Iowa State University of Science and Technology
1234 Lancelot Drive 0001 , Elaine Hall Ames, Iowa, United States

The Bioeconomy Institute at Iowa State University leads the nation and world in establishing the bioeconomy, where society obtains renewable fuel, energy, chemicals, and materials from agricultural resources.

The Bioeconomy Institute investigates the entire value chain of biobased products.

From plant breeding, biomass production, and logistics to processing, utilization, and economics policy, the Bioeconomy Institute takes a systems-wide approach to find environmentally and economically sustainable solutions. Our interdisciplinary approach means we bring experts and scientists from many fields to work together toward solutions.

• The institute teams with innovative companies in Iowa and beyond, including companies in the fuels, power, agricultural, and pulp and paper industries. The Bioeconomy Institute also partners with major federal agencies, and on campus it has more than 200 affiliates and collaborates with all of Iowa State’s colleges.
• With its rich natural resources, vibrant agriculture and manufacturing industries, skilled workforce, favorable business environment, dynamic renewable energy initiatives, and innovative research institutes, Iowa is poised to lead the world in the bioeconomy.
• Since its founding in 2007, the Bioeconomy Institute has been conducting research and development and providing education in the bioeconomy field. It has completed more than $50 million in grants and contracts in the last five years.
• The Biorenewables Research Laboratory is a 70,000-sq.-ft. building housing state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, collaboration space, and labs for industry interactions.
• The Bioeconomy Institute is world renowned for its research into thermochemical conversion, where heat, pressure, and catalysts are used to convert cellulosic biomass—nonfood “energy” crops and agricultural residues such as corn stover—into valuable products.