BEAM Circular announced a major milestone for California’s clean technology and biomanufacturing future with $9.8 million in new funding. This will support the California Bioeconomy Innovation Campus, a state-of-the-art facility designed to scale breakthrough technologies. These technologies will convert agricultural byproducts, food waste, and forestry residues into renewable energy, sustainable materials, and other valuable products.
The funds come from two main sources: $8 million allocated through the 2025 California State Budget and $1.8 million in Catalyst Funding from North Valley THRIVE. North Valley THRIVE is a regional economic development program focused on innovation and jobs. The California State Budget was secured thanks to a request led by Senator Jerry McNerney and Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom.
The Campus will be a key part of California’s circular bioeconomy efforts, led by the CBIO Collaborative. This coalition includes over 100 public and private partners, such as BEAM Circular, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and WE Will!, a regional K-16 group. Erick Serrato, Director of North Valley THRIVE, said the investment is catalytic for bringing new industry and jobs to the region.
Located in California’s agricultural heartland, in the North San Joaquin Valley, the Campus will provide essential infrastructure for a low-carbon, circular economy. It aims to bridge the “valley of death” in biotech—a gap between research and manufacturing. The facility will offer resources for entrepreneurs, workforce training, and support to de-risk new technologies. Its focus will be on upcycling locally sourced biomass waste.
The Campus will bring several benefits. It will support sustainable resource management by converting agricultural waste into valuable resources. The facility will also help reduce wildfire risks by utilizing excess woody biomass for forest management.
This project aligns with California’s recent focus on the bioeconomy as a priority sector. It reflects the state’s commitment to sustainable industry and job growth.
