The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) is now accepting submissions for the fifth installment of its Agricultural Innovation Partnership (AIP) program. This program will help catalyze innovation, generate new ideas and support collaborative partnerships.
Submissions selected to the AIP program will receive match funding from AURI. The information generated through the AIP funded proposals will help entrepreneurs, businesses and agricultural processors explore opportunities and technologies in the areas of biobased products, food, renewable energy and coproducts. A variety of channels are used for public dissemination — including AURI Connects events —that supports agricultural innovation and creates long-term economic impact.
Past research through the program has produced applied research studies, as well as guides and tools to help businesses utilizing the state’s agricultural products.
Submissions should answer specific, practical questions, or explore ideas and technologies having practical business applications. Accepted entries must follow the AIP Guidelines and align with program goals set forth by AURI.
AURI will consider proposals spanning the value-added agricultural sector, however proposals addressing the following topic areas are of particular interest:
- Economics of shared use commercial kitchens – best practices and creative opportunities
- A guide to life cycle analysis – a how-to on the basics and considerations for implementation for products using agricultural materials
- Opportunities for co-location of value-added agricultural facilities
- Sustainable solutions and innovative uses of animal hides including local utilization opportunities
- Reducing imports: opportunities for supplying value-added agriculture needs locally (onshoring)
- Non-feed uses for oilseed meals – viability at various price points
Information generated through the AIP program is public domain and shared broadly with the intent of helping producers, entrepreneurs, businesses and agricultural processors explore opportunities and technologies in the areas of biobased products, food, renewable energy and coproducts.
“Our successful history facilitating innovation in agriculture was the catalyst for the creation of the AIP program,” said Executive Director Shannon Schlecht. “We are excited to receive submissions this year to create new partnerships through this program as AURI is uniquely situated to collaborate with others to catalyze innovation. We strive to provide industry information that produces positive outcomes for Minnesota and the agricultural community.”
The deadline for submitting a proposal is Jan. 31, 2022. AURI encourages partners to discuss initiative concepts with its staff prior to submission.
For more information about the AIP, along with the complete program criteria and instructions on how to submit a proposal visit auri.org or contact AURI Senior Director of Commercialization, Jennifer Wagner-Lahr at jwagner@auri.org.
About AURI
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute’s mission is to foster long-term economic benefits through value-added agricultural products. It accomplishes this by using science and technology to help develop new uses for agricultural products. It partners with businesses and entrepreneurs to generate economic impact in Minnesota communities by helping businesses take advantage of innovative opportunities in four focus areas: biobased products, renewable energy, coproducts, and food. AURI provides a broad range of services, including applied research and development, scientific assistance, and a targeted network of resources to develop value-added uses for crops and coproducts.
About the AIP Program
The AIP Program helps catalyze innovation, generate new ideas and support collaborative partnerships that either add value to Minnesota’s agricultural products or improve efficiencies in their processing.
