In partnership with ExxonMobil, we are identifying innovative solutions in 3rd generation biofuel processing to minimize energy usage, and thereby CO2 footprint, through technological innovation of energy intensive processes at scale.
Algae-based feedstocks have shown tremendous potential in providing a safe, secure and locally available source of drop-in liquid fuels for the transportation sector. These feedstocks have the potential to not compete with conventional food crops and fresh water resources, and use marginal land for cultivation.
Once cultivated, microalgae must be removed from the aqueous water media and processed to remove the internal constituent, such as lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. These products can be converted into usable biofuels through a variety of chemical, mechanical and biological mechanisms. To date, many of these mechanisms have shown to be cost prohibitive, energy intensive, and/or require large amounts of solvents or caustic agents.
The Designed2Scale Challenge is seeking innovations, solutions and startup technologies that decrease energy and chemical intensity for 3rd generation biofuels, mainly the downstream processing components. This challenge is set up in partnership with ExxonMobil, aiding their technology team to integrate various solutions to minimize energy usage, and thereby CO2 footprint, through technological innovation in key energy intensive areas at scale.
Technologies and strategies to aid in algal separation, cell disruption and pretreatment of microalgal cells, prior to lipid extraction
Technologies, strategies and processes to efficiently extract intracellular lipids from microalgae
New capabilities in microalgal downstream processing that minimize energy usage, chemical intensity and/or complexity
This program offers unparalleled collaboration opportunities with a major go-to-market partner, ExxonMobil, with the upside potential of collaborative projects, pilots of mutual business interest. Furthermore, one selected winner will be awarded the Fraunhofer Technical Validation Prize, up to $50,000 in technical services to de-risk market entry.
The opportunity to build close relationships with ExxonMobil which may, upon program conclusion, result in an investment, joint development agreement, technical project, pilot and/or additional partnership format(s).
Up to $50,000 in startup technology validation, demonstration and piloting services from the Fraunhofer USA or Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Institutes to demonstrate their value to investors and industry parties. A number of different types of services up to $50,000 in value may be rendered during a project, including: modeling, testing, prototyping, and demonstration. Applicants appropriate for this offering will be developing a product or service that could benefit from targeted technical acceleration.
