a Canadian non-profit organization with Canadian federal support, seeks to bridge the gap between research and markets in bio-based chemicals and energy production. BIC is leveraging its partnerships with Western (ON) University and Lambton College to develop a world-class, bio-based cluster in the region.

The agreement establishes a clear framework for coordinated research to expedite development and commercialization of bio-based chemicals and materials, along with raising awareness of the biomanufacturing and green chemistry sectors in the binational region of Michigan and southwest Ontario.

The blog has actually been seeing more collaboration efforts in Europe although most are directed towards R&D.  In July, a EUR 3.7 billion public-private partnership was established called BBI, which stands for Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking between the European Commission and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) – an association established in 2012 constituted by a unique mix of sectors including agriculture, agro-food, technology providers, forestry/pulp and paper, chemicals and energy.

BBI is dedicated to realizing the potential of a European bioeconomy supported by a contribution of EUR 2.7 billion from BIC of which EUR 975 million will be used to support research and innovation, and the rest will be for additional activities.

The BBI will fund projects aimed at:

•  Building new value chains based on the development of sustainable biomass collection and supply systems with increased productivity and improved utilization of biomass feedstock (incl. co- and by-products);

•  Unlocking the utilization and valorization of waste and lignocellulosic biomass;

• Bringing existing value chains to new levels, through optimized uses of feedstock and industrial side-streams while offering innovative added value products to the market, thus creating a market pull and reinforcing the competitiveness of EU agriculture and forest-based industries.

• Bringing technology to maturity through research and innovation, by upgrading and building demonstration and flagship biorefineries that will process the biomass into a range of innovative bio-based products.