The creation of SCGC-FIRST builds on a decade-long and highly productive strategic partnership between the Department of Chemistry and SCGC, which resulted in the establishment of the SCG-Oxford Centre of Excellence. However, the magnitude of the current challenges requires a broader collaboration among a range of relevant disciplines within the University, including cutting-edge manufacturing technology and machinery, digital systems to control manufacturing processes, and a low environmental footprint approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with clean and renewable energy sources.