Biorefining Conversions Network Information

Based out of the University of Alberta, the Biorefining Conversions Network (BCN) is an organization that works to support provincial research communities in the areas of biorefining and biomass conversion technologies. By striving to form robust partnerships between academia and industry, the BCN promotes research programs that are structured towards achieving commercializable outcomes. Currently, the network operates through funding and aligned support provided by Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions, a provincial government corporation that leads and coordinates science and innovation to grow prosperity in Alberta's agriculture, food and forestry sectors. The BCN's primary mandate is to play a pivotal role in cultivating Alberta’s bioindustrial sector by facilitating development of novel, commercially viable biomass conversion technologies and value-added products. The network will achieve this by supporting Alberta’s research community, industry, and other partners for the development of advanced technologies to convert biomass into “drop-in” chemicals and fuels compatible with both traditional and emerging industries. In particular, the BCN is interested in developing technologies to convert renewable biomass feedstocks into conventional chemical products.