NIW Approved for a Systems Engineer Advancing AI-Driven Biomanufacturing and Sustainable Food Production Research Following RFE

Case Summary:          

We are pleased to share the success story of an NIW approval. It was granted to a systems engineering researcher from Bangladesh whose work is helping to advance artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled biomanufacturing systems for applications in medical therapeutics and sustainable food production. When filing, the client was conducting academic research in the United States to scale up manufacturing systems for tissue-engineered medical and food products aligned with U.S. science and technology priorities.

Advancing U.S. Interests in AI, Biomanufacturing, and Sustainability

The client’s proposed endeavor focuses on utilizing AI, data analytics, and advanced digital manufacturing technologies to optimize biomanufacturing systems. These efforts support the scalable production of tissue-engineered medical and food products, which are crucial for treating serious illnesses and for reducing the environmental impact of conventional protein-based food production. As the USCIS Policy Manual recognizes, STEM-based endeavors with national security and economic implications hold both “substantial merit and national importance.”

His work falls within fields identified by the National Science and Technology Council as critical and emerging technologies (CETs), including biomanufacturing and AI integration. These CETs are essential to strengthening national security, advancing clean energy solutions, and maintaining U.S. leadership in high-tech sectors.

Research Impact and Global Recognition

To satisfy the “preponderance of the evidence” standard as articulated in Matter of Dhanasar and Matter of E-M-, NAILG presented a thorough evidentiary record establishing that the client’s impact on the field is “more likely than not” significant.

At the time of filing, the client had:

• 5 peer-reviewed journal articles, 2 peer-reviewed conference papers, and 5 abstracts, most as first author
• 25 citations across published works, including one paper ranking in the top 1% of most cited in engineering for its publication year

His research is supported by nationally recognized grants and has been adopted by researchers in fields including energy systems, supply chain forecasting, and education technology—evidence of broad utility and influence.

Well Positioned to Advance the Proposed Endeavor

NAILG demonstrated that the client is well-positioned to advance his proposed endeavor. He holds an M.I.E. from a U.S. institution, as well as a strong academic foundation in industrial and systems engineering. His research plan, focused on simulation-based digital twins, AI forecasting, and process optimization, aligns directly with U.S. efforts to expand biomanufacturing capacity.

The client’s scholarly record, invitations to speak at NSF-funded workshops, and publication in top-tier journals all support his qualifications. Citation percentiles were used to show the objective significance of his work, with one publication cited at a rate far exceeding norms for its field and year.

Moreover, independent researchers have directly relied on his findings in studies ranging from renewable energy systems to AI-driven education planning, further validating his contributions and the continuing relevance of his methods.

Approval and Outcome

Although the petition received a Request for Evidence (RFE), NAILG responded with additional legal arguments, updated expert letters, and further data to reinforce the case. USCIS approved less than seven months after filing.

We are honored to have represented this innovative researcher and to have secured his NIW petition approval. NAILG looks forward to his continued contributions in using AI and manufacturing science to improve health systems and sustainable food production outcomes for the United States.