The project consists of combining Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) into one integrated platform. We will focus the application of this platform on fermentation-based production of protein, lipids, bioplastics, and biofuels to begin with.

Integrated models are needed to overcome challenges associated with performing TEA and LCA separately. For example, it helps to have a holistic definition of the scope of analysis, functional unit, and seamless parameter changes that provide simultaneous readouts on both economic and environmental aspects of a production chain. The lack of integrated models is seen as an important limitation in TEA and LCA modeling (Mahmud et al., 2022).

Bionomix will allow companies to understand trade-offs between the economic and environmental benefits they face. Furthermore, it can help to elucidate which climate abatement strategies are the most cost-effective. For example, the Bionomix platform will inform CXOs about the additional production cost associated with 1 kg of CO2 abatement from switching from grey ammonia to green ammonia in their raw materials. This cost can then be compared across various choices in the production chain, which will aid decision-making in these complex trade-off spaces.

Cx Bio has been preparing for this project by building a foundation of TEA and LCA skills in-house over several years. We have worked with top labs and companies in Europe and the US on their TEA/LCA projects, and won a Good Food Institute grant in 2023 for a large-scale TEA. Additionally, we have spent approximately 1 year conducting background research on TEA/LCA integration to prepare for the development phase. We performed an extensive literature review on model integration, conducted a survey with founders and large-cap companies, developed a breadboard model, and have recruited a UX expert.

We believe Bionomix can be a crucial tool in helping companies make economically viable climate abatement choices at an early stage of their R&D before being locked into sub-optimal technology choices. Bionomix provides the necessary quantitative tools to enhance the sustainability of novel industrial processes.

Find out more at www.connectomix.bio

references: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SW278IyvcVsvH40YuVQFcWG3lSZSeOnVLwhjlOwiTSw/edit