Navigating Rapid Change: Biotechnology Innovation and Adaptation
March 3 & 4, 2026
Des Moines and Ankeny, Iowa
The Iowa Biotech Showcase & Conference (IBSC) is an annual conference hosted by IowaBio bringing together innovators, biotech leaders, investors, and support vendors from across Iowa for industry-specific programming and networking opportunities. This year's event will take place in Des Moines on March 3, and in Ankeny on March 4.
Highlights of the IBSC include:
- Biotech showcase pitch competition ($10,000 prize)
- Educational industry presentations
- Industry-focused legislative update
- Industry keynote
- Policy keynote
- Biotech Leader of the Year award presentation
- Networking receptions VIP dinner
Additional benefits of participation include:
- Showcasing your work to a diverse audience of fellow biotech enthusiasts and experts
- Connecting with potential collaborators, partners, and mentors
- Contributing to the celebration of Iowa's role in shaping the biotech landscape
- Elevating your profile within the biotech community
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.
We are now accepting nominations through Jan. 16, 2026.
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.
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 Strategies
- Katie Hall, Iowa Soybean Association
- Kristin Murphy, BIO
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 Chowdery, Iowa State University
- Matthew Smalley, Corteva
- Erin Rollenhagen, People Friendly Tech
- Reid Forgrave, Moderator
- Billi Hunt, America's Cultivation Corridor
- Hermes Biomaterials – Connor Thorpe
- Koos Medical Innovations – Maggie Koos
- Saber Chemical – Baker Kuehl
- Sauvera Health – Andrew Guillemette
- NeuraClick, Inc. – Subhi Marwari
- Element 20 – Stephen Wilson
- Zachary Pratt, Fredrikson and Byron
- Sean Solberg, Fredrikson and Byron
OR
Pro-Farmer Solutions to Ecological Challenges
- Kaylee Williams, InnoVenture Iowa
- Adam Hammes, SGS America
- Tony Thompson, Century Farm
- Ryan Peterson, Eocene Environmental Group
- Katie Hall, Soy Aquaculture Association
- Dr. Amrit Bart, Soy Aquaculture Alliance
- Jackson Kimle, Midland Co.
- Landon Loftsgard, Gold Outdoors
OR
- Kevin Moore, Iowa State University
- Chad Pastor, BioMADE
- Zhiyou Wen, ISU CCUR
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
Biotech Showcase Sponsor
VIP Dinner Sponsor
Policy Keynote Sponsor
Industry Keynote Sponsor
Iowa Biotech Leader Award Sponsor
Legislative Update Sponsor
Session Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
