H.R. 7936: Bioindustrial Scale-Up for Supply Chains and Energy Resiliency Act of 2026

This bill, known as the Bioindustrial Scale-Up for Supply Chains and Energy Resiliency Act of 2026, aims to enhance the capacity and commercial viability of biotechnology products in the United States by addressing key challenges in biomanufacturing. The legislation proposes several significant actions and amendments to current policy.

Strengthening Biomanufacturing

The bill recognizes that the main barrier for biotechnology innovators in the U.S. is the scalability of their products. It identifies the need for improved biomanufacturing capacity and the establishment of technology maturation facilities that can help advance the development and practical application of biotechnological innovations. This is intended to ensure that the U.S. remains a leader in biotechnological advancements.

Definitions and Concepts

The bill introduces several new definitions that clarify important terms related to biotechnology:

• Biobased product: Products made from renewable biological resources.
• Bioindustrial manufacturing: The use of living organisms or their components to produce non-pharmaceutical products.
• Biointermediate: Intermediate products derived from biomass or waste streams.
• Technology maturation: The process of developing and testing technologies to make them ready for commercial use.

Establishment of Bioindustrial Technology Maturation Facilities

The bill mandates the creation of at least two bioindustrial technology maturation facilities by September 30, 2030. These facilities will conduct research and testing on biotechnology products and processes before they are commercially available. Key points regarding these facilities include:

• They will serve public and private sector users.
• Location and type of facilities will be planned based on industry needs and existing infrastructure.
• The facilities will focus on addressing the challenges in scaling up biomanufacturing processes and training the workforce.

Activities and Collaboration

The bill outlines the activities that these facilities can engage in, which include:

• Conducting pilot projects to test production processes.
• Developing technological applications and partnerships with industry.
• Training workforce in bioindustrial manufacturing.
• Establishing digital infrastructure to ensure secure data sharing.

The legislation encourages collaboration among various stakeholders, including industry partners, academic institutions, and government agencies, fostering a comprehensive approach to biomanufacturing challenges.

Strategic Planning and Reporting

After the enactment of the bill, a strategic plan is required that will detail the implementation of the facilities, including their expected contributions to the biotechnology sector and identification of additional needs for biomanufacturing infrastructure. The Secretary will provide annual reports to Congress regarding the status of these facilities and related activities for several years.

Intellectual Property Considerations

Regarding intellectual property created within these facilities, federal employee contributions will be considered part of the public domain, while contributions from non-federal employees will be subject to existing laws and agreements.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes funding of approximately $225.5 million for the years 2026 through 2030 to support the establishment and operation of the proposed facilities and related initiatives.

Relevant Companies

• DOW: As a major chemical manufacturer, DOW could be directly impacted by increased biomanufacturing initiatives and technologies focused on sustainable practices.
• LYB: LyondellBasell is involved in chemicals and polymers, which could see changes in production methods and supply chains influenced by advancements in biotechnology.
• AVY: Avery Dennison's work with sustainable materials could be complemented by advancements in biomanufacturing outlined in this bill.