Partnerships in R&D

Valueing new ideas and new productive concepts

GranBio’s partnerships in R&D and technical viability studies aim developing new ideas to potential technologies from TRL-1 to TRL-4 (Technology Readiness Level) stages, from concept to laboratory and pilot scale tests.

Some of GranBio’s R&D Partnerships

IPT Open Experience

The IPT Open Experience is the most relevant hardtech initiative for Brazil, which could represent a leap forward in accelerating industrial innovation and application of new technologies in the country. Cooperation with IPT dates back to 2020, when GranBio became a pioneer in associating itself with the program with the proposal to develop 6 technological projects, including the development of solutions for the bioenergetic use of lignin, selection of fungi for enzymatic production, testing for catalysts of SAF and renewable material applications of GranBio's crystal nanocellulose.

Unicamp

Unicamp is GranBio's first and longest-lasting scientific partner. It was based on the partnership with Unicamp's genomics and bioenergy laboratory that GranBio set up its first research laboratory in Campinas, where Celere 2L was developed – a robust Saccharomyces Cerevisiae yeast, built to efficiently ferment C6 and C5 sugars in ethanol with maximum productivity, becoming one of the most efficient yeasts known for the production of 2G ethanol, patented globally.

CNPEM - Brazilian National Laboratory

The relationship with CNPEM arose from the former CTBE (today LNBr), a center of excellence in the development of technologies for biotechnological processes with an industrial focus. A cooperation agreement between GranBio and CNPEM made it possible to accelerate the development of solutions for the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass and to improve technologies for the production of new biochemicals from cellulose and hemicellulose.

Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge is one of the world's largest research centers in the world with more than 5,800 scientists representing more than 60 countries promoting a unique culture of innovation. Linked to the D.O.E. (US Government Department of Energy), it is a large multidisciplinary laboratory with research and development on many topics including energy transition, climate and sustainable products. In association with a Japanese multinational, GranBio is developing a project at the ORLN for advanced composites using BioPlus nanocellulse

Georgia Tech

Located in Atlanta, just 160km from the GranBio pilot and demonstration plant complex, the Thomaston Refinery, in the USA, GranBio's relationship with Georgia Tech dates back over 12 years, where interactions in various technological areas were developed in scientific cooperation. In particular, it is worth mentioning the improvement of technical parameters for processing cellulosic fibers to obtain nanocellulose, one of the most relevant technologies provided by GranBio on the market today.

Fraunhofer Institute

GranBio has had the opportunity to interact with the Fraunhofer Institute in new technologies to apply lignin as a substitute for fossil molecules in the production of plastics. The advancement of technological development will bring new perspectives to the lignocellulosic industry, significantly increasing its contribution to the decarbonization of fossil chemicals.

USP

One of the most prestigious institutions in Brazil, USP has some of the most qualified research groups in biotechnology and has been working together with GranBio in the search for solutions in fungi for the production of enzymes and new genes of interest for sugarcane varieties. In its fields of Ribeirão Preto and São Paulo, several cooperation agreements were signed and new ones are under development.

IAC

Since the creation of BioVertis, GranBio's arm for the development and supply of competitive biomass for the industry, the Campinas Agronomic Institute has presented itself as a strong partner for the work of genetic engineering of plant varieties. Its branch in Ribeirão Preto has supported GranBio in the development of some of the most relevant energy cane varieties on the market, launched as a Vertix cane and currently licensed by Nuseed for more than 18 customers in Brazil.

Senai Cimatec

Senai Cimatec, located in Salvador-BA, is a recent partner of GranBio. Reference in education in Brazil, it is focused on industrial innovation with vast technological experience to accelerate new technologies in the pilot and demonstration stage. The current partnership includes mechanical and industrial solutions to optimize the efficiency of the BioFlex I biomass feeding system.

FINEP

FINEP has financed GranBio's innovation projects since 2015. FINEP is a Brazilian public company that promotes science, research and business technological innovation.

BioinFood

BioinFood is an innovative startup, capable of improving and delivering customized biotechnological solutions to the market for the most diverse industries. Formed by former GranBio employees, it has received support from GranBio since 2021, in return for improving some of GranBio's products and supporting the company with laboratory demands.