The Blechner Center for Industrial Catalysis and Process Development, founded
in 1995 at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel, is committed to
conducting catalysis research and development that combines exploratory
research leading to novel technology and projects for industrial applications. The
combination and proper balance between exploratory research, industrial
projects and short-term jobs provide a strong basis for achieving its objectives.
The researchers at Blechner Center have developed the infrastructure and the
expertise required to deal with a wide variety of challenging topics related to
fundamental and applied aspects of catalysis and catalytic processes. This was
accomplished with major funding of well over $22,000,000 from various sources
such as science foundations and industrial partners. Among the vast state-of-the-
art R&D equipment operated at the Blechner Center, two mini-pilot units are
employed in various commercial projects.
Over the past two decades, the Blechner Center has taken bold and successful
initiatives focusing on conversion of various types of waste, biomass, biogas,
carbon dioxide and others, to sustainable and green liquid fuels and chemicals.
The catalysts and catalytic processes were patented, and many scientific papers
were published in leading journals. NGV Earth (NGV - Fly Clean, Fly Green), a
startup based on the Blechner Center technology, was established in September
2023. The Blechner Center in a senior partner in a new Israeli consortium SAF-
IL.
About
In 1995, Norbert Blechner, an American philanthropist and a valued friend of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, was instrumental in the establishment of the Blechner Center for Industrial Catalysis and Process Development.
The Center supports scientific research in active catalysis development with practical applications. Between the basic investigations for which academic institutions are best known and the commercially driven development of products in industrial laboratories lies a vast area that the Blechner Center hopes to bridge. After more than fifty years working in the minerals trade, Blechner is well aware of the potential for industrial applications of new catalysts and recognizes the need to encourage scientists to take the extra step forward from basic to applied research. Over the past six years, the Blechner Center for Industrial Catalysis and Process Development has provided the environment for exceptional research and development in the field. Areas of expertise include catalysis for refinery and petrochemical processes and for intermediates to agrochemicals, aroma and pharmaceuticals. Researchers affiliated with the center have already filed six patents. Another mark of the Center's success has been the number of contracts with industrial companies. The Blechner Center actively works with a number of Israeli and international companies. The continuous exploratory research is expected to attract increasing collaboration with industry. The Blechner Center will be one of the important partners in the industrial park to be established by the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
Clearly, the Norbert Blechner Center for Industrial Catalysis and Process Development is already having an impact in the Negev.
The transfer of knowledge from the University to the market place in this frontier region if boosting local economic capabilities. For Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, founded specifically with the mission to bring development to the region, each research project that strengthens local commercial ventures is a Source of pride.
Norbert Blechner's commitment to Israel and Jewish values goes beyond economics and science. Blechner has acted upon his belief that a Jewish state needs Jewish values and Jewish knowledge. He has established the Blechner Chair in Jewish tradition and Values and the Blechner and Friends Career Development Chair in East European Jewish culture. This is in addition to his generous support for student scholarship funds and general support for the University.
In 1989, Mr. Blechner received an honorary doctorate from the University in recognition of his involvement and support. In 1999, he received the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award for his Unending commitment to academic excellence at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
Mr. Blechner passed away on March 16, 2005. It is a great loss to all of us. We cherished Mr. Blechner's interest and involvement in the operation of the Center. We, the staff of the Blechner Center, will continue the legacy of Mr. Blechner to leverage the extensive knowledge developed over the past decade.
