The Opportunity

  • CNAM-Bio is an academic-industrial partnership aimed at solving the problem of plastic and composite waste-disposal by creating commercially-competitive biodegradable biopolymers (bioplastic) from microbes. Uniquely integrated across the biopolymer-biocomposite supply chain, CNAM-Bio also seeks to develop biopolymer, biocomposite and bio-nanocomposite processes that will enable the sustainable utilization of these materials in applications ranging from disposable packaging, to lightweight/high-strength structural materials, to biomedical devices.

  • CNAM-Bio members have the opportunity to leverage significant state and federal funding to develop new, low-cost biodegradable polymers from agricultural waste products and greenhouse gases, and to design efficient manufacturing processes that will enable widespread use of biopolymers and biofiber-reinforced biopolymers in diverse markets.

  • CNAM-Bio provides a focal point for technology development, networking, and collaboration-building across the biopolymer-biocomposite research-to-commercialization landscape, with the common goal of ushering in new bio-based polymer and composites industries that will generate global wealth, skilled jobs, and a sustainable ecosystem.

  • A primary imperative of CNAM-Bio is to pursue the translation of its research and development activities to commercial fruition, through technology transfer to the private sector. The center collaborates energetically with its industrial partners to achieve this outcome.

Questions?

We look forward to speaking with you about your interest in joining the CNAM-Bio Center. 

If you have any questions or would like further information or discussion, please contact Dr. David Salem, CNAM-Bio Director:
E-mail: david.salem@sdsmt.edu    
Telephone: (605) 394-5271 or (605) 394-2703 or 605 394-5279 (Kristine Starmer)

Membership Benefits

  • Participation in CNAM-Bio governance.  Each member company has a seat on the Industrial Advisory Board.

  • Participation in setting direction, annual goals and deliverables.

  • Quarterly progress reports and a detailed annual report on all research activities.

  • Participation in the Annual IAB Review Meeting, open to all representatives of the member company.

  • First right of refusal to license technology developed by the university.

  • Exclusive rights to use CNAM-Bio technology developed at SD Mines, under negotiated licensing terms.

  • 15% discount on proprietary contract research projects conducted by CNAM-Bio researchers.

  • 20% discount on registration fees for the International Microbial Polymer Conferences.

Membership Fees

Annual membership fees depend on corporate revenues.

Membership Agreement

The membership agreement covers CNAM-Bio governance, membership fees, intellectual property rights, and confidentiality. Please request a membership agreement for review and/or execution by e-mailing Kristine Starmer: kristine.starmer@sdsmt.edu