The Biorefining Conversions Network (BCN) is an inclusive research network based out of the University of Alberta (Edmonton, Alberta) that  aims to advance the bioindustrial sector by strategically aligning research activities in the area of biomass conversion to accelerate technology commercialization, facilitating collaborative partnerships between all levels of government, industry, and academia, and providing an innovative space to develop concepts with easy access to a large pool of expertise and resources.  The BCN was developed to bridge an indentified gap in the supply chain between feedstock supply and product distribution.  An initial investment of $ 3 million was awarded in 2009 by the Alberta Ministry of Advanced Education and Technology.  Initial funding was committed to build network infrastructure and support the initial project portfolio of eleven research projects as well as consolidate and leverage existing research activities in the province. The research platform is centered on four themes: Thermal Conversions, Chemical Conversions, Biological Conversions, and Feedstock Pre-Processing, and includes a variety of biomass feedstock.  This multi-disciplinary approach, along with the BCN’s commitment toward development of integrated biorefinieries to maximize value, increases the potential for commercial success and lowers technology risk.   The BCN aligns with government mandates to stimulate investment in Alberta’s bioindustry and commercialize bioindustrial technologies and concurrently addresses critical issues such as climate change, energy security, price volatility, and numerous other concerns associated with hydrocarbon dependence.  The BCN is actively looking for innovative researchers and industrial partners to develop collaborative projects to develop and commercialize bioindustrial technologies.