Discover Université Grenoble Alpes

Launched in 2025, BIORAF (Biotechnological Processes in Biorefineries) is a project selected through France 2030’s “Skills and Professions of the Future” (AMI CMA) call for expressions of interest. It aims to develop the skills and training needed for careers in biorefineries, which convert renewable biomass into bio-based products, materials, biofuels, and bioenergy.

Coordinated by Grenoble INP - UGA, through Grenoble INP - Pagora and Grenoble INP - Industrial Engineering, the BIORAF project brings together Clermont Auvergne INP (via Polytech Clermont), the companies Fibre Excellence and BIO-VALO, as well as the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Chemistry Campus for Trades and Excellence in Qualifications and the AXELERA and VEGEPOLYS VALLEY competitiveness clusters.

Background and Issues

The development of biorefineries is a key driver of the transition to a low-carbon, circular economy. The growth of biotechnological processes requires new skills at the intersection of process engineering, biotechnology, and industrial innovation.

The BIORAF project addresses this challenge by developing a training program based on a holistic approach to biorefineries. Designed to train future specialists in biotechnological processes applied to biomass valorization, the program keeps pace with developments in bioeconomy professions by incorporating the entire value chain, from plant-based bioresources to the assessment of the environmental footprint of these processes.

France 2030 Goal

• Decarbonization of Industry

Main Areas of Focus

BIORAF takes a comprehensive approach to biorefineries and pursues several complementary objectives:

• Develop skills at the Bac+5 and Bac+8 levels by strengthening existing programs at Grenoble INP–UGA and Clermont Auvergne INP. New modules are being created focused on biorefinery processes, biotechnology, and environmental footprint assessment, as well as a new apprenticeship track dedicated to the recovery and valorization of bioresources.
• Strengthen ties with businesses and local communities by involving socioeconomic partners in the design and implementation of training programs. The project also calls for the development of short-term training programs for professionals.
• Train doctoral students and instructors to support the development of skills in the field of biorefineries. Research is conducted in partnership with educational institutions, and instructors receive support in incorporating environmental issues—particularly the measurement of the carbon footprint—into their teaching.
• Enhance the appeal of training programs and disseminate the project’s results through outreach activities targeting middle school, high school, and college students, as well as by sharing resources and achievements with educational institutions, businesses, and local stakeholders.

Through its schools and laboratories, Université Grenoble Alpes contributes to the development of new educational programs, partnership projects with businesses, and pathways tailored to the needs of the bioeconomy sector, in order to train the biorefinery specialists of tomorrow.

The Project at a Glance

Truck Driver / Pilot	Grenoble INP - UGA
Partners / Consortium Members	Clermont Auvergne INP - Polytech Clermont Fiber Excellence BIO-VALO Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Campus for Trades and Excellence in Chemistry AXELERA VEGEPOLYS VALLEY
Funding Sources	France 2030
Amount of Funding	4.6 million euros, of which 3 million euros are funded by France 2030
Project Duration	5 years
Launch Date	January 2025