The Industrial Uses Group at USB invites proposals for innovative, high-volume technologies that expand industrial demand for U.S. Soy in industrial applications (e.g., bioplastics, chemicals, coatings, adhesives).

This group does not fund projects in sustainable production, animal feed, human food, renewable fuels, or export, as these areas are covered by other USB work groups. Please review the three core areas described below for specific details on areas of interest. For all core areas, proposals that fulfill some or all the following criteria will be prioritized:

• Strong commercialization potential with a defined market analysis and a clear roadmap to financial self-sufficiency
• Significant long-term demand growth with meaningful soybean volume consumption
• Clear technical feasibility and scale-up plans
• Robust and proven scientific methods
• Innovative approaches where soy provides inherent value and product performance advantages
• Clearly defined success criteria and timelines for all deliverables
• Long term reputational value for U.S. Soy.

The United Soybean Board (USB) is governed by 77 farmer-leaders from across the country with one common goal: increasing return on investment for all U.S. soybean farmers. USB invests soybean checkoff funds into research, market development, and communication initiatives that strengthen soybean demand and create value for U.S. soybean farmers.

RFP ID: IN-01
Program Area: Industrial Uses
Proposed Start Date: 10/1/2026
Proposed Completion Date: 9/30/2027
Submission Deadline: 1/26/2026

Three Core Areas

1. Soybean Meal

We seek proposals utilizing soybean meal in bioplastics and thermosets, wood adhesives, and other large-scale applications. Priority will be given to solutions that consume significant volumes of soybean meal and demonstrate clear competitive advantages over existing feedstocks in performance, sustainability, or cost. Technologies which utilize other soy protein sources (e.g. soy protein isolate, soy protein concentrate, and soy flour) are considered, however, proposals must clearly demonstrate an economic justification for use of these higher cost inputs.

2. Soybean Oil

We seek proposals leveraging soybean oil in bioplastics and thermosets, paints and coatings, infrastructure technologies (e.g. asphalt and concrete), and other large-scale applications. Proposals should outline how soy-based inputs can deliver measurable performance benefits, reduce environmental impact, or replace petroleum-derived alternatives. Alignment with industry needs such as sustainability goals, regulatory requirements, and performance advantages are prioritized. Proposals incorporating feedstocks derived from specialty soybean varietals such as high oleic soybean oil are encouraged.

3. Green Chemistry

We seek proposals applying green chemistry principles to replace regulated chemicals with documented health and safety concerns, including those with phase-out dates and no existing drop-in replacement. For the criteria of what constitutes Green Chemistry, you can start with the official EPA description here. Some high priority topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances) alternatives
• Formaldehyde-free adhesive systems
• Low-VOC formulations
• Organic solvent replacement (including halogenated solvents)
• Alternatives to aromatic oils and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in rubber products

The United Soybean Board supports projects from early-stage proof of concept through commercialized product expansion using a stage gate approach. Our primary focus is new product development that expands demand for soy-based feedstocks. While marketing efforts for existing commercial products may be considered, investments advancing technical innovation and enabling commercialization are prioritized.

Note: If you feel your industrial use proposal is justified based on alignment with the overall USB mission, but not in scope for the three stated core areas above, we encourage you to contact us at IndustrialRFPs@unitedsoybean.org.

• Entertainment expenses
• University Principal Investigator salaries
• University overhead/indirect costs
• Spousal/family/companion expenses
• Personal expenses
• Purchase of capital equipment over $2,500
• Expenses related to lobbying