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Iowa Biotech

Navigating Rapid Change: Biotechnology Innovation and Adaptation

March 3 & 4, 2026

Des Moines and Ankeny, Iowa

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

IBSC 2026 Agenda

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 – Des Moines, Iowa

2:30 PM

3:15 PM

5:30 PM

6:30 PM

Iowa State Capitol Tour
Iowa State Capitol, 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319
Legislative Update
Room 304
  • Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
  • State & Federal Policy Update:
    • Logan Shine, Shine Strategies
    • Emily Piper, Shine Strategies
    • Kristin Murphy, BIO
  • Katie Hall, Iowa Soybean Association

VIP Cocktail Reception (Invite Only)
Sponsored by KENT Worldwide

VIP Dinner (Invite Only)
Sponsored by BioConnect Iowa

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

Networking Coffee
Smokey Row, 1530 SW Vintage Pkwy., Ankeny, IA 50023
Registration & Breakfast
FFA Enrichment Center, 1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023
Welcome/Opening Remarks

Jessica Hyland, IowaBio Executive Director

Dr. Nolan Mente, Ph.D, Cargill, IowaBio Chair

Industry Keynote: AI Things Considered Panel
Sponsored by BrownWinick Law
  • Ratul Chowdhury, Iowa State University
  • Matthew Smalley, Corteva
  • Erin Rollenhagen, People Friendly Tech
  • Reid Forgrave, Moderator
Tomorrow’s Innovators: High School Voices Shaping the Future of AI
  • Alexa Groff, Iowa State University
  • Connor Brehm, Des Moines Christian
  • Henry Zou, Johnston High School
  • Winston Fan, West High, Iowa City
Policy Keynote: Iowa Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer
Lunch and Biotech Leader of the Year Award
  • Billi Hunt, America's Cultivation Corridor
Biotech Showcase Pitch Competition
Sponsored by Corteva Agriscience
  • 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
Break Out Sessions: Part I
New Horizons for Value Added Agriculture through Aquaculture
  • Katie Hall, Soy Aquaculture Alliance
  • Dr. Amrit Bart, Soy Aquaculture Alliance
  • Jackson Kimle, Midland Co.
  • Landon Loftsgard, Golden Outdoors

OR

ISU-BioMADE Partnership for a Biomanufacturing Scale Up Facility
  • Kevin Moore, Iowa State University
  • Chad Pastor, BioMADE
  • Zhiyou Wen, ISU CCUR
Break Out Sessions: Part II

Claiming Intelligence: Patenting at the Intersection of AI and Biotech

  • 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
  • Sara Crawford, Eocene Environmental Group
Biotech Showcase Award Ceremony
Sponsored by Corteva Agriscience
Reception
Sponsored by Cargill and Diamond V

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

Biotech Showcase Sponsor

STEM Sponsor

Iowa Biotech Leader Award Sponsor

VIP Dinner Sponsor

VIP Cocktail Reception Sponsor

Policy Keynote Sponsor

Industry Keynote Sponsor

Legislative Update Sponsor

Session Sponsor

Reception Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

IRFA_logo

Networking Coffee Sponsor