ED24HDQ0G0423
Project Grant
Overview
Grant Description
Purpose: The purpose of the IFAB Hub Management Project is to aid with building a long-term management model to scale precision fermentation and convert underutilized corn feedstocks into high-value, customized alternative proteins, food ingredients, materials, chemicals, and more within Champaign, Piatt, and Macon counties in Illinois.
The IFAB Hub Management Project aims to provide a platform through an established governance structure equipped with staff, an advisory board, and a council along with a consistent messaging system that promotes data tracking, communication, and marketing.
Activities to be performed:
1) Hire IFAB staff and designate an advisory board for consortium members to provide feedback and insight on hub direction and additional opportunities. Establish multiple IFAB councils to engage different stakeholders regarding IFAB's success.
2) Implement an IFAB communications strategy that includes KPI tracking and data management for tech hub progress. Establish consistent methods of communication and market strategy through website developments, announcement events, ceremonies, and monthly meetings with partners.
Expected outcomes: Aid the tech hub by coordinating regional assets and stakeholders across the ecosystem. Establish a governance and management system which supports the tech hub to implement its core projects. Maintain constant communication with leadership, workforce, and create output-based documentation to track progress.
Intended beneficiaries: IFAB management will partner with organizations with missions to economically develop the region, attract other businesses to the region, and provide avenues for growing companies to expand in the biomanufacturing industry.
Subrecipient activities:
1) Employ a business development professional focused on precision fermentation and biomanufacturing and an administrative project manager through relationship-building, knowledge of Champaign County resources, and connections to the state commerce organizations.
2) Bridge resources between Decatur and Champaign counties by fostering relationships with industry partners to improve resource planning.
The IFAB Hub Management Project aims to provide a platform through an established governance structure equipped with staff, an advisory board, and a council along with a consistent messaging system that promotes data tracking, communication, and marketing.
Activities to be performed:
1) Hire IFAB staff and designate an advisory board for consortium members to provide feedback and insight on hub direction and additional opportunities. Establish multiple IFAB councils to engage different stakeholders regarding IFAB's success.
2) Implement an IFAB communications strategy that includes KPI tracking and data management for tech hub progress. Establish consistent methods of communication and market strategy through website developments, announcement events, ceremonies, and monthly meetings with partners.
Expected outcomes: Aid the tech hub by coordinating regional assets and stakeholders across the ecosystem. Establish a governance and management system which supports the tech hub to implement its core projects. Maintain constant communication with leadership, workforce, and create output-based documentation to track progress.
Intended beneficiaries: IFAB management will partner with organizations with missions to economically develop the region, attract other businesses to the region, and provide avenues for growing companies to expand in the biomanufacturing industry.
Subrecipient activities:
1) Employ a business development professional focused on precision fermentation and biomanufacturing and an administrative project manager through relationship-building, knowledge of Champaign County resources, and connections to the state commerce organizations.
2) Bridge resources between Decatur and Champaign counties by fostering relationships with industry partners to improve resource planning.
Awardee
Funding Goals
NON-CONSTRUCTION - FY23 REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION HUB PROGRAM PHASE 2
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding / Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Champaign,
Illinois
61820-7406
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
University Of Illinois was awarded
Precision Fermentation Hub Management Project in Illinois
Project Grant ED24HDQ0G0423
worth $3,999,346
from Economic Development Administration in September 2024 with work to be completed primarily in Champaign Illinois United States.
The grant
has a duration of 5 years and
was awarded through assistance program 11.039 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs.
$2,807,042 (41.0%) of this Project Grant was funded by non-federal sources.
The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity FY 2023 Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program Phase 2 Notice of Funding Opportunity.
Status
(Ongoing)
Last Modified 8/29/25
Period of Performance
9/1/24
Start Date
8/31/29
End Date
Funding Split
$4.0M
Federal Obligation
$2.8M
Non-Federal Obligation
$6.8M
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
ED24HDQ0G0423
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
None
Awardee Classifications
Public/State Controlled Institution Of Higher Education
Awarding Office
1331K5 DEPT OF COMMERCE EDA
Funding Office
1331K5 DEPT OF COMMERCE EDA
Awardee UEI
Y8CWNJRCNN91
Awardee CAGE
4B808
Performance District
IL-13
Senators
Richard Durbin
Tammy Duckworth
Tammy Duckworth
Modified: 8/29/25