For the past several years, Karen Warner and Beam Circular have been leading the charge in raising awareness and support for the circular bio economy — turning biomass or organic material into bio waste products. Beam Circular is once again bringing industry leaders, innovators, legislators, educators and the public together to further the cause with the BioCirCA: The California Circular Bioeconomy Summit.
The summit, with its annual convening that celebrates and advances the circular bioeconomy, will be held Nov. 5 and 6 at California State University, Stanislaus.
“We are so excited for community members to learn about some of the most exciting innovations in bio-based products that are shaping the future of agriculture and manufacturing, being developed right here in the Central Valley. BioCirCA is a fantastic opportunity to connect with leading scientists, entrepreneurs, educators, business leaders, policy makers, and community advocates working to create good jobs and game-changing environmental solutions,” said Warner.
This year’s summit will feature California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross and State Senator Jerry McNerney, alongside a lineup of distinguished experts, innovators and community leaders.
BioCirCA brings together industry pioneers, policymakers, educators, researchers and community partners, which include members of the CBIO Collaborative partner network, a coalition of over 130 public and private institutions co-led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and UC Merced. These partners help to explore how California can transform waste into value, create high-quality jobs, and lead the way in sustainable biomanufacturing.
Day One of BioCirCA (Nov. 5) is open to the public and focuses on inspiration, education, and connection. Attendees will hear from state leaders, innovators and thought partners driving the circular bioeconomy forward.
Program Highlights include:
— Keynote Speakers: Secretary Karen Ross, Senator Jerry McNerney, national industry and environmental leader Bill Shireman, and other agricultural, manufacturing, scientific, and community leaders advancing California’s sustainability and innovation agenda.
— Breakout session tracks, including: The Circular Bioeconomy: California's Path Forward, Advancing Regenerative Agriculture through Bio-Based Innovation, Natural Polymers & Green Chemistry, Next-Gen Workforce: Career Pathways in the Bioeconomy, Regional Perspectives on Land Use and Bioeconomy Development, Foundations of the Circular Bioeconomy (English and Spanish sessions offered), Innovation Lightning Pitches, UpCycled Foods: Turning Byproducts into Breakthroughs, Renewable Hydrogen & Green Fuels, Education & Training Program Spotlights and California’s Policy Landscape: Enabling the Bioeconomy.
The first day will conclude with a BEAM Community Benefit Dinner, a celebration featuring local food, drinks, and entertainment, where proceeds will benefit BEAM’s student and community programs, expanding educational and workforce opportunities across the region.
The second day of the summit (Nov. 6) is dedicated to CBIO collaborative members, offering hands-on collaboration and strategic working sessions focused on advancing California’s circular bioeconomy.
“BioCirCA is a great opportunity for food, agricultural, and bio product businesses looking for new opportunities and partnerships, for students and teachers who want to learn about careers and job training in the bioeconomy, and for community members who want to support a more vibrant and sustainable local economy,” said Warner.
For more information about the summit, or to register, visit: https://bit.ly/473IUu3
