Initiative hopes to spark soy research support

PEORIA, Ill. — With all of the pieces of the puzzle already in place, an initiative is underway with a goal of making the Prairie State the ag-tech center of the world.

The Illinois Soybean Association’s Soy Innovation Center launched its first SpringBoard Challenge April 15-16 that brought together a broad spectrum of researchers and private sector representatives to discuss opportunities, research breakthroughs, investment opportunities and other issues in utilizing soybeans in the non-food product space.

“It’s important to recognize Illinois is uniquely positioned to be the global center of the ag-tech economy. We have all the pieces of the puzzle. We have world-class research facilities. We have world-class universities. We have a world-class financial players and mechanisms in the markets to put all of these things in place, and we have the best farmers,” said Todd Main, ISA marketing development director.

“We wanted to set up a research initiative that will help us to conduct a larger scale or a larger number of research projects using soy in innovative ways. This is the first round of this, and so we’re very excited and want to challenge the research community in Illinois to focus on soy. We’re the biggest soy producer and there are lots of opportunities to do some innovative things.”

John Lumpe, ISA CEO, said SpringBoard is more than just another conference.

“It’s a platform for new ideas, strategic partnerships and forward-thinking that helps bridge that gap between innovation and impact. Whether you’re a researcher, scientist, manufacturer, investor or farmer, your presence matters. This is where meaningful connections are made and where ideas become products and move our products,” he said.

“It’s important to recognize Illinois is uniquely positioned to be the global center of the ag-tech economy.”

—  Todd Main, marketing development director, Illinois Soybean Association

“Looking around the room, I see more than just industry leaders. I see a group of innovators, pioneers and problem solvers, shaping the feature of a bio-based products. And in the future I see something even greater for American farmers — profitability, resilience and long-term success.

“The investment ISA is making together in the commercialization of soy-based products is one of our most meaningful ways we can secure a strong future for our farmers, our communities and our supply chains.

“Through ISA leadership, with the momentum of the Soy Innovation Center, we’ve already made great progress, and we’re just getting started.”

Innovation Network

The event was held at Distillery Labs and its executive director, Doug Cruitt, said, “I’m just excited that we get to have this conversation here today, knowing that whenever you all leave this building those ripples go on throughout and new innovations, new collaborations will come out, as well.

“I also serve on the Illinois Innovation of Network. Innovation, collaboration, all of these things occur in this building every day. It is just one building that has connected through the Illinois Innovation Network hubs throughout the state. There are 14 other hubs in the state.”

The hubs utilize a combination of research, public-private partnership, entrepreneurship and workforce training programs to spur inclusive economic development in their region and across the state.

Sustainable Pipeline

“Our goal is we want to develop a sustainable pipeline,” Main said. “There are a few folks here from the venture capitol world. Our goal and my promise to you is that we are going to be the go-to place for investable projects because we’re going to do the research and then we’re going to support the commercialization — so, that when we get through the process and have an investable project for you to present, it’s going to be of the highest quality.

“The second is that we want to be an engine of commercialization and we want to have multiple products coming out every year in a pipeline.”

The first day of the conference focused on the state of research and development, innovation, opportunities, problem-solving, breakthroughs and active research.

The second day focused on the views of the investor community, possible funding partnerships, maximizing return-on-investment and building a sustainable ag product innovation ecosystem.

Bookending the two days was a pre-event tour of the Peoria Next Innovation Center and a post-event tour of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, all in Peoria.