The Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Hub (iFab) was designated a Regional Innovation and Technology Hub last fall. That designation allowed iFAB to apply for funding and inspired partners to commit nearly $680 million. This funding will be used to propel central Illinois as a leader in the bioprocessing field. Read more here: iFAB partners […]
Local pipefitter expertise supports growing biomanufacturing industry in Central Illinois
New initiatives by the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 149 and the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL) are training skilled tradespeople to support the rapidly growing biomanufacturing industry in Central Illinois. The iFab Tech Hub will generate a need for workers with diverse skill sets and this initiative aims to connect workers with desirable opportunities in […]
The Midwest could produce more biofuels and bio-based products. A federal bill aims to help
Legislation in Congress would expand a federal grant and loan program that helps producers of biofuels and other biomanufactured products build and expand their facilities. A bipartisan Congressional bill, the Agriculture Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity Act, or Ag BIO Act, would increase funding for innovation in the biofuels and bioproducts industry. The bill would revise […]
Synonym Joins Consortium of Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Hub (iFAB) as Tech Hub Designee
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) recently designated iFAB as a Tech Hub under the Tech Hubs Program, established by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. Synonym, the data-driven infrastructure development, and management platform for the bioeconomy announced itself as a member of the Consortium of the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture […]
Guest Commentary | Transforming grain to gold: How area-led industry can strengthen America’s economy, national security
Just as the alchemists of yesteryear sought to convert base metals into gold, today’s most prolific innovators have their sights set on transforming simple sugars into valuable products through a process called precision fermentation. While alchemists fell short of their aspirations, precision fermentation is not only a successful reality, but is also quickly turning into […]
iFAB Tech Hub partners IBRL and BBP scale fermentation tech, jobs in Central Illinois
The Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Research Park startup Boston Bioprocess (BBP) are part of the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Hub (iFAB), a newly designated Regional Innovation and Technology Hub fueling innovation and job creation in Central Illinois. Co-located in Urbana-Champaign, IBRL and BBP are quickly becoming premier destinations for companies looking to leverage biomanufacturing to produce novel food […]