Iowa has earned a reputation as a bioscience epicenter with an unwavering commitment to innovation and collaboration. From startup companies to globally respected industry leaders in research and development, Iowa’s bioscience enterprises are discovering the innovations that will spur future economic growth.

In the last decade, Iowa made significant progress in building the industry, with employment growing 8% between 2016 and 2021. Roughly 1,805 entities are working to commercialize Iowa's bioscience innovations.

Iowa’s blend of business-friendly government policies, innovative private industries and world-class research institutions have cemented the state’s position as a biosciences leader.

Leadership in Action

Building on leadership in production of corn, soybeans and other commodities, Iowa researchers and innovators have developed hundreds of new uses and harnessed the benefits of these products that deliver valuable bio-based solutions to consumers, communities and the environment alike.

Iowa is the nation’s renewable fuels leader, leading the country in ethanol, biodiesel and wind energy production (as a percentage of total power output), with an established infrastructure to support new and growing biomanufacturing ventures. Iowa leads the nation in energy generated from renewable resources, with 64% of the state’s electricity derived from renewable energy.

Infrastructure Advantage

For companies looking to start or grow a bio-based or renewable business, Iowa’s research and commercial infrastructure is second to none. Collaborate with world-class scientists at Iowa State University’s BioCentury Research Farm, BioEconomy Institute, Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites or the University of Iowa Center for Biocatalysts and Bioprocessing, or find a home at the ISU Research Park along with other industry leaders including the University of Iowa Research Park, ISU College of Vet Med and more.