The Bio Innovations Midwest 2025 conference agenda, running parallel to the 1-2-1 meetings program, is designed to drive the event’s core mission of driving the commercialization of US industrial biomanufacturing.
Carefully curated panels and keynotes aim to spark transformative 1-2-1 commercial discussions. Hand-picked speakers will deliver actionable insights and solutions to critical industry challenges, helping unlock the immense potential of America’s bioeconomy.
08:00
Networking coffee & registration
09:00
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Leo Stemp, Head of Content, Bio Innovations Midwest
09:05
PANEL DISCUSSION
Unleashing the future of U.S. biomanufacturing
Drawing on case studies from leading companies in the sector, learn strategies for accelerating the commercial deployment of bio-based products and technologies, and for avoiding some of the pitfalls along the scaleup journey. Discover opportunities for industry partnerships to accelerate the growth of this rapidly evolving sector – one that is increasingly vital to American economic and national security, and public health.
09:30
PANEL DISCUSSION
The future of U.S. biofuels: Navigating policy, market, technological and cost challenges to secure opportunities in the gas tank and beyond
The US biofuels industry has a key role in driving US energy dominance and boosting rural prosperity. But, policy changes, market challenges and cost pressures require careful navigation to unlock investment and drive long term growth and resilience.
From streamlined processes, upgraded technologies, and feedstock strategies, to opportunities in value-add products, learn how biofuel producers can scale and innovate for sustainable growth. Explore what the latest Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs), Small Refiner Exemptions (SREs), tariffs, and tax incentives mean for industry in 2025 and beyond.
Hosted by:
Reid Wagner, Technical Director of Market Development, Growth Energy
10:00
PANEL DISCUSSION
Incubating the future of U.S. biomanufacturing: Key building blocks for scaling innovation from startup through to commercial success
University incubators, biomanufacturing accelerators, pilot infrastructure providers and venture funders share ideas for successfully scaling from innovation to commercial success. What can these partners offer in terms of lab and pilot infrastructure, mentorship, and funding to de-risk early-stage innovations and steer them through the technical challenges, regulatory delays, and funding bottlenecks along the scale-up journey.
10:30
A technical presentation from a leading bio pioneer
10:45
Networking coffee
11:30
PANEL DISCUSSION
Bio innovations in B2C and B2B: Helping companies reap the benefits of bio-renewable materials
Practical applications of bio-renewable ingredients and materials in footwear, cosmetics and cleaning products. Discover what bio-renewable means for performance, supply chain security and meeting customer needs.
Hosted by:
Patrick Van Waes, Global Marketing Director, Primient Covation
12:00
PANEL DISCUSSION
Partnering with Europe to accelerate U.S. biomanufacturing
U.S. industrial biomanufacturing companies can accelerate growth by partnering with European firms, leveraging Europe’s robust R&I, stable policies, financial incentives, and open-access pilot plants for scaling. Such collaborations can help companies establish new value chains and production lines. Many U.S. companies already benefit from these partnerships.
This session will explore the key factors behind their success, and provide insights on partnering and funding opportunities in Europe’s biomanufacturing sector.
Hosted by:
Sophia De Smet, Communications Manager, Bio-based Industries Consortium
12:30
PANEL DISCUSSION
Diversifying feedstocks for U.S. biomanufacturing: Going beyond corn to scale sustainable alternatives
While corn remains the dominant feedstock in U.S. industrial biomanufacturing, alternatives reduce competition with food production, enhance sustainability, and diversify supply chains. This panel explores what needs to be done to unlock the vast potential of a range of domestically available alternatives including C1 feedstocks, biomass, regenerative non-food crops, algae and waste streams/byproducts.
13:00
Networking lunch
14:30
PANEL DISCUSSION
AI - A tool U.S. industrial biomanufacturing cannot ignore
Explore global advances in AI to speed bio innovation, drive efficiency and accelerate the pathway to cost parity and hear where America has opportunities to take the lead, and where it needs to catch up.
Featuring:
Cees van Dok, Product Manager and UX Design Prosyn.ai, Process Design Centre