This week’s Illinois Soybean Association SpringBoard Conference at Distillery Labs brought together researchers, industry, and investors to spark innovation and accelerate commercialization of ag-based products. The Soy Innovation Center is helping remove barriers to the commercialization of soy-based products by offering viable, renewable alternatives to petroleum-based materials and other chemicals of concern—meeting the growing demand for sustainable products across the supply chain.
The event featured:
-Keynotes on market-driven innovation and sustainability
-Panels with USDA and SIC-backed researchers
-Roundtables addressing current challenges and new opportunities
-A framework for action: 2025 projects, talent pipelines, entrepreneurship pathways, and a Fall 2025 Innovation Challenge
We were impressed by the scientific research and innovation happening in Illinois—the nation’s leading soybean-producing state—and throughout the Midwest, where plant-based alternatives like bioplastics, biofuels, sustainable chemicals, textiles, and adhesives are being tested and proven for industrial use.
John Andersen shared opportunities and lessons learned from building global enterprises and helping commercialize early-stage innovation, joining an industry panel informing the commercialization of soy-based products that benefit people and planet with Aaron Amstutz, Patrick Killian, and moderated by Victoria Harmon.
Thank you to the Illinois Soybean Association, the Illinois Innovation Network, and many others in positioning Illinois to be a leading innovator and the AgTech Capital of the World.
