The Renewable Bioproducts Institute at Georgia Tech is a hub of innovation and collaboration in the bioeconomy sector. For companies aiming to advance research and development in bio-based and renewably sourced products, becoming a member of RBI offers strategic benefits that can propel their business forward.
Georgia Tech’s RBI champions innovation in converting biomass into value-added products, developing advanced chemical and bio-based refining technologies, and promoting excellence in manufacturing processes.
Carson Meredith, executive director of RBI, emphasized the transformative impact of membership: "Being a member of the RBI means being at the forefront of bioproducts research and development. Our members are not just passive participants; they actively shape the direction of our research and benefit from the collaborative environment that fosters innovation and growth.”
RBI member companies have a unique opportunity to influence the direction of the Institute’s research portfolio. By participating in the research process, companies help ensure that studies align closely with industry needs and challenges. This involvement expedites the translation of innovations from the lab to industry, driving manufacturing efficiencies and product evolution.
Georgia Tech is renowned for its high-caliber graduate students, and RBI membership provides companies with direct access to this talent pool. These students, deeply involved in innovative research, contribute significantly to company projects during their studies and potentially as future employees. This access to fresh perspectives and advanced knowledge is invaluable for driving innovation and maintaining a competitive edge.
RBI hosts industry-oriented public workshops and offers members exclusive access to the latest research and developments in the institute’s strategic focus areas. These workshops also serve as platforms for identifying member research needs and networking with students.
Through the membership agreement and bylaws, RBI members can initiate pre-competitive or competitive consortia projects with other members to share the cost of R&D investment. These projects explore common interests and/or build on existing RBI research. A three-company consortium project can save approximately 65% on a one-year project compared to funding a non-consortium project as an individual company.
Belinda Vogel, RBI’s research engagement manager, highlighted the strategic advantages for member companies: "Our member companies gain a strategic edge by having direct access to the latest research and the brightest minds in the field. The connections and collaborations formed here are invaluable for driving forward the bioeconomy and achieving sustainable growth.”
Becoming an RBI member offers a comprehensive suite of benefits that can significantly enhance a company’s research capabilities, innovation potential, and strategic growth. By joining RBI, companies position themselves at the forefront of the bioeconomy, leverage innovative research and top talent, and engage with a collaborative network to drive success.
For more information on membership and its benefits, contact Belinda Vogel.