BioSolar Cells

in #science6 years ago

About BioSolar Cells
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BioSolar Cells is a five-year Dutch research programme, which seeks to contribute to research and innovation in the field of photosynthesis aimed at the sustainable production of food, renewable energy and raw materials for the chemicals industry. Nine knowledge centres and thirty-eight companies, ranging from multinationals to small technology firms, are working together to unravel the fundamental principles of photosynthesis: the natural process by which energy from sunlight is captured and stored as chemical energy in the form of sugars. Within the BioSolar Cells project, knowledge about the photosynthesis process is utilized in plants, algae, bacteria and artificial systems that mimic the natural process. The BioSolar Cells project aims to provide the knowledge and technology needed for innovation. The various research programme partners contribute knowledge and technology from a wide range of disciplines, including chemistry, physics, genomics, physiology, nanotechnology, biotechnology and ICT. Part of the research programme is devoted to education and social debate. BioSolar Cells has a budget of 43 million euros and is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, universities, companies and the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). The programme is supported by Stichting Topconsortium voor Kennis- en Innovatie Biobased Economy (the Top Consortium Foundation for the Knowledge and Innovation Biobased Economy) (TKI-BBE). More information about the programme is available from www.biosolarcells.nl/en/home.