NIIMBL Initiates Eight Innovative Technology and Workforce Projects for Biopharmaceuticals
NIIMBL Unveils Eight New Projects
On May 19, 2026, the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) announced the selection of eight new projects aimed at advancing the capabilities and workforce in the biopharmaceutical sector. With a total investment of $9.7 million comprised of NIIMBL funding and co-investments from members, these initiatives spotlight the importance of innovation in domestic biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
Overview of the Projects
The new ventures are led by NIIMBL members and involve 39 organizations committed to tackling significant industry challenges. The focus is on integrating real-time process analytics, optimizing processes using AI and machine learning, and developing new protein expression platforms designed for next-generation therapeutics. Sandeep Kedia, NIIMBL Senior Technology Fellow, stated, “These new technology projects represent the kind of innovation needed to strengthen the nation's biopharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities.” This approach ensures that transformative technologies gain traction across the industry landscape.
In addition to technology advancements, three workforce initiatives are set to engage interest in biopharmaceutical manufacturing careers. These programs aim to strengthen workforce partnerships across various regions and build a skilled, AI-ready workforce that can adapt to the evolving demands of the sector. John Balchunas, NIIMBL Workforce Director, emphasized that these initiatives target talent shortages directly, facilitating innovative pathways for newcomers to enter biomanufacturing careers.
Project Call 9.1 Details
The projects selected under NIIMBL's Project Call 9.1 include both technology and workforce developments:
Technology Projects:
- - Continuous and Automated Downstream Purification of AAV
- Participants: Cytiva, EMD Millipore, Janssen, Landmark Bio, PAK BioSolutions
- - Leveraging Multidimensional Partner Data to Develop Predictive Digital Twins for Integrated Upstream Processes
- Participants: Sanofi, Waters Technologies
- - Upstream Enrichment and Bioreactor Scale-Up for High Genome-Filled rAAV Capsids
- Participants: EMD Millipore, Landmark Bio, Virica Biotech
- - Continuous Fiber-Optic Probe for Detection of Antibodies and FC Fusions
- Participants: Amgen, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genentech, Mettler-Toledo Process Analytics
- - Intelligent Affinity Bayesian Optimization of Full AAV Purification Using Convective Affinity Adsorbents
- Participants: ChromaGenix, EMD Millipore, Genentech, and more.
Workforce Projects:
- - Experiencing Biopharma Manufacturing Career Pathways First-Hand
- Participants: CSL Behring, GlaxoSmithKline
- - Creating a Neurodiverse Talent Pipeline for the Biomanufacturing Industry 2.0
- Participants: Janssen, Johnston Community College, Open Biopharma Research, Pfizer, UCLA
- - BioPATH (BioPharma Apprenticeship Training Hub)
- Participant: International Academy of Automation Engineering
Conclusion
Since its inception in 2017, NIIMBL has established a robust portfolio comprising 230 projects focused on technology and workforce development, with investments exceeding $216 million. The organization, which encompasses over 200 members from academia, industry, and non-profits, is dedicated to enhancing the biopharmaceutical manufacturing landscape in the U.S. As these new projects launch, NIIMBL aims to fortify the country’s leadership in biopharmaceutical innovation and talent cultivation.
For further details about these projects and the ongoing efforts by NIIMBL, one can visit the Project Call 9.1 page.
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