Beyond Biology

Illinois is home to the Central Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Hub, a U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Tech Hub. iFAB is led by the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in partnership with Archer Daniels Midland Company, Primient and Clarkson Grain Company. This visionary proposal seeks to revolutionize synthetic biology and fermentation processing, driving economic growth and fostering innovation for a sustainable future. The state is home to the largest bioprocessing plants in the world, ADM and Primient, and a leading producer of soybean and corn feedstocks. As such, our state is uniquely positioned for biomanufacturing expansion with a well-established infrastructure, intermodal logistics, and room to scale large manufacturing facilities that would prove more logistically challenging in densely-populated areas. Illinois also has a vibrant AgTech startup community and an industry concentration supported by the renowned Integrated Bioprocessing Research Lab at the University of Urbana-Champaign.

iFAB is poised to be a global leader in precision fermentation and bioprocessing with all assets in proximity of only 51 miles—with world-class universities, feedstock availability, manufacturing facilities all within the “lab-to-line” ecosystem. The proposal’s workforce component will create a pipeline of trained talent for start-ups and companies moving to the region, helping to meet the projected regional need of 3,000-6,000 precision fermentation workers, particularly technicians and operators. The iFAB consortium of leaders from higher education, economic development organizations, government, and industry has secured significant commitments, including over $680 million in cash match and strategic investments, demonstrating strong confidence and backing from stakeholders.