Research Park Receives National Recognition as Community of Innovation - Friday, November 14, 2025

AMES, Iowa – Connections to cutting-edge research, student talent, infrastructure and other resources are why dozens of startups, global corporations and business ventures call the Iowa State University Research Park home.

The park’s success in building a thriving innovation district has earned national recognition. On Nov. 13, the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) named Iowa State’s Research Park its Distinguished Community of Innovation of the Year. The award recognizes ecosystems that are “driving the journey of research translations from concept to market and creating measurable impact.” 

“We are honored to receive this recognition for our success as a national model for university-affiliated innovation,” said Rick Sanders, ISU Research Park president. “The Iowa State University Research Park strives every day to connect innovative companies to the resources available at Iowa State University as we work to make Iowa and the world a better place.”

Members of the research park team received the award during the 2025 Awards of Excellence in Innovation ceremony, which is part of AURP’s international conference. The Distinguished Community of Innovation award recognizes “active engagement with the higher ed or research institute community — through funding, research involvement, and providing valuable experiential learning opportunities for students.”

Tenant Success 

Iowa State’s 550-acre research park is home to 144 companies and 2,500 employees. For Craig Rupp, the founder of Sabanto, choosing the research park was rooted in his personal connection to Iowa State. His company specializes in transforming conventional tractors into autonomous machines by integrating electronics, navigation systems and hydraulic components. 

“I grew up in Iowa. I went to Iowa State. I moved to Chicago and realized where I really wanted to be was back in Iowa,” Rupp said. “The vibrant ecosystem of talent and resources offered at the research park, combined with my affinity for this area, made Ames the ideal location for Sabanto’s operations.” 

Mason City-based CURRIES is at the forefront of door manufacturing for malls, hotels, stadiums, airports and universities. The company, founded in 1895, has a long-standing relationship with the university through career fairs and student projects and decided to extend that connection by opening an office at the research park. 

“We went down with a group of our engineers, and we were surprised at how many Midwest-based companies had offices in the research park,” said Pamela Lampman, director of human resources at CURRIES Mason City location. “A lot of them are manufacturers in rural areas like us. As we learned more, we saw the benefit to having a physical presence where we could more easily engage with students and faculty exploring new materials engineering.”

Iowa Governor Reynolds, Iowa State University, and BioMADE Break Ground on New $40M Biomanufacturing Facility - Friday, November 14, 2025

Located near Ames, the new facility will provide critical biomanufacturing infrastructure in the U.S. as part of BioMADE’s Pilot Plant Network, demonstrating a joint commitment between Governor Kim Reynolds and BioMADE to establish the State of Iowa as a biomanufacturing hub and support rural economic development.

AMES, IA, November 14, 2025 – Today, BioMADE, the State of Iowa, Iowa State University (ISU), and Iowa State University Research Park celebrated the groundbreaking of a new pilot-scale bioindustrial manufacturing facility near Ames, Iowa. Scheduled to open in 2027, the 15,000 sq. ft. multi-user site will support the manufacture of products needed by the defense and commercial markets, create new revenue streams for farmers, and reaffirm Iowa’s leadership in biotechnology innovation. 

“This facility provides innovators the space and equipment to test, scale, and bring new ideas to life—ideas that will give our military servicemembers the materials they need to keep us safe,” stated Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. “It will also bring manufacturing back home, strengthening America’s supply chains for biobased fabrics, adhesives, plastics, and more, all while creating new markets for Iowa-grown crops.”

The facility will feature 5,000 and 10,000-liter industrial fermenters, dry and wet lab space, and downstream processing capabilities to support the development of agricultural bioproducts, chemicals, animal feeds, food products like probiotics and sweeteners, and more. It will complement existing Iowa-based programs, like ISU’s Center for Crops Utilization Research, accelerating innovation and scale-up efforts even further. 

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

Supporting both national economic and defense initiatives, bioindustrial manufacturing leverages domestically grown crops—such as corn, soybeans, and sugar beets—to produce everyday materials and strategic defense products. These include lightweight composites, anti-corrosive lubricants, fuels, high temperature-resistant foams, and thermal protection systems, as well as consumer goods like plant-based fabrics, detergents, paints and coatings, adhesives, beauty and personal care items, and bioplastics.

“BioMADE continues to prove its value in convening leading experts from industry, academia and government to revitalize the defense industrial base to address critical manufacturing challenges facing our warfighters,” said Mr. Michael Holthe, who is performing the duties of Assistant Secretary of War for Science and Technology.   “I couldn’t be prouder of the community they are building. The BioMADE Pilot Plant in Iowa is a prime example of their impact and will be vital for our nation's long-term national and economic security.”

The facility will help to address a critical gap in U.S. biomanufacturing infrastructure. Currently, many established biotech companies and startups must scale their products overseas, risking intellectual property loss to global competitors. BioMADE is working with partners at the U.S. Department of War (DoW), Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), ISU, and the ISU Research Park to avoid these risks and provide the necessary infrastructure for America to lead the global bioeconomy of the twenty-first century. 

“We’re thrilled to be constructing this critically needed facility in Iowa,” said Dr. Douglas Friedman, Chief Executive Officer at BioMADE. “This Pilot Plant joins a network of forthcoming facilities that will establish the U.S. as a leader in the global bioeconomy, and we’re excited that Iowa will be part of it. Thank you to Governor Reynolds, Iowa State University, and all our partners who made today’s groundbreaking ceremony a major success.” 

BioMADE has committed?at least $20 million of the project’s $40 million value, which will be matched by up to $10 million in cost-share contributions from ISU and?$10 million in funding from the IEDA’s Strategic Infrastructure Program. 

“This facility represents the missing piece in Iowa’s biomanufacturing ecosystem. With its advanced capabilities and strategic location, it will unlock new opportunities for innovation, commercialization and economic growth, said Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority. “By bridging the gap between research and industrial scale-up, Iowa is well-positioned to lead the nation in bioindustrial manufacturing—and we’re proud to support this transformative investment.”

The Iowa facility will join sites in Minnesota and California, as one of the first three projects in BioMADE’s Pilot Plant Network, a system of pilot- to demonstration-scale facilities across the country that will establish the U.S. as a global leader in biomanufacturing. The benefits of U.S. bioindustrial manufacturing are already apparent, including increased supply chain resilience, bolstered national security, rural economic development, and new markets for American-grown crops.

Visit www.biomade.org for more information about BioMADE’s infrastructure initiatives and its role as a DoD Manufacturing Innovation Institute. 

About BioMADE?

By supporting the development of biomanufacturing technologies, BioMADE and its network of over 325 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. DoD in October of 2020 and is a proud member of Manufacturing USA®. 

Judi Eyles Receives Prestigious GCEC Legacy Award - Monday, October 13, 2025

Calgary, Alberta, Canada (October 6, 2025) — On Saturday, October 4, Judi Eyles, director of the Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, received the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC) Legacy Award, honoring her nearly 30 years of visionary leadership in entrepreneurship education and her lasting impact on students, faculty, and entrepreneurs.

The Legacy Award, one of GCEC’s highest distinctions, recognizes individuals whose work has created enduring, transformational impact in advancing entrepreneurship within universities. Eyles received the honor at the 2025 GCEC Conference, hosted by the University of Calgary, in front of more than 500 entrepreneurship leaders from around the world.

Eyles has been a cornerstone of Iowa State University’s entrepreneurial ecosystem since 1996, when she joined the newly founded Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship. In 2017, she became director, guiding the Center’s evolution into a globally recognized hub for entrepreneurial learning and innovation.

Eyles (’93 BBA), a native of Algona, Iowa, shared the following as she reflected on receiving the Legacy Award, “I am deeply honored to be recognized among our GCEC peer institutions, and I am touched beyond words that the Pappajohn Center team, and the many people who supported this nomination, chose to pursue this award on my behalf. I am truly grateful to Iowa State University for the opportunity to collaborate with partners and leaders across campus to grow entrepreneurship and innovation. This work has been profoundly rewarding. While we don’t do this for personal recognition, it is gratifying to know our efforts are making a difference for the students, faculty, and community entrepreneurs we serve.”

Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen celebrated the recognition, noting, “This recognition is a testament to Judi’s extraordinary leadership of the Pappajohn Center and her lasting impact on innovation and entrepreneurship at Iowa State University. Her unwavering commitment and visionary guidance have been instrumental in advancing our shared mission. I am deeply grateful for all she’s done to support and elevate our university’s innovation ecosystem. Her work inspires students, faculty, and the broader community alike.”

Eyles’ philosophy, shaped by her longtime mentor John Pappajohn, is simple yet powerful: believe in people before they believe in themselves. Her mentorship and leadership have empowered thousands to launch ventures, grow businesses, and pursue bold ideas.

Beyond Iowa State, Eyles has been an active GCEC member for more than 25 years and has served on national boards including the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO) and USASBE.

As she approaches her 30th year at Iowa State in 2026, Eyles’ impact continues to grow. From shaping entrepreneurial curriculum to building experiential programs, her work has fundamentally changed the way students at Iowa State – and beyond – think about innovation, risk-taking, and possibility.

Congratulations, Judi, on this well-deserved acknowledgement!