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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
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The Department of Energy, through Triad National Security, LLC at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), is offering a technology licensing opportunity for the 3-HP Upgrading Platform under solicitation number S-193777. This invention provides a bio-based pathway to produce methyl methacrylate (MMA) by converting renewably producible 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) into a substrate for a chemical typically derived from petroleum. The process utilizes an integrated reactive extraction approach where extraction and chemical transformation occur simultaneously within a solvent phase, improving reaction selectivity and allowing for the efficient handling of aqueous fermentation streams.
This technology, currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 with a pending U.S. patent (LA-UR-26-23337), is categorized under NAICS code 325199 for All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing and PSC 6810 for Chemicals. By operating directly on fermentation-derived 3-HP, the platform reduces the need for purification steps and introduces a novel chemical intermediate. The resulting bio-based MMA is designed for drop-in compatibility with existing applications in automotive glazing, electronics, construction sealants, and medical devices without requiring changes to downstream manufacturing or product performance.
There is no set-aside for this special notice. Responses to this licensing opportunity must be submitted by May 11, 2026. The primary point of contact is Marc Witkowski, and the place of performance is Los Alamos, New Mexico. LANL facilitates these licensing agreements on both an exclusive and non-exclusive basis to move laboratory-developed inventions toward commercial innovation.
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