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Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering

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Annual BioBased Systems Workshop Focuses on Commercialization

March 16, 2018
above: last year's Advanced Biobased Systems Workshop

Update: the Advanced Biobased Systems Workshop: Pipeline to Commercialization has been rescheduled for September 10, 2018 and will now take place at the Nationwide 4-H Center. More information will come in the near future on further updates to this year's event. Original press release: 

Next month stakeholders from academia, commodity groups, and industry will come together to share knowledge and experiences in the development and commercialization of biobased materials.

The Advanced Biobased Systems Workshop: Pipeline to Commercialization will take place on Friday, April 13th from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Wexner Center on The Ohio State University’s Columbus campus.

“The workshop is an opportunity to gain understanding from the big picture perspective as well as case studies that illustrate the commercialization process, including challenges and overcoming them,” said event organizer Dr. Ajay Shah, assistant professor in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) at Ohio State and the head of the Biobased Systems Analysis Lab.

“The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) is excited to provide support for this workshop,” said Barry McGraw, OSC director of Product Development and Commercialization. “It fits our mission of expanding the development of soy-based products and technologies, improving the profitability of Ohio’s soybean farmers.”

Several Ohio State researchers and industry leaders will be sharing their ideas and experiences in the commercialization process for biobased fuels and products.

Industry leaders such as Mike Feazel, Co-Founder and CEO of Roof Max Technologies, LLC, will be sharing examples of the impact bio-based products have had in their areas.

"Roof Maxx is showing great promise as a biobased solution that can have a major impact on the roofing industry,” said Feazel. “The bio-based business model is proving viable, important for successful movement to bio-based production systems across many markets, which I see as a sensible approach for achieving economic and environmental sustainability."

Feazel will present “Soy-based Emulsion for Extending Roof Shingle Life: A Case Study.”

Three FABE faculty will also be presenting at the workshop:

Dr. Scott Shearer will present “Big Data Driven Optimization of Feedstock Logistics for Biobased Industries.”

Dr. Katrina Cornish will present “Developing Applications for Natural Rubber Alternatives.”

Dr. Ajay Shah will present “Techno-economic and Life Cycle Analyses: Why it’s important.”

“The goal is to develop greater understanding and networks that will lead to continue growth in this important industry,” said Shah.

Registration for the workshop is open and costs $60 through April 4th and $75 after that. It includes continental breakfast, lunch, and access to a networking event following the workshop. The workshop is sponsored by the Ohio Soybean Council, OSU’s Sustainable and Resilient Economy Discovery Theme, OBIC, and BioHio.

To learn more about the workshop’s sessions and speakers, see the flyer below.