Illinois Soybean Association Launches SpringBoard Seed Funding Challenge

By Andi Anderson

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has introduced the SpringBoard Seed Funding Challenge, aiming to accelerate the development of sustainable, soy-based products outside the food sector.

This initiative, part of the ISA's Soy Innovation Center (SIC), invites innovators from across the U.S. and globally to submit their concept papers by May 30, 2025.

Held at Distillery Labs in Peoria, the inaugural SpringBoard Event gathered researchers, industry leaders, and investors to fuel collaborations and push for the commercialization of soy-based alternatives.

The event emphasized the potential of soy to revolutionize industries by replacing petroleum-derived inputs in products such as bioplastics, lubricants, textiles, and more.

“The SpringBoard Seed Funding Challenge brings together the right resources to solve pressing material challenges,” said John Lumpe, CEO of ISA. “We aim to connect researchers and entrepreneurs to foster meaningful change in industrial supply chains.”

The challenge focuses on five key areas where soy can offer sustainable alternatives:

• Bioplastics: Soy-based plastics that outperform petroleum plastics.
• Lubricants: High-performance, soy-based oils for extreme conditions.
• PFAS Substitutes: Safe, biodegradable alternatives to harmful chemicals.
• Biopolymers: Soy-based polymers for industrial applications.
• Biofibers: Durable, soy-based textile fibers with low-impact processing.

“The challenge isn’t just about funding—it’s about building a community of innovators,” said Todd Main, ISA’s Director of Market Development.

The challenge unfolds in two stages:

• Stage One: Submit a 3-page concept paper by May 30, 2025. Selected teams receive a $2,000 stipend.
• Stage Two: Finalists submit detailed proposals by August 15, 2025, for a chance to win up to $40,000 in seed funding.

The winners will be recognized at the IIN Sustaining Illinois Research Conference on September 25–26, 2025.

Photo Credit: illinois-soybean-association