Corn kernel fiber is a natural, renewable and low-cost material produced from the corn grain’s wet and dry mill processes prior to the ethanol production process. Currently, it is used as a low-grade animal feed ingredient, but it could have another use. Carbon fiber (CF), a synthetic material, makes them attractive for use in aerospace, automotive, medical industries and sporting equipment. Currently, most commercial CFs are manufactured from a petroleum-derived polymer. This project has developed a novel process of converting corn kernel fiber to high-quality carbon fiber. This project has successfully established a new technology for converting corn kernel fiber to high-value CFs, thus increasing the value and sustainability of Nebraska’s corn crop. This novel use will increase the potential value of corn kernel fiber.