The TARDISS initiative, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is set to revolutionize the U.S. rubber industry by developing a sustainable, domestic source of natural rubber. Ohio State University leads this project in collaboration with several other institutions, including Caltech, North Carolina State University, Texas Tech University, UC Merced, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Case Western Reserve University.
TARDISS primarily aims to replace imported natural rubber with rubber produced from domestic crops. By utilizing secondary agricultural lands and innovative extraction methods, the project will create a circular biomanufacturing economy that respects natural systems, including water recycling, CO2 capture, and pollinator services. This initiative is expected to generate an estimated 2 million jobs tied to U.S. soil, focusing on disregarded agricultural lands. Additionally, TARDISS places a strong emphasis on workforce development, training a new generation of engineers and agricultural experts.
Employing a systems engineering approach, TARDISS combines engineering with biology, biotechnology, and agriculture. This multidisciplinary strategy aims to optimize alternative plants for large-scale natural rubber production. The impact of this project is multifaceted, promising to reduce dependency on imported rubber, enhance national supply security, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and provide significant employment opportunities while fostering an inclusive workforce.
The TARDISS project is set to run until August 2029, with ongoing research and development expected to yield significant advancements in the rubber industry.