iFAB Tech Hub

iFAB Leadership spent the first part of the week at an Innovative Capital Summit in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Economic Development Administration and National Science Foundation (NSF) convened leaders of the Tech Hubs and Engines Programs to discuss how communities across the country are shaping innovation and the next wave of U.S. economic growth. It was a motivating couple of days made more motivating by the strong and powerful presence from Illinois. We are fortunate to have this network of colleagues and support. Current Chicago Quantum Exchange P33 Chicago

The precision fermentation industry is projected to reach $200 billion by 2040, with the potential to generate one million jobs by 2030.

iFAB Tech Hub is set to receive $51M in federal funding to become the global center in #biomanufacturing. This funding will bring a wealth of local opportunities — from expanding and building lab space at the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory, ADM, and Synonym to creating new jobs. “The jobs that will come because of iFAB are a whole range of educational backgrounds, interest levels, — whether or not you care about science, there are roles for so many people in these industries," Beth Conerty with IBRL said. This The News-Gazette story breaks down the new funding: https://bit.ly/4eU5tTK

iFAB leadership includes representatives from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, Economic Development Corporation of Decatur-Macon County, and University of Illinois Research Park. https://lnkd.in/eJ9TGU4a

🎉 We are honored to be among the 12 Tech Hub Designees selected for implementation funding! Thank you to the Biden-Harris Administration and U.S. Economic Development Administration for this flagship initiative and confidence in our region. This investment will position Central Illinois as a *global leader* in biomanufacturing and precision fermentation, supporting national security, economic growth, and job creation. This wouldn't be possible without our incredible partners who have been with us every step of the way: https://lnkd.in/gRvrBJ93. We look forward to the transformative work ahead. 📰 U.S. Economic Development Administration press release: https://lnkd.in/gUV7neGs 📰 University of Illinois College of ACES press release: https://lnkd.in/gCDURrmf

Last week, iFAB leaders Nicole Bateman and Carly McCrory-McKay received the award for Economic Development Partner of the year from IMEC Illinois and Illinois Manufacturers' Association. Their efforts to grow biomanufacturing in Illinois will result in economic growth and job opportunities for many groups and communities. Congratulations, Carly and Nicole, and well-deserved!

Headed to the U.S. Department of Commerce's SelectUSA Summit? iFAB leaders Carly McCrory-McKay and Nicole Bateman will be in attendance. Stop by the Team Illinois booth (323) to connect!

Thanks to iFAB Strategic Partners Greater Peoria Economic Development Council and Peoria NEXT Innovation Center for letting us discuss biomanufacturing with your stakeholders. 📸 : Alexandre Chequim

Nicole Bateman will be discussing manufacturing capabilities that exist and the path to more capacity here in the iFAB region.

This week, iFAB partners proved their collaboration skills again with a trip to Washington, D.C. to advocate for biomanufacturing, precision fermentation, and the assets that exist in Central Illinois. With innovation, pilot scale partners, feedstock, and incumbent industry support, there is no better location for biomanufacturing to thrive than with our unique "Lab-to-Line" approach. Thank you to iFAB Partners in attendance for demonstrating how well we work together Champaign County EDC Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory University of Illinois Research Park Synonym Primient ADM Parkland College Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity