Biomanufacturing technology network BioMADE announced Friday that it will establish a new pilot-scale biomanufacturing plant near Ames, Iowa.
The $40 million project will build a 15,000-square-foot facility that includes up to 10,000-lier industrial fermenters, dry and wet lab space, and downstream processing capabilities to develop food products, chemicals and agricultural bioproducts.
Bioindustrial manufacturing, BioMADE officials said, aims to produce advanced materials, lubricants, energetic precursors and more from crops such as corn or soybeans. BioMADE will contributed at least $20 million to the Iowa facility; Iowa State University and a state economic development program will each contribute another $10 million.
“We are thrilled to be establishing this facility in Iowa. We look forward to deepening engagement across the state as we build critical biomanufacturing infrastructure and facilitate economic development that will benefit all Americans,” BioMADE CEO Douglas Friedman said in a statement.
The Iowa plant would join previous investments in Minnesota and California in BioMADE's "Pilot Plant Network."
