Alberta awards $13M to researchers and companies for biomass development

EDMONTON – The Alberta government says it is providing nearly $13 million in funding to help create new uses for agricultural and forestry products through the Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions
agency.

The funding is to go to 61 researchers and companies looking to develop industrial bioproducts or technologies that use plant materials known as biomass.

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The government says the program is meant to help diversify and strengthen the economy by adding value to the province’s renewable resources.

READ MORE: Alberta NDP adding $5 million in funding for tech companies 

Projects ranging from early research to commercial applications will receive funding, including ones developing smart windows, fire retardants and building materials.

Many of the proposals involve news ways of using the cellulose material found in plants that is processed into a crystal-like form known as cellulose nanocrystals.

Canada’s forestry industry has for years been trying to develop uses for the processed cellulose, with limited success.