The landscape of modern innovation is rapidly shifting, with quantum computing and bioplastics emerging as two promising frontiers. At the heart of these shifts lies the Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) program, a National Science Foundation (NSF) initiative aiming to catalyze breakthrough pre-competitive research. This is realized through fostering collaborations between industry pioneers, top-tier academic institutions, and government entities. One such collaboration has birthed the Center for Quantum Computing and Information Technologies (QCiT) at Carnegie Mellon University, seeking to harness quantum mechanics to revolutionize diverse sectors, from AI to finance. Parallelly, the Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (CB2), encompassing North Dakota State University, Iowa State University, Washington State University, and the University of Georgia, is channeling its energies to create sustainable bioplastic solutions, gaining significant traction with a growth rate eclipsing its petroleum-based counterpart.
NSF Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (CB2)
Background
Challenge
Strategy
CB2’s strategy is rooted in building on its commendable five-year legacy. With an arsenal of achievements, the center now looks to amplify its successes by aligning applied research insights from its four academic powerhouses with the needs of its vast industry consortium. From Amazon’s retail might to Ford’s automotive prowess, the transition of research from lab benches to production lines is of paramount importance. Simultaneously, QCiT’s strategic imperative is monumental – assisting Carnegie Mellon in pioneering an entire center dedicated to realizing their quantum aspirations. This involves not just harnessing quantum mechanics, but also developing tangible applications that resonate with industry demands.