Image by Ames Voice

Representatives of the state of Iowa, Iowa State University and BioMADE broke ground for a $40 million fermentation pilot plant on Friday at Iowa State University’s BioCentury ResearchFarm just west of Ames. The facility will support biomanufacturing research and development into the conversion of crops into chemicals, livestock feeds and other uses. Pictured, from left, are Brent Shanks, ISU distinguished professor in engineering; Jack Starr, BioMADE chief manufacturing officer; Douglas Friedman, BioMADE chief executive officer; Kim Reynolds, governor of Iowa; and Wendy Wintersteen, president of Iowa State.

BioMADE breaks ground on new plant

Published November 16, 2025

The facility will support biomanufacturing research and development into the conversion of crops into chemicals, livestock feeds and other uses.

Development of the pilot plant is supported by $20 million from BioMADE, a national nonprofit created in 2020 with the help of a seven-year, $87 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense. The Iowa Economic Development Authority is providing $10 million and Iowa State is providing $10 million of cost-share contributions such as facility space.

“Iowa State excels at biobased innovations,” said ISU President Wendy Wintersteen in a statement. “Our cutting-edge expertise and infrastructure will help BioMADE advance the U.S. as a global leader in biomanufacturing.”

The new, 15,000-square-foot pilot plant is expected to open in 2027.

BioMADE