By Andi Anderson
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has announced that Illinois has secured approximately $51 million in federal funding for the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub.
This significant investment aims to develop sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based products by leveraging Illinois’ leading production of raw agricultural materials.
This funding marks a crucial step in advancing Illinois’ leadership in the precision fermentation and biomanufacturing industry, fostering economic growth and job creation.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates that Illinois is leading the nation in biotechnology and biomanufacturing,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
“Thanks to this $51 million investment from our federal partners, the iFAB consortium will have the resources they need to expand their cutting-edge research and bring innovation and growth to Central Illinois for decades to come.”
The iFAB consortium, which includes leaders from higher education, economic development organizations, government, and industry, has secured significant commitments, including over $680 million in cash match and strategic investments.
This initiative will combine advanced R&D, scalable infrastructure, and abundant feedstock production within a 51-mile radius, positioning Central Illinois as a leading biomanufacturing hub.
“With today’s news, Illinois will remain a global leader in biotechnology and biomanufacturing—especially in critical fields like food and agriculture—and will stimulate local economies, and improve food security for decades to come,” said Senator Dick Durbin.
“I commend the Biden-Harris Administration for their innovative CHIPS and Science Act and for establishing the Tech Hubs program. I look forward to seeing all iFAB can achieve for future generations.”
The EDA grant will be strategically allocated to various projects, including infrastructure development and industry partnerships. The iFAB Tech Hub aims to attract and support companies within the biomanufacturing ecosystem in Champaign, Piatt, and Macon counties.
Key investments include a $40 million expansion of the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL), which will upgrade its fermenter capacity. Additional funding will be allocated to Primient and Synonym for increased fermentation capacity and ADM for upgrades to their precision fermentation facility.
“Securing this grant is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of our partners and the strategic importance of leveraging biology as a manufacturing technology of the future,” said Beth Conerty, iFAB regional innovation officer.
“We are thrilled to lead this charge in making Central Illinois the heart of biomanufacturing in the U.S. and beyond.”
The iFAB Tech Hub is supported by Innovate Illinois, a strategic initiative led by Governor Pritzker and co-chaired by U. of I. Chancellor Robert J. Jones.
The initiative brings together over 30 partners representing Central Illinois’ academic, industry, and government organizations to meet the growing demand for fermentation in biomanufacturing.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowsk
Categories: Illinois, General