Client:
Genesis Industries (Santa Monica, California)
Background:
A group of film industry professionals with a keen interest in renewable energy and sustainable development had designed a small-scale biomass-consuming pyrolysis machine. The machine was designed to be portable, able to be towed behind a small pickup truck, enabling it to be moved from place to place with ease. Most pyrolysis machines are very large and not portable, meaning that biomass must be transported to the machines—which can often be costly and complex. Instead, this machine was easily transported directly to the site of the biomass.
The process:
After reverse-engineering the pathway to success, we sought funding through the USDA, focusing not only on the technology but on: the capabilities and experience of the management team; the commercialization plan; the business plan; the marketing plan; and validation from potential customers. Together, we collaboratively developed the full proposal, including the work plan, budget, timeline, goals and objectives and all justifications for the project. In developing the project, we engaged a variety of partners including an institution of higher education, a skilled researcher (affiliated with Johns Hopkins University), community-based organizations and local governments.
The results:
The project was awarded $1.1 million in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) funding.
