BioMADE Expands Biomanufacturing Pilot Plant Network with New $40M Biomanufacturing Facility in Iowa
The Iowa plant is BioMADE’s third in the national network and underscores a joint commitment between the State of Iowa and BioMADE to increase U.S. biomanufacturing capacity.
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MN/EMERYVILLE, CA, August 15, 2025 – Today, BioMADE announced its plans to establish and operate a new pilot-scale bioindustrial manufacturing facility near Ames, Iowa. This is the third facility in BioMADE’s Pilot Plant Network, following announcements of major investments in Minnesota and California. The network of bioindustrial manufacturing facilities will establish the U.S. as a leader in the global bioeconomy, secure domestic supply chains for needed products with defense and commercial applications, and boost rural economic development.
The 15,000 sq. ft. multi-user facility will include up to 10,000-liter industrial fermenters, dry and wet lab space, and downstream processing capabilities centered around the development of agricultural bioproducts, chemicals, food and more. At a total project value of $40 million, BioMADE has committed at least $20 million, which will be matched by up to $10 million in cost-share contributions from ISU and $10 million in funding from IEDA’s Strategic Infrastructure Program.
The bioindustrial manufacturing industry in the U.S. currently faces a scale-up challenge due to a critical lack of pilot- to demonstration-scale infrastructure. As a result, American companies often have to seek relevant facilities overseas, taking American innovation with them and risking IP loss. To address this gap, BioMADE worked with partners at the U.S. Department of Defense, the Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa State University and the Iowa State University Research Park to establish this facility and continue the growth of its national Pilot Plant Network.
BioMADE's facility will complement other Iowa-based facilities, like ISU’s Center for Crops Utilization Research, to increase the speed at which companies can move through technological development and scale-up processes, bringing innovative biotechnologies from the laboratory bench to commercial production.
“Iowa is proud to partner with the U.S. Department of Defense and BioMADE to build the infrastructure needed to lead in the next generation of biomanufacturing,” said Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. “This facility will unleash new value from our agricultural resources, create high-quality jobs, and ensure Iowa remains at the forefront of bioscience innovation and global competitiveness.”
Bioindustrial manufacturing leverages domestically grown crops like corn and soybeans to produce products Americans use every day. By harnessing the power of biology, American companies can create or improve needed defense materials like lightweight composite materials, anti-corrosive lubricants, energetics and energetic precursors, fuels, high temperature-resistant foams and thermal protection systems, and more. In addition to providing key defense capabilities, bioindustrial manufacturing secures consumer supply chains for products like plant-based fabrics, detergents, paints and coatings, adhesives, beauty and personal care items, and bioplastics.
“We are thrilled to be establishing this facility in Iowa. We look forward to deepening engagement across the state as we build critical biomanufacturing infrastructure and facilitate economic development that will benefit all Americans,” said Dr. Douglas Friedman, Chief Executive Officer at BioMADE. “Thank you to Governor Kim Reynolds for her leadership in supporting this groundbreaking project. We are grateful to have a partner who shares our vision for U.S. biomanufacturing, leveraging American agricultural excellence to reinvigorate industrial competitiveness across the country.”
"BioMADE continues to demonstrate its leadership in bioindustrial manufacturing that strengthens our nation's defense capabilities and economic resilience," said Keith DeVries, director of the Department of Defense Manufacturing Technology Program. "By advancing bioindustrial manufacturing infrastructure, BioMADE is not only driving innovation but also creating a foundation for long-term economic and national security. This initiative underscores the critical role of Manufacturing Innovation Institutes in delivering transformative solutions for the warfighter and the nation."
“The bioindustrial manufacturing industry is poised for growth in the U.S.,” said Colleen May, President of Cargill’s Bioindustrials Group. “Scale-up facilities like this are strongly needed to help new biomanufactured products get to commercial-scale production. This facility will help the industry grow in Iowa and around the country.”
The Iowa facility is set to open in early 2028.
Visit www.biomade.org for more information about BioMADE’s infrastructure initiative and its role as a Department of Defense Manufacturing Innovation Institute.
About BioMADE
By supporting the development of biomanufacturing technologies, BioMADE and its network of nearly 350 members across 40 states are strengthening American competitiveness, creating a more resilient supply chain, reshoring manufacturing jobs, and producing biobased products without relying on foreign inputs. BioMADE is also building a globally competitive STEM workforce to ensure American workers are prepared and ready to fill new jobs within this rapidly growing industry. BioMADE was catalyzed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in October of 2020 and is a proud member of Manufacturing USA®.