ENDOWMENT ANNOUNCES $2M IN GRANT FUNDING TO ACCELERATE CELLULOSIC NANOMATERIALS COMMERCIALIZATION
Endowment Announces $2M in Grant Funding to Accelerate Cellulosic Nanomaterials Commercialization
Seeks proposals from diverse organizations to take revolutionary technology to next level
GREENVILLE, SC (DECEMBER 4, 2020) The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (Endowment), in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, today announced the initiation of a new round of $2,000,000 in funding and related request for proposals (RFP) for their public-private partnership known as P3Nano. The proposal submission deadline is January 15, 2021.
The RFP supports efforts aimed at rapidly commercializing cellulosic nanomaterials. Accepted proposals will show great potential for commercialization, have compelling business analysis, a credible research and development approach, and make a strong case for how P3Nano funding will address key development challenges.
There is no specific dollar limit for each proposal, but the Endowment hopes to fund four to eight proposals with anticipated budgets of $250,000 to $500,000 each. This round of funding will entertain proposals from a broad range of market segments and researchers from universities, private companies, and other entities with the potential to rapidly commercialize this revolutionary technology.
Cellulosic nanomaterials are a new class of cellulose particles with properties and functionalities distinct from molecular cellulose and wood pulp. As a result, they are being developed for applications that were once thought impossible for cellulosic materials.
“Cellulosic nanomaterials have the strength of steel with just one-fifth of the weight,” said Michael Goergen, Vice-President, Innovation and Director, P3Nano. “This technology offers a range of solutions and applications that support our forests by developing new markets. Collaborations with P3Nano have produced significant results including numerous patents, technology breakthroughs, and commercial-scale applications.”
The available funds will support costs associated with pioneering products that utilize cellulosic materials and open the door for more widespread adoption of these innovative materials. The intent is to develop new technology that solves industrial challenges, provides climate solutions, and creates markets for forest products.
Award announcements will be made around March 1, 2021. Visit the Endowment RFP page for more details and the RFP application.
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For more information, contact
Michael Goergen, Vice-President, Innovation and Director, P3Nano. (240) 475-5741. Michael@usendowment.org
About the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities
The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities is a not-for-profit public charity working collaboratively with partners in the public and private sectors to advance systemic, transformative, and sustainable change for the health and vitality of the nation’s working forests and forest-reliant communities. Learn more: usendowment.org.
