Growth Dimensions

AgTech 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 advancement in our focused biobased product sectors.

Bio-based lubricant: AgTech has been nurturing and is currently developing a project with Chemtool, Inc. 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 the development process. Deveco has, in turn, developed a proprietary line of bio-based products (including glass and multi-surface cleaners) which has been named the SoClean product line and is completing the development of two additional bio-based products.  Deveco has begun to distribute SoClean products at consumer points including the Belvidere Pacemaker store.  AgTech continues to support and encourage Deveco and other innovation-oriented companies and entrepreneurs for new product development in biobased chemicals.

Bio-based foams: AgTech has continued communication with producers of the biobased foam ingredients in preparation for anticipated new product opportunities.  Some of these may include composite applications in which biobased foams could provide a functional component to the overall composite system. 

Bio-based Plastics 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.  Corn-based starch resins have been tested along with DDGS –an ethanol co-product- as a functional filler. Future product lines may include building trim materials, consumable plastic products, packaging materials, furniture and biodegradable golf tees.

Biofuels: AgTech NUEDC has continued its efforts to nurture the commercialization of biofuels and bioenergy opportunities.  NUEDC is concurrently spearheading the task of identifying and exploring new use opportunities for the glycerin co-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.

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.

AgTech has reached out to researchers and subject matter experts including experts at the USDA NCAUR center in Peoria, the USDA Forest Products Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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.  This collaboration has also included participation by the USDA in Brookings, SD for ethanol co-products technology development.

On a local front, AgTech has maintained collaborative relationships with local education arms including Northern Illinois University, 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 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.

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

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 partners with the Illinois Technology Development Alliance (ITDA) to showcase clients to its venture capital networks.

 

Objective: To formalize and implement marketing strategies.

  • Together with Growth Dimensions, conducted a symposium on new use products and technologies from corn and soybeans and made a peer-reviewed presentation to the Department of Energy in Golden, CO
  • Presented on behalf of the Growth Dimensions’ AgTech Initiative at the Greater Rockford Airport
  • Presented on biodiesel at the South Suburban Mayors & Managers Association
  • Participated in the 2008 i BIO Industry & Market Conference in Chicago
  • Explored bio-renewable energy opportunities at the IL Renewable Energy Fair
  • Participated in the “The Role of R &D in Agriculture and Related Industries: Today and Tomorrow” at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
  • Participated in the Chicago MIT Entrepreneurship Forum: “Head On: Energy and Our Future”
  • Participated in the Jo Daviess County Economic Development summit with focus on renewable energy
  • Presented to the Illinois Global Partnerships
  • Participated in the Growth Dimensions’ Manufacturers’ Appreciation Event
  • Participated in the Manufacturers’ Matchmaking event hosted by McHenry County Business Acceleration and Innovation Center
  • Participated in the Biodiesel Quality Seminar hosted at EIGERlab in Rockford
  • Participated in the Milwaukee Renewable Energy Summit
  • Participated in the Chicago Farmers Group event in Naperville, IL (topic: Renewable Fuels)
  • Keynote presentation at the Belvidere Chamber of Commerce Annual Event on “Going Green”
  • Presentation at the Belvidere Chamber of Commerce’s “Breakfast Before Business”
  • Presented at the 2007 Swedish-American Entrepreneurial Days “BioEnergy” session

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

  1. Continue the management of the Biomass Product Commercialization Awards program.
  2. Explore opportunities to continue funding for the staffing and operations of the NUEDC
  3. Host a regional symposium to gauge the capacity of the region for green business development
  4. Complete a value stream mapping of the regions efforts in alternative energy and biomass product arena
  5. Expand the capacity for developing and commercializing biofuels intellectual property