NC BioMISSION

Member: University of North Carolina Greensboro

Project dates: 2026 – present

University of North Carolina, Greensboro is building North Carolina’s bioindustrial manufacturing workforce with the launch of the North Carolina BIOindustrial Manufacturing Initiative to establish Skills for Students and Integrated Operation Network (NC BioMISSION), a groundbreaking program designed to educate students on transforming biomass into commodity materials. This initiative will address the critical need for skilled professionals to transform waste gathered from agriculture and converting it to much-needed raw materials for various industries. 

NC BioMISSION will revolutionize bioindustrial manufacturing by leveraging the state's abundant agricultural resources. The program's core objectives include: 

  • Partnering with Industry Leaders to Build a Robust Curriculum: Preparing a future workforce that responds to industry needs requires partnership between industry and academia. NC BioMISSION will establish a network of leading companies to guide curriculum development, provide hands-on training, and offer direct employment opportunities, ensuring the program's longevity. 

  • Launching a Flexible Undergraduate Certificate Program: Offering a comprehensive certificate program, accessible to all undergraduate majors, that blends hands-on experience, online modules, and cutting-edge virtual reality technology. This flexible program is designed to accommodate the varied schedules and educational needs of non-traditional students, especially adult learners and military-affiliated students.  

  • Providing a Capstone Industry Experience: NC BioMISSION will facilitate valuable capstone experiences at partner companies, coupled with essential professional development opportunities, to bridge the gap between education and employment. 

  • Integrating Data Analytics, Data Science and Machine Learning for Biomanufacturing: A unique feature of this program is the incorporation of specialized training in data analytics, data science, and machine learning to equip participants with the skills needed to utilize key data sources for process validation and optimization, ultimately achieving more efficient manufacturing outcomes. 

NC BioMISSION aims to establish a replicable model for other regions, demonstrating North Carolina’s leadership in bioindustrial manufacturing and workforce development. 

Funding source: U.S. Department of Defense

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