The Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has announced a $1.5 million donation from philanthropists Eric and Wendy Schmidt, aimed at expanding its biomanufacturing scale-up capabilities. Since 2011, ABPDU has supported over 90 companies in advancing biotechnologies from laboratory research to commercial application.
This donation follows recommendations from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, which emphasized increasing support for U.S. Department of Energy-funded biomanufacturing facilities to strengthen domestic supply chains and manufacturing.
Equipped with advanced equipment and a team of specialists, ABPDU focuses on fundamental research in the “science of scale-up,” aiming to revolutionize chemical and fuel manufacturing processes. Recent innovations include developing a quantum sensing technique that could accelerate bioreactor research and improve scalability.
Deepti Tanjore, ABPDU Director, stated that the new funding would enable acquisition of advanced equipment and development of innovative capabilities. She emphasized that these advancements could make biomanufacturing faster, cheaper, and more predictable, ultimately supporting U.S. manufacturing and supply chain resilience.
Eric Schmidt highlighted the strategic importance of biotech innovation, noting that supporting facilities like ABPDU is vital to maintaining U.S. leadership amid global competition in the sector. The Berkeley Lab Foundation will allocate the funds to the ABPDU to facilitate these enhancements.
This investment underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic biomanufacturing, with the goal of fostering industry growth and ensuring supply chain security within the United States.
