Request for Presentations | 2027 Iowa Biotech Showcase & Conference 

• Theme: Iowa’s Competitive Edge in the Evolving Global Bioeconomy
• Date and location: March 2-3, 2027 — FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa
• Request opens: September 14, 2026
• Request closes: October 18, 2026

About Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio)

The Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio) has focused on supporting and growing the state’s biotech industry as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, for nearly three decades. IowaBio represents over 100 members across the state of Iowa and speaks with one voice for our diverse membership, seeking to influence policies on both the state and federal level that will enable more efficient growth for Iowa and the United States. Our Association is focused on fostering a stronger business and research climate and working with leaders across the state to attract and retain bioscience talent, companies, and funding.

About the 2027 Iowa Biotech Showcase & Conference 

The Iowa Biotech Showcase & Conference (IBSC) is an annual conference hosted by IowaBio bringing together innovators, biotech leaders, investors, and support vendors from across Iowa for industry-specific programming and networking opportunities. Conference activities span March 2-3, with these presentations taking place on Wednesday, March 3. 

Highlights of the IBSC include:

• Biotech showcase pitch competition ($10,000 prize; separate application opens September 8, 2026)
• Educational industry presentations
• Industry-focused legislative update
• Plenary keynote
• Political keynote
• Biotech Leader of the Year award presentation
• Networking receptions
• VIP dinner

Additional benefits of participation include:

• Showcasing your work to a diverse audience of fellow biotech enthusiasts and experts
• Connecting with potential collaborators, partners, and mentors
• Contributing to the celebration of Iowa's role in shaping the biotech landscape
• Elevating your profile within the biotech community

Theme:  Iowa’s Competitive Edge in the Evolving Global Bioeconomy

Focus: Iowa’s biotechnology sector is operating in a rapidly changing global environment. The 2027 Iowa Biotech Showcase Conference will explore how Iowa companies, institutions, and individuals are adapting to change, preparing for future opportunities, and strengthening their ability to compete. We seek dynamic stories about the choices organizations are making today: the inputs they are considering, the headwinds they face, and the investments, partnerships, and strategies that will build resilience over time. How can Iowa use its industry strengths, research assets, workforce, and policy environment to remain competitive and create a stronger future for biotechnology?

Topics may include:

• Geopolitical competition in innovation
• Attracting and retaining Gen Z talent in the Midwest
• Investment in ag-biotech and other Iowa industry sectors outside traditional coastal markets
• Iowa’s competitive advantages, as well as Iowa’s biggest risks
• Building companies, careers, and innovation ecosystems that can thrive amid change

Why this matters

Iowa’s biotechnology sector competes nationally and globally for talent, capital, partnerships, and market access. Maintaining Iowa’s competitive position requires a clear understanding of the challenges ahead and practical action from employers, investors, researchers, institutions, and policymakers. A central question for the conference is how Iowa can retain and grow the scientists, entrepreneurs, and skilled workforce needed to build the next generation of biotech companies here.

Request for Presentations

IowaBio invites you to submit a proposal to present/speak during the educational industry presentations at the 2027 IBSC conference on March 3, 2027, as we bring together professionals from industry, government, and academia to navigate Iowa’s biotechnology sector.

This event draws a diverse audience and will aim to provide high-caliber content geared toward highlighting global competitiveness across Iowa’s biotech industries. We see opportunities for information sharing and thought-provoking dialogue.

When crafting proposals, we encourage applicants to create an opportunity for dialogue and interaction with the audience—panels or multi-speaker formats are encouraged. These presentations will take place during the exciting IBSC 2027 program and may potentially run concurrently with other presentations.

We invite researchers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and experts from all corners of the biotech field to submit their presentations for this conference. Your insights, experiences, and lessons learned will contribute to the conversations shaping Iowa’s biotech future.

We welcome topics that highlight stories of Iowa companies, systems, and individuals, who are setting themselves up to compete in the global economy including but not limited to topics like:

• How should Iowa and the U.S. respond to growing global competition, particularly from China, to maintain leadership in the bioeconomy and biomanufacturing sectors?
• How are you attracting and retaining young talent? What opportunities are you creating that encourage graduates to stay and build their future in Iowa?
• What makes Iowa a compelling place to build a company or career?
• How are you competing for capital and investments?
• How are you expanding access to global markets and partnerships?
• What investments made today will have the greatest impact on Iowa’s long-term competitiveness?
• What practical actions can employers, investors, and institutions take to strengthen Iowa’s innovation advantage?
• What have you personally experienced as the biggest barrier or threat to innovation within your organization? How are you overcoming these challenges?

Submission Criteria

• Proposed session title and description
• Speaker names, titles, and organizations
• Preferred format and intended audience
• Key takeaways for attendees
• Any potential conflicts of interest or promotional content

Questions or comments?

Please submit questions regarding the Request for Presentations or the IBSC pitch competition to Mary Lyon mary@iowabio.org.