No attachments available.
TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: 3-HP Upgrading Platform
Contact and place of performance
Marc Witkowski
Los Alamos, NM 87545
USA
This technology from Los Alamos National Laboratory, 3-HP Upgrading Platform, provides a novel, bio-based pathway to produce methyl methacrylate (MMA) by converting renewably producible 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) into a constituent substrate for normally petroleum-derived MMA. By operating directly on fermentation-derived 3-HP, the process reduces the need for costly purification steps and improves overall product...
View moreThe Opportunity:
The 3-HP Upgrading Platform presents licensees with an opportunity to enter or expand into the MMA market using a differentiated, bio-based production route that aligns with growing demand for sustainable materials. By enabling the conversion of renewably sourced 3-HP into a constituent substrate for normally petroleum-derived MMA, companies can reduce reliance on fossil feedstocks while maintaining compatibility with existing PMMA applications and supply chains. The process is particularly attractive for producers seeking to integrate upstream fermentation capabilities or diversify raw material inputs, offering a pathway to improve cost efficiency and supply resilience. As end markets increasingly prioritize lower-carbon and bio-based content—across automotive, electronics, construction and medical sectors—this technology positions licensees to capture value through sustainable product offerings without requiring changes to downstream manufacturing or product performance.
Key Advantages:
Market Applications:
Development Status: TRL 3
US Patent pending
LA-UR-26-23337
LANL Tech Partnerships: Unlock the Innovative Potential
Los Alamos National Laboratory offers a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that may provide your company with a competitive edge in the market and unlock the innovative potential that can enhance, refine, and revolutionize your products.
LANL’s licensing program focuses on moving inventions developed by our researchers to commercial innovations. Patented and patent pending inventions and copyrighted software are available to existing and start-up companies through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. For specific discussions, please contact [email protected].
Note: This is not a call for external services for the development of this technology.
https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/feynman-center/partner-with-us/licensing-technology
m.lanl.gov/tech-search
The U.S. Department of Energy, through its contractor Triad at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), has issued special notice S-193777 regarding a technology licensing opportunity for the 3-HP Upgrading Platform. This chemical process offers a bio-based pathway to produce methyl methacrylate (MMA) by converting renewably producible 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) into a constituent substrate for what is traditionally a petroleum-derived chemical. The invention utilizes an integrated reactive extraction approach to convert fermentation-derived 3-HP directly within a solvent phase, reducing the need for costly purification steps and improving reaction selectivity. This platform is applicable to automotive glazing, electronics, construction sealants, medical devices, and industrial coatings.
The technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 with a U.S. patent pending. It provides drop-in compatibility with existing MMA and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) applications, allowing manufacturers to utilize bio-based feedstocks without modifying downstream manufacturing processes. Beyond MMA production, the platform can be extended to transform other biomass-derived feedstocks into various industrial chemical intermediates. This opportunity is directed toward companies seeking to integrate upstream fermentation capabilities or diversify raw material inputs to align with sustainability goals.
This notice is classified under NAICS 325199, All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing, and PSC 6810, Chemicals. There is no set-aside for this opportunity. Responses are accepted through May 11, 2026, and the primary point of contact is Marc Witkowski at Los Alamos, NM. Interested parties may explore exclusive or non-exclusive licensing agreements for the patented or patent-pending inventions developed by LANL researchers.
Generated by Lumen AI
Scoped analysis and attachments—go beyond the summary when you need detail from the solicitation package.