Navigating Rapid Change: Biotechnology Innovation and Adaptation
March 3 & 4, 2026
Des Moines and Ankeny, Iowa
Refund Policy: All refund requests must be received by Tuesday, February 24, 2026, and submitted via email to Mary Lyon at mary@iowabio.org.
No refunds will be granted after this deadline.
The Iowa Biotech Showcase & Conference (IBSC) is Iowa’s premier gathering for biotechnology innovation, connection, and momentum. Each year, IBSC brings together the state’s brightest biotech startups, industry leaders, investors, policymakers, students, researchers, and ecosystem partners for two days of learning, collaboration, and opportunity.
From emerging startups pitching breakthrough ideas to seasoned leaders sharing insights on policy, investment, and growth, IBSC is where ideas turn into action. Attendees will experience thought-provoking keynotes, dynamic panel discussions, curated networking, and the highly anticipated Biotech Showcase Pitch Competition; all designed to strengthen Iowa’s bioscience ecosystem and spotlight what’s next.
Whether you’re building a company, investing in innovation, shaping policy, or supporting the biotech community, IBSC offers unmatched access to the people, ideas, and conversations driving the future of bioscience in Iowa and beyond.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsoring the 2026 Iowa Biotech Showcase & Conference is a powerful way to highlight your company as a leader in Iowa’s dynamic and rapidly expanding biotech sector. Enjoy unparalleled opportunities for networking, brand exposure, and alignment with Iowa’s thriving biotech community.
New for 2026: Sponsors can now register themselves directly through our online portal—making it easier than ever to secure your spot and showcase your support.
2026 Biotech Showcase Competition
Each year, six startup companies are selected to pitch their biotech-related product or service for a chance to win the grand prize of $10,000. The pitch competition will take place on the morning of Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa.
New in 2026: Selected startups will be paired with an experienced industry mentor to refine their presentations and practice their pitches ahead of the competition.
Biotech Leader of the Year Award
The Biotech Leader Award, presented by America's Cultivation Corridor, is one of the most esteemed honors and is presented annually at the Iowa Biotech Showcase & Conference among peers, colleagues, and industry leaders.
Those recognized with this honor are exceptional individuals who have shown leadership within their organizations and the industry, consistently delivered innovative biotech solutions, and actively advocated for Iowa's biotechnology sector.
IBSC 2026 Agenda
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 – Des Moines, Iowa
3:00 PM
3:40 PM
5:30 PM
- IowaBio's Lobbying Team
- Logan Shine & Emily Piper, Shine Strategie
- Kristin Murphy, BIO
Katie Hall, Iowa Soybean Association
VIP Dinner
Invite only
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 – Ankeny, Iowa
7:30 AM
8:30 AM
9:15 AM
9:25 AM
10:20 AM
11:10 AM
11:30 AM
12:00 PM
1:45 PM
2:45 PM
3:45 PM
4:00 PM
- Jessica Hyland, IowaBio Executive Director
- Dr. Nolan Mente, Ph.D, Cargill, IowaBio Board Chair
- Ratul Chowdhury, Iowa State University
- Matthew Smalley, Corteva
- Erin Rollenhagen, People Friendly Tech
- Reid Forgrave, Moderator
- Alexa Groff, Iowa State University
- Connor Brehm, Des Moines Christian
- Henry Zou, Johnston High School
- Winston Fan, West High, Iowa City
- Billi Hunt, America's Cultivation Corridor
- BioConcrete – Saeed B. Nia
- Koos Medical Innovations – Maggie Koos
- Saber Chemical – Baker Kuehl
- Sauvera Health – Andrew Guillemette
- NeuraClick, Inc. – Subhi Marwari
- Element 20 – Stephen Wilson
- Katie Hall, Soy Aquaculture Alliance
- Dr. Amrit Bart, Soy Aquaculture Alliance
- Jackson Kimle, Midland Co.
- Landon Loftsgard, Golden Outdoors
OR
Pro-Farmer Solutions to Ecological Challenges
- Kaylee Williams, InnoVenture Iowa
- Adam Hammes, SGS America
- Tony Thompson, Century Farm
- Ryan Peterson, Eocene Environmental Group
Claiming Intelligence: Patenting at the Intersection of AI and Biotech
- Zachary Pratt, Fredrikson and Byron
- Sean Solberg, Fredrikson and Byron
OR
- Kevin Moore, Iowa State University
- Chad Pastor, BioMADE
- Zhiyou Wen, ISU CCUR
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
Biotech Showcase Sponsor
Iowa Biotech Leader Award Sponsor
Policy Keynote Sponsor
Industry Keynote Sponsor
VIP Dinner Sponsor
VIP Cocktail Reception Sponsor
Legislative Update Sponsor
Session Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Networking Coffee Sponsor
