University of Illinois

Purpose: the Purpose of This Grant Program Is to Support the Expansion of the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Hub (ibrl 2.0) by Increasing Its Capacity and Capabilities, Enhancing the Hub's Utilization by Engaging More Companies, Providing Educational Opportunities for Both Industry Professionals and Students, and Constructing the Expanded Facility. the Program Aims to Build a Pipeline of Companies Advancing to Production Stages, Train Industry Workers, and Prepare Students for Industry Jobs. Activities to Be Performed: 1. Increase the Number of Companies Engaged: 20 in Year 1, 20 in Year 2, 25 in Year 3, 30 in Year 4, 60 in Year 5 2. Increase the Number of Short Course Attendees: 100 in Year 1, 100 in Year 2, 125 in Year 3, 150 in Year 4, 240 in Year 5 3. Increase the Number of Student Interns: 30 in Year 1, 30 in Year 2, 35 in Year 3, 45 in Year 4, 70 in Year 5 4. Approve Funding 5. Begin Design Phase 6. Complete Design Phase 7. Open Bid Process 8. Select and Onboard Contractors 9. Break Ground 10. Achieve Substantial Completion Expected Outcomes: Increase the Number of Companies Successfully Advancing in Demonstration and Production Scales. Enhance Industry Workforce Training. Increase the Number of Students Entering the Biomanufacturing Sector. Achieve the Timely and Effective Completion of the Ibrl 2.0 Expansion to Support These Educational and Industry Engagement Goals. Intended Beneficiaries: the Intended Beneficiaries of the Grant Program Are Biomanufacturing Companies, Industry Professionals, and Students. Companies Will Benefit From Increased Opportunities for Scale-up and Production, While Industry Workers Will Gain Enhanced Training. Students Will Have More Opportunities for Internships and Career Preparation in the Biomanufacturing Sector.