Growth Dimensions

AgTech Initiative

An SBA Funded Initiative

www.agtech.niu.edu

The AgTech Initiative encompasses the following functions and programs:

New Uses Entrepreneur Development Center (NUEDC): NUEDC is the core component of the AgTech Initiative.  Northern Illinois University staffs and operates the NUEDC through an SBA funded contract with the City of Belvidere.  The NUEDC is currently housed at Growth Dimensions’ office located at 200 South State Street, Belvidere, Illinois.  (815) 547-4252.

NUEDC Tasks include:

  1. Develop the operational plan of the NUEDC and manage its day-to-day operations
  2. Develop the necessary new uses entrepreneur support system within the region to provide long term sustainability of the    initiative
  3. Provide commercialization support services and consultation
  4. Strategically market the services of the NUEDC and the region as a center for biobased economic excellence

Staff for the NUEDC: Norbert Ziemer, Operations Manager

Biomass Product Development Program (BPDP): This program is administered and managed by Growth Dimensions and the Illinois Technology Development Alliance and funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy.  The tasks of this program are designed as an extension of the NUEDC tasks.

BPDP Tasks include:

  1. Develop and implement product advancements and commercialization support services aimed at fostering the formation and growth of companies commercializing technologies converting biomass to industrial uses.
  2. Develop a competitive capital award program to provide qualified clients with funds on a cost share basis to commercialize agriculture-based materials into alternative industrial products. 

Objective: To expand NUEDC client support in focused biobased product sectors.

Bio-based lubricant: AgTech is currently developing a project within the biolubricant sector of the market.  This opportunity has significant market potential and can positively impact demand for agricultural crops like soybeans.

Bio-based chemical: AgTech has coached and supported Belvidere-based Deveco through this process. Deveco has, in turn, developed a proprietary line of bio-based products (including glass cleaner) and is completing the development of two additional bio-based products.  AgTech continues to support and coach Deveco and other innovation-oriented companies and entrepreneurs.

AgTech has met with new contacts with expertise in the development of chemical products. AgTech has been in communication with the CIRAS center at Iowa State regarding the current state of technology commercialization in specific product line ranges.

Bio-based Foams: AgTech is currently exploring an emerging project opportunity involving the replacement of petroleum based foam products with soy based foam products.  A trip is being coordinated to meet with the company representative to define project parameters.

Bio-based Plasitics and Composites: NUEDC has continued to nurture the development of biobased plastic and composite products.  The Plastics Laboratory at Northern Illinois University has been supportive of this process and is facilitating the biobased product testing and performance verification necessary for commercialization.  Future product lines may include building trim materials, consumable plastic products, packaging materials, furniture and more.

AgTech NUEDC is currently exploring an emerging project opportunity involving the replacement of petroleum based foam products with soy based foam products.  

Biofuels: AgTech NUEDC has continued its efforts to nurture the commercialization of biofuels and bioenergy opportunities.  NUEDC is concurrently spearheading the task of identifying new use opportunities for the glycerin bi-product of biodiesel production.  NUEDC is also working with technology based organizations and the agricultural production community on leveraging the latent energy value stored in underutilized biomass crops and products, including DDGS and corn stover.

BioVantage, a biodiesel product commercialization and production company, entered the investment and marketing strategy stage this past year.  BioVantage is expected to start-up its biodiesel production in Belvidere during the 3rd quarter of 2007.

Objective: To expand NUEDC/Northern Illinois University support network required to form the technology and business platforms which will underpin long term growth in biobased products.

Reached out to the American Chemical Society regarding the activities of AgTech NUEDC and explored areas of potential collaboration.  Colloquium participants included Chemistry faculty and researchers from Northern Illinois University, Rockford College, Pierce Biotechnology (Thermofisher) and others. 

Dr. Tatara, Director of the NIU Plastics Laboratory, has been very supportive in the materials testing of bioplastics.  In working with AgTech, Dr. Tatara has continued to develop the manufacturing processes for biobased plastic blends using DDGS.

AgTech has met with potential collaborators who are holders of licensable technologies, along with various commercializing partners. These groups include Iowa State University’s Biorenewable Resource Technology Center, the University of  Wisconsin-Madison’s Biological Systems Engineering Group, in addition to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  Others that have been reached out to include Purdue University, and WARF.

On a local front, AgTech has maintained collaborative relationships with local education arms including Rock Valley College and Rockford College.

Objective: To develop a long-range renewable resource strategy.

AgTech has continued relationship development with several key contacts including Argonne National Lab, Adkins Energy, and others in efforts to nurture opportunities in the bioenergy arena.  AgTech is currently involved with client projects centered around harvesting underutilized biomass and leveraging its caloric content for processed heat and energy.  The implementation of such innovative approaches has the potential to impact the profitability of both manufacturing and agricultural production operations. 

AgTech is currently nurturing the efforts of a biodiesel startup venture.

AgTech has also contacted and met with individuals who may have an interest in innovative, renewable energy collaboration.  The collaboration may extend to the Freedom Field initiative of Rockford, to Northern Illinois University and NIU Outreach, as well as to manufacturers and businesses in a regional corridor from the Chicagoland area to the Rock River Valley region.

Objective: To formalize and implement marketing strategy.

  • Conducted a Symposium on new use products and technologies from corn and soybeans
  • Presented at the Boone County Farm Bureau
  • Presented at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau
  • Participated in the 2007 i BIO Conference in Chicago
  • Explored bio-renewable energy opportunities at the IL Renewable Energy Fair
  • Conducted a Symposium on innovative process and feedstock approaches to the production of biodiesel
  • Participated in the German American Chamber of Commerce meeting to explore global opportunities and bioenergy and biomass technologies

Objective: To identify funding sources.

AgTech Initiative efforts have resulted in the award of an AgriFIRST grant for a feasibility study that can address new uses for glycerin, a key by-product generated from the production of biodiesel.  AgTech has also assisted in preparing a letter of intent to a regional foundation, as well as providing and procuring letters of support for applications to funding opportunities that have been submitted by AgTech clients. 

AgTech has guided clients and projects in the application processes for funding opportunities and has referred clients to available funding opportunities including: the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Challenge Grant Program through the Rock River Valley Entrepreneurship Center, the Growth Dimensions Department of   Energy Biomass Commercialization Award Program and other specialized funding opportunities. 

Objective: To establish the DOE funded Growth Dimensions Biomass Competitive Grant Program.

The Biomass Product Commercialization Award Program was established and the first round of requests for proposals was solicited.  Proposals are currently being reviewed for selection and award.  Overall Growth Dimensions has authority from the U.S. Department of Energy to award over $500,000 for projects that lead to marketable biomass products or processes.   All awards will have a $100,000 maximum.  Each project must have a cash or in-kind non-federal cost share equal to $1.60 for every $1.00 of DOE funds.

The funds allocated to the award program will be awarded to companies as a subcontract.  Growth Dimensions will offer at least two solicitation rounds for funding. After the companies submit their proposals, a rigorous review process will take place to ensure that the appropriate companies are chosen on a merit basis. 

Priority Goals for 2006

  1. Continue the application and award phase of the Biomass Product Commercialization Awards program by awarding five Biomass Commercial awards.
  2. Explore opportunities to continue funding for the staffing and operation of the NUEDC.
  3. Host a regional Alternative Energy and Biomass Symposium to stimulate new ideas and expand regional partnerships and investments in the region.
  4. Expand the capacity for developing and commercializing biofuels intellectual property.

Product Sector Focus for 2007

  • Biodiesel plants and associated infrastructure
  • Biofuels and Biorefinery IP generation
  • DDGS energy extraction for co-combustion applications
  • Glycerin energy usage and platform chemical development
  • Biomass energy conversion for the farm
  • Biomass introduction in foam products
  • DDGS use in plastics and composites
  • Corn oils and soybean oils into biobased lubricants and lubricating oils
  • Biobased cleaning product opportunities