By Jamie Martin
At the Bio Innovations Midwest Event in Omaha, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced the winners of the Consider Corn Challenge V and a total prize pool of three hundred thousand dollars. The challenge encourages new ways to use corn to produce renewable and biobased materials.
“The Consider Corn Challenge fosters innovative collaborations between corn farmers and both the public and private sectors, which paves the way for new products, chemicals and applications. This year's winners have continued to demonstrate corn's adaptability,” said Director of Research & Market Development Sarah McKay.
“Corn's versatile applications as an industrial feedstock can be witnessed in the diverse approaches and applications of each of the three winners. This contest continues to highlight the fact that U.S. corn is an extremely flexible feedstock suited for biobased products and crucial to advancing the biobased economy.”
The three winners—Aerterra, Terragia, and Arizona State University—each received one hundred thousand dollars. Aerterra introduces the first bio-based renewable air filters made from U.S.-grown corn. These filters replace petroleum-based versions, reduce environmental impact, and improve indoor air quality through a convenient subscription model.
Terragia develops technology to convert cellulosic biomass into fuels and products using thermophilic anaerobic bacteria. Their process can increase ethanol production by 10 percent and generate higher-protein feed and additional corn oil, adding significant revenue potential.
Arizona State University presents a corn-derived corrosion inhibitor for crude oil pipelines. This new product forms a protective film inside pipelines to reduce accidents caused by corrosion. It is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and offers a sustainable solution for the extensive U.S. pipeline network.
“Finding new uses for corn and additional market demand is a key priority for NCGA,” said Research and New Uses Action Team Chair Chad Epler. “The Consider Corn Challenge provides a unique opportunity to harness the potential of corn as a versatile, sustainable feedstock. It not only showcases the ingenuity of participants but also fosters vital collaborations between industry and corn producers, paving the way for innovative, market-driven solutions.”
Each of these projects demonstrates how corn can drive sustainable industrial innovation and expand markets for renewable, corn-based products.
Photo Credit:national-corn-growers-association
Categories: National