Initiatives
Catalyst 2.0: A Sorghum-Based Product Innovation Program
Competition Overview
Why Sorghum
Naturally occurring attributes in sorghum represent some of the highest value consumer markets. Anecdotally, according to the April 2019 study by the Credence Research Inc., the global gluten-free market alone is projected to grow at a rate of 8.1 percent compounded annually through 2026. Other sorghum traits, such as non-GMO, promotion of soil health, water and wildlife conservation, and low glycemic content offer additional opportunities to leverage high-premium markets. Known applications for sorghum range from culinary uses to pet and livestock feed, aquaculture to bioplastics, packing peanuts, insulation, and even cat litter.
Participant Eligibility
- Undergraduate/Graduate Students
- Private Individuals
- Industry Representatives
- Nebraska and non-Nebraska residents
Competition Goals
- Develop specialized products utilizing sorghum
- Create economic opportunities for rural communities through local sorghum processing operations
- Launch long-term viable businesses leveraging high-premium markets
Competition Incentive
- Competition partners will facilitate relationships with industry, state and local economic development processionals, investors, and entrepreneurs
- Competition partners will assist in business plan development
- Competition partners will assist with grant support as applicable
- Awards: 1st place = $1,000, 2nd Place = $750, 3rd Place = $250
Participant Guide to Sorghum Uses
Participant Guide to Sorghum Uses
- Culinary products (Flour, Pearled Grain, Roasted, Popped)
- Animal Agriculture (Diary, Cattle, Swine, Poultry, Aquaculture feed stocks)
- Industrial (Packing Peanuts, Bioplastics, Cat Litter, Insulation, Green Chemicals, Ethanol, Nutraceuticals)
- Additional Uses: Click here.
Established Sorghum Processors
- Sorghum processing for culinary, export, and some industrial applications has a long history: https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/supplier-directory/
- Meanwhile, general Consumer awareness is growing
- The Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board has established branding and is building relationships in large high-premium markets to increase consumer awareness
What will you create?
Email us to get started today!
Individuals and organizations can register to participate in the program at: sorghum.board@nebraska.gov
