Maverick Biofuels has announced that it has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a reactor system for converting syngas into high-value products. The company is commercializing a technology to convert biomass to a mixed-alcohol biofuel that can be readily blended with gasoline as a drop-in fuel. The process utilizes biomass gasification to produce synthesis gas followed by two catalytic reactions, which produces high yields of gasoline-compatible alcohols.

The SBIR Program ensures that the nation’s small, high-tech, innovative businesses are a significant part of the federal government’s research and development efforts.

“Given the level of competition and depth of peer review, this is a significant award for Maverick Biofuels,” said Jeffrey Harrison, chief engineering officer for Maverick.

The company is pursuing a hybrid business model that consists of licensing the technology along with building and operating production facilities with various partners.