The value-added bioconversion of biomass is necessary due to the depletion of fossil fuels and deterioration of the global environment situation. Based on the analysis of characteristics of solid materials and the applicability of solid agro-industrial residues used as feedstock for solid-state fermentation (SSF), the authors established a value-added bioconversion system for biomass using the key technology SSF. This article gives an overview of biomass bioconversion by SSF and the corresponding advances achieved in recent years. Copyright (c) 2012 Society of Chemical Industry