Biosystems Technology Program

The Biosystems Technology Program (BTP) is a joint program between the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).  The program focuses on environmentally preferable and responsible products and services derived from tropical plants and microorganisms, and restoration of contaminated resources.  BTP is also intended to support sustainable regional economic development through technology transfer and commercialization of products and services of interest to military and civilian markets with emphasis on the private sector.  The program addresses needs and opportunities in Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region, and projects are funded for a maximum of two-years.

The objectives of this program are to: (1) pursue applied research, development, and demonstration of biosystems-derived food, fiber, textile, biomedical, industrial, environmentally compatible, and other products and services to meet military and civilian needs and (2) develop environmentally compatible products and services essential for efficient and sustainable operation of the military and civilian sectors while recognizing the unique factors in tropical and subtropical regions that provide the technological and resource base for these products and services.

PICHTR’s role in the program is to be the local agent on behalf of the USDA, and to work with the U.S. Army Soldier & Biological Chemical Command, Soldier Center of Excellence at Natick, Maryland as well as PICHTR program coordinator and the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board.