Upcoming Application Workshop: Fibers
Members, mark your calendars – BioMADE's next Department of Defense (DoD) Application Workshop is taking place October 15th, 2024! This is the newest in an ongoing series of workshops designed to elevate BioMADE member engagement with the DoD. This Application Workshop will focus on fibers for a variety of applications, and will bring BioMADE members and DoD stakeholders together for mutual edification on biotechnology innovations that impact this important area.
The DoD recognizes that industrial biotechnology provides many emerging opportunities in this space, and this workshop will be focused on the technical areas stated below. DoD stakeholders are specifically interested in hearing how your work supports the advancement of these material related technologies.
Participants from the DoD will include relevant leadership and scientists from across the department including all service labs, DARPA program managers, and the Tri-service Biotechnology for Resilient Supply Chains (T-BRSC) leadership. Previous workshops have resulted in direct engagement between the DoD and a subset of the presenting member organizations.
Presentation from DoD Stakeholders
Join BioMADE on Oct. 15 at 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT for a plenary presentation from DoD materials stakeholders about their needs and interests, requirements processes, and pathways to procurement. This webinar is open to all BioMADE members.
Speakers
Natalie Pomerantz, PhD
Deputy Lead Systems Engineer
PdM Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment
Infantry Combat Equipment Team
Andra Kirsteins
Chief, Protection Materials Division
Soldier Protection Directorate
DEVCOM Soldier Center
Opportunity to Pitch to Government Stakeholders
In addition to the plenary session, selected members will have the opportunity to present privately to the DoD about their latest products and innovations. This group of DoD stakeholders is specifically interested in the following:
Replacement of Fluorocarbon (PFAS) finishes for textiles that provide water and oil resistance and stain release
Fiber technology to reduce visibility/detection by Short Wave and Near Infrared (SWIR/NIR) and/or provide IR/visible reflectivity and/or reduce detection by Ground Surveillance Radar (GSR)
Optimization and scale-up bacterial-cellulose production and/or conversion into a fiber
Fabrication and scale-up of other biosynthetic fibers or fiber precursors, e.g. spider silk, nylon, etc.
Modifications of biosynthetic fibers for FR, lower surface energy (reduce friction and/or repel water/oil), inherent mold resistance, inherent UV resistance
Degradable fibers
Self-repairing or healing fibers to minimize effects of damage on AD equipment in use or reduce repair needs after inspections.
If you have work in any of these areas, we encourage you to submit an abstract of 250-500 words to govprojects@biomade.org no later than 11:59 pm PT on Wednesday, September 4. Presentation abstracts should be focused on technology innovation and development. The content submitted will only be reviewed by BioMADE and U.S. Government staff. Members will be notified of a decision the week of September 16th, 2024.
Note: This Application Workshop may be a hybrid event. Travel to the Natick Soldier Center from members is an option, but is not necessary. Virtual options will be provided. Please indicate whether you’re interested in traveling when you submit your abstract to help us plan.
Your presentation will increase DoD awareness of your work, help them understand how your work can aid national defense efforts, and may lead to additional engagement and collaboration.
Please contact govprojects@biomade.org with any questions.