iFAB is working to leverage existing capabilities and build assets in order to scale precision fermentation to convert agricultural feedstocks into high-value end products such as industrial chemicals, food ingredients, alternative proteins, functional materials, textiles, agricultural inputs, and more. 

By leveraging its regional assets in corn and soy feedstocks, bioprocessing infrastructure, and research leadership, iFAB will create a “lab-to-line” experience for biomanufacturing technologies. The region will serve as a domestic biomanufacturing center through the development and deployment of multi-use pilot and demonstration capacity and equipment for biomanufacturing innovators, while also training a skilled workforce. 

iFAB seeks to advance fermentation technology by making it possible to create innovative, high-value products from agricultural commodities. 

The consortium is addressing this industry through: 

• Upgrading and expanding existing facilities to allow for more companies to commercialize precision fermentation technologies and increase production capacity
• Sharing equipment, expanding capital access, and contracting research organizations to attract global companies to the region and to foster and retain home-grown entrepreneurs
• Designing and implementing sector-specific training across skill levels students, incumbent employees, and other constituencies in the biomanufacturing workforce.

Learn more about iFAB’s current projects here.