Project Bluestem 

Members: Bluestem Biosciences and National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC)

Year launched: 2023 

Bluestem and NCERC will explore opportunities to highlight the potential for the anaerobic fermentation industry to reimagine a future in synthetic biology. As Bluestem designs proprietary microbes for anaerobic environments, NCERC can serve as a pilot facility for this step-change in biomanufacturing. Both parties will serve as outreach partners to educate traditional stakeholders (i.e., ethanol & agricultural), about the potential of synthetic biology. 

Our industry report will outline the potential for supply chain opportunities around anaerobic fermentation, while addressing public perceptions around the regional bioeconomy in the Midwest. this project will build on the knowledge and acceptance of the ethanol industry in the Midwest, to leverage support and improve public attitudes for the emergent synthetic biology potential. 

To augment our industry report, Bluestem will publicly release a software module representing a digital twin of NCERC’s demonstration-scale fermenters (which have not been used for fermentation since 2018). This module, called “BlueSTEAM” will be instrumental in creating new opportunities for researchers to connect with demonstration-scale anaerobic assets, bringing awareness and visibility to the potential of anaerobic fermentation through a custom-built tool. Project Bluestem is unique as it opens up the bioeconomy toward anaerobic fermentation, with a distinct regional focus. This Project and its deliverables will be used to engage with key stakeholders to advance bioindustrial manufacturing. An anticipated outcome will be a regional bioeconomy and its agricultural stakeholders that understand the future synthetic biology and the tremendous potential the bioeconomy can bring to the Midwest. 

Funding source: BioMADE Project Call for 4S (Safety, Security, Sustainability, and Social Responsibility)