The Pennsylvania Industrial Hemp Engine Development Project is a statewide strategic planning effort led by Vytal Plant Science Research in partnership with Penn State University, Emory University, and a broad coalition of public and private partners. It is designed to build a plant and place-based economic ecosystem grounded in innovation, education, inclusion, and translation of technology to industrial applications.
This project is being funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through a $1 million NSF Engines Development Award. Launched by NSF's new Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships and authorized by the "CHIPS and Science Act of 2022," the NSF Engines program uniquely harnesses the nation's science and technology research and development enterprise and regional-level resources. NSF Engines aspire to catalyze robust partnerships to positively impact regional economies and diverse communities, accelerate technology development, address societal challenges, advance national competitiveness and create local, high-wage jobs.
View a map of all the NSF Engines Development Awards.
More information can be found on the NSF Engines program website.
The Goal
To develop a sustainable supply chain of Industrial Hemp to meet increasing global demand for renewable plant-based and recyclable products. This Engine will help reduce greenhouse gases while growing the Pennsylvania economy.
The Project
This strategic planning process will recommend use-inspired research, market and supply chain development strategies, and funding incentives to develop key infrastructure, education programs, product innovation, and manufacturing.
