Department of Biotechnology Ministry of Science & Technology Government of India Call for proposals on Biorefinery for Low Cost

Biofuel Production with zero waste production technology The Bioenergy sector is a high priority area globally because of energy security concerns. To address the national needs of biofuels, the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India has supported various R&D projects for Biofuel development under the Energy Biosciences program. The Biorefinery concept is still unexplored in India therefore to promote and encourage the cutting edge technology development in this field, Department invites proposals on Development and demonstration of Biorefinery technology for cost effective biofuel production with zero waste. The objective of the program is to establish a network of multi-disciplinary researchers to develop a commercially viable biorefinery technology. The emphasis would be on translational research for developing cost effective processes and bio refinery products through value-addition of agricultural and forestry waste/algal biomass. The technology based upon this concept can provide a wide range of bio-based products that include: bio-fuels biomaterials and bio-chemicals through downstream fermentation and refining processes. The research initiatives under Biorefinery are not limited to value-addition to low value biomass, but will also consider the economic benefits derived from related renewable materials. Thus the focus would be on: Innovative biofuel production technologies using renewable biomass Development of clean and cost effective processes with zero waste Identification and development of biochemical /chemicals / biomaterials and other novel and value added products derived from bio refining

Integrated biorefinery Technology with existing refinery or biofuel plants Validation of developed technology (which include Mass &Energy balance, life cycle analysis etc) for demonstration at pilot scale

Proposals of following two categories would be considered for funding (i) (ii) Development of laboratory scale biorefinery technology Validation and demonstration of technology at pilot scale

The proposal must highlight (a) novelty and strength in the background of existing knowledge (b)objectives with clearly defined product and other value added products (c) work plan including process flow diagram (d)feasibility of the project (feedstock availability, cost economics) (e) existing infrastructure facility (f) demonstrated proof of concept (g)environmental impact (h)Expected products/outcomes and deliverables (i) Validated technology for the proposal under category (ii) and (j) Technology transferred/patented If involvement of industry is essential, the identified industry may be indicated with Agreement signed for technology transferred (if any) and percent contribution. Proposals will be screened by an Expert committee and those which get shortlisted will be intimated for presentation. Who can apply? Scientists working in the Universities, National Laboratories & NonProfit Organizations, with sound scientific backgrounds who are actively involved in Biofuel development/production. Consortia with multiple partners will be encouraged. On-line full proposals in the DBT's R & D format through eProMIS (http://dbtepromis.nic.in/Login.aspx) may be sent with one hard copy to: Dr.Sangita Kasture, Principal Scientific Officer, Department of Biotechnology, Block-II, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110 003 by August 31, 2012 . Any queries in

this regard may be addressed to sangita.kasture@nic.in / 01124365438 Details of the scheme and formats are available on DBT website www.dbtindia.nic.in