Niki Labbé is at the forefront of groundbreaking research and innovation in the field of renewable carbon as the Director of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture’s Center for Renewable Carbon (CRC).
The CRC serves as a hub for exploring sustainable carbon management strategies, focusing on the development of renewable chemicals, fuels, materials, and processes. It brings together interdisciplinary research teams to tackle critical challenges such as carbon sequestration, sustainable bio-based materials, and energy-efficient practices.
Labbé has helped CRC navigate complex funding opportunities, foster cutting-edge research projects, and transition transformative technologies to the commercial sector.
She regularly collaborates with UTRF to review research agreements for intellectual property protection. Labbé has contributed to 18 invention disclosures and is an inventor on three issued patents covering applications for switchgrass-derived extracts, fractionation of plant materials, and conversion of plant lignin into carbon fibers.
UTRF’s technology transfer support has been instrumental in commercializing CRC projects by facilitating strategic partnerships and providing essential guidance, Labbé said.
“UTRF’s expertise in technology transfer has allowed us to protect our intellectual property and effectively bring our research into the commercial world,” said Labbé. “They’ve not only helped with the technical aspects but also provided valuable guidance on developing strong business strategies that complement our research initiatives.”
Labbé’s ability to secure funding from multiple sources, including the University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) Convergent Research Initiative (CRI), has been a key driver of CRC’s success. UTRF looks forward to collaborating with Labbé to commercialize the innovations resulting from this work.
Through her leadership, CRC has launched a range of high-impact projects that have the potential to transform industries by providing new approaches to carbon management, renewable materials and waste recycling.
“Dr. Labbé is an advocate for UTRF within the CRC,” said Emma Vetland, UTRF Assistant Technology Manager. “Her work is innovative, and she has done a great job navigating funding opportunities for UTK. She has proven to be a leader and strong collaborator with ORNL. Her work on circular bioeconomy systems is forward-thinking and focused on sustainability. UTRF is looking forward to engaging with both the CRC and ORNL on the commercialization of joint technologies as a direct result from the funding opportunity.”
CRC’s diverse portfolio of ongoing research spans a range of projects focused on the creation, use, deconstruction, and reuse of bio-based materials from locally produced crops. Growing these crops in rural areas has the potential to invigorate communities while promoting a more circular bioeconomy, Labbé said. 22 unique CRC researchers have contributed to more than 50 technology disclosures to UTRF since 2010, further demonstrating the continued engagement between the department and utilization of UTRF resources.
These projects, and many others, reflect CRC’s dedication to advancing research that not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also provides commercial solutions that can be scaled to meet industry needs. As technologies continue to evolve, the ability to transition these innovations into viable products and solutions becomes more important than ever to ensure domestic growth and economic security.
“Technology transfer is not just about patents and licensing—it’s about building the right relationships and creating the right infrastructure to ensure these technologies reach their full potential,” Labbé said. “The support from UTRF has enabled us to connect with the right people, laying the foundation for success in the market.”