BioNexus Proposer's Day: MA Biotech & Biomanufacturing Grant Program

Join NEMC for the BioNexus Proposer's Day (In-person/Virtual) on June 30 to learn about $3M in new U.S. Army research funding. Register now!
About this Event

Join our Proposer’s Day to learn everything you need to know about the new , a partnership between the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC)—a division of MassTech—and U.S. Army DEVCOM. This event will be held as a hybrid session, with in-person attendance at LabCentral in Cambridge and a live virtual stream.

BioNexus connects Massachusetts' world-class life sciences and research ecosystem with 10 DEVCOM-defined research challenges spanning warfighter nutrition, bio-derived materials, field biosensing, and advanced chassis biology. This $3 million Year 1 grant initiative is designed to mobilize our regional expertise and bridge the gap from lab to impact.

SESSION DETAILS

• Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
• Time: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM ET
• Location: LabCentral, 700 Main St, Cambridge, MA
  (Note: Virtual attendance is available; please select the "Virtual" ticket option during registration to receive your access link.)

AGENDA

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Check-in & Coffee

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks

9:15 AM – 10:15 AM | Program Overview & Objectives, Program Q&A

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM | Break

10:30 – 11:45 AM | Technical Topics, Topic-Specific Q&A

A detailed breakdown of the 10 core research challenges:

1. Bioactive ingredients (prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics) to enhance gut health, immune function, and metabolic performance.
2. Smart bio-protection packaging systems to extend ration shelf-life and reduce logistical burden.
3. Pilot-scale bioreactor production of high-quality cellulose for textiles, composites, and bioplastics.
4. Pilot-scale fermentation of melanized filamentous fungi for applications in electronics and electromagnetic shielding.
5. Ruggedized living biosensors—engineered microbes capable of detecting field threats without laboratory conditions.
6. A predictive computational platform to address failures during biomanufacturing scale-up.
7. Bioceramic proteins produced via engineered Pichia pastoris yeast for water-repellent textile finishes.
8. Phage-based hygiene products to prevent urinary tract infections in female warfighters.
9. Bio-derived pigments for camouflage, protective coatings, and optical sensing.
10. Novel engineered bacteria, yeast, and fungal chassis for fibers, sensors, and high-efficiency biomanufacturing.

11:45 – 12:00 PM | The Importance of Teaming

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Teaming Opportunities & Networking Lunch

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PROPOSERS
Submitting Questions

You may submit questions in advance to [email protected] with the subject line: “Questions – CFP No. 2026-NEMC-02,” or ask them live during the session. We will provide a companion FAQ document for your reference following the event.

Key Dates

• Proposer’s Day Tuesday, June 30, 2026
• Initial Questions Due Wednesday, July 1, 2026
• White Papers Due Friday, July 17, 2026
• Full Proposals Due Thursday, September 3, 2026