[ U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory – Synthetic Biology Challenge | Research funding ]
Event details
| Date | 15.06.2020 |
| Category | Call for proposal |
Aim: The Air Force Research Laboratory is investigating the viability of improving performance in composite materials using synthetic biology. Their goal is to engage partners to generate enough materials to test the feasibility of using Synthetic Biology to reduce the cost and improve the quality of Aerospace Thermosets. For this challenge, participants would propose approaches to bio-synthesize two molecules A and B needed for aerospace thermosets.
The prize will be distributed step-wise, as teams pass successive development milestones. See the “how to apply” section for more details on the process.
Prize Funding: max. $1,000,000
Duration: max. 1 year
How to Apply: Participants will first submit white papers on viability of their approach; white papers should be 4-6 pages and detail how the goal of manufacturing molecules A & B can be reached. In Phase Two, submitted white papers will be down-selected from the viable entrees. The potential awardees will be given two weeks to enter into a subsequent agreement with a company that can scale up their production concept and demonstrate the capability to manufacture testable amounts with a US company (if they cannot manufacture themselves). Semi-finalist teams will be given a one-hour time slot to pitch their concept and scale up strategy, with their manufacturing partner (if needed), to the evaluation team. The winner of this Pitch Competition will be awarded half of the prize (based on their total cost estimate to complete the challenge). They will then demonstrate that they can bio-synthesize molecules A and B. Upon completion of this demonstration they will then be given one-third of the prize award to demonstrate the viability of the concept to manufacture 1 gram each of A and B to test for purity.
White paper deadline: 15th June 2020
Pitch Day (phase 2): 1st-14th July 2020
Further information
The prize will be distributed step-wise, as teams pass successive development milestones. See the “how to apply” section for more details on the process.
Prize Funding: max. $1,000,000
Duration: max. 1 year
How to Apply: Participants will first submit white papers on viability of their approach; white papers should be 4-6 pages and detail how the goal of manufacturing molecules A & B can be reached. In Phase Two, submitted white papers will be down-selected from the viable entrees. The potential awardees will be given two weeks to enter into a subsequent agreement with a company that can scale up their production concept and demonstrate the capability to manufacture testable amounts with a US company (if they cannot manufacture themselves). Semi-finalist teams will be given a one-hour time slot to pitch their concept and scale up strategy, with their manufacturing partner (if needed), to the evaluation team. The winner of this Pitch Competition will be awarded half of the prize (based on their total cost estimate to complete the challenge). They will then demonstrate that they can bio-synthesize molecules A and B. Upon completion of this demonstration they will then be given one-third of the prize award to demonstrate the viability of the concept to manufacture 1 gram each of A and B to test for purity.
White paper deadline: 15th June 2020
Pitch Day (phase 2): 1st-14th July 2020
Further information
- Find full details here (sign-up required)
- For any other questions, contact the Research Office.
Practical information
- General public
- Free