North Carolina: Advancing the Bioeconomy
Biosolutions - Building a Better Tomorrow
North Carolina life sciences companies, startups and academic institutions are tackling some of the world's greatest challenges. They are using interdisciplinary approaches, leveraging biology, biotechnology, engineering and data sciences, to develop new products, services and energy.
These biosolutions are providing hope for a brighter tomorrow with healthier foods, novel therapeutics and new biofuels. From rural regions to urban settings, North Carolina scientists and business leaders are collaborating to help the U.S. achieve the full potential of the bioeconomy, a market estimated at $4 trillion.
The bioeconomy is comprised of four overlapping life sciences subsectors, including industrial biotech, agtech, human health and bioresources. See tabs below for details.
New Materials and Chemicals Born From Biological Systems
Industrial biotech leverages biological systems (think bacteria, yeast or algae) to create new, alternative chemicals and biofuels. These next generation products can outperform traditional materials. Examples include:
- Enzymes used in brewing
- Microorganisms used to produce new biomaterials such as textiles or cement
- Eco-friendly alternatives to petro-chemical-based preservatives used in personal care and cleaning products
Here are some North Carolina companies playing in the industrial biotech space:
Biotech Boosts Agriculture and Food Innovation
Agricultural technology companies are leveraging biotechnology to develop and produce new foods and beverages. Precision fermentation, bioprocessing and genetic engineering are springboards to enhanced food products. Imagine plants achieving better yields or plants with improved traits for fighting pests and droughts. Think of lab-grown meats providing healthy alternative proteins for feeding a growing population.
Here are some North Carolina companies playing in the agtech space:
Promising Biosolutions For Improved Health
The bioeconomy is delivering new diagnostics and therapeutics for improved human health. Companies are using mammalian cells, microorganisms, viruses and more to develop and manufacture biological medicines for patients who need them. Additionally, scientists are leveraging bioengineering to create engineered tissues to replace or repair those that are damaged.
Here are some North Carolina companies playing in human health space:
One Company's Waste, Another Company's Treasure
The bioeconomy calls for resilient approches for growing and using biomass. Biomass is any organic material available on a recurring basis, including crops, wood and municipal residues. Biomass can be converted into usable products or energy.
Here are some North Carolina companies playing in the bioresource space:
NC Bioeconomy Statistics
Bioeconomy Companies Across North Carolina
Learn More
For more information on North Carolina and the bioeconomy, download our flier.
For questions, contact Sara Imhof at [email protected] or Megan Damico at [email protected].