TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: 3-HP Upgrading Platform
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is offering a Technology Licensing Opportunity for its 3-HP Upgrading Platform. This innovation provides a novel, bio-based pathway to produce methyl methacrylate (MMA) from renewably sourced 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP), reducing reliance on petroleum feedstocks. This is not a call for external services. Expressions of interest are encouraged by May 11, 2026.
Technology Overview
The 3-HP Upgrading Platform is a chemical process that converts fermentation-derived 3-HP directly into MMA using an integrated reactive extraction approach. This method improves reaction selectivity, handles aqueous fermentation streams efficiently, and minimizes costly purification steps. It introduces novel reaction pathways and a unique chemical intermediate. The technology is at TRL 3 with a US Patent pending.
Key Advantages & Market Applications
Advantages include:
- Bio-based production route, reducing petroleum reliance.
- Drop-in compatibility with existing MMA/PMMA applications.
- Direct use of fermentation streams, minimizing purification.
- Improved process efficiency through integrated reaction and extraction.
- Alignment with sustainability goals and demand for greener materials.
Market applications span: Automotive, Electronics & Displays, Construction & Infrastructure, Medical & Healthcare, Adhesives & Coatings, and Consumer & Industrial Plastics.
Opportunity Details & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Technology Licensing)
- Department/Agency: Department of Energy / Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Set-Aside: Not applicable (licensing opportunity)
- Published Date: April 24, 2026
- Response Date: May 11, 2026
- Place of Performance: Los Alamos, NM
- Contact: Marc Witkowski / Lindsay Augustyn at licensing@lanl.gov