Nominations are now open for the prestigious 2026 Iowa Biotech Leader of the Year Award! We are currently accepting nominations from November 18, 2025, through January 16, 2026. The winner of this esteemed award will be announced and honored during the Iowa Biotech Showcase and Conference (IBSC) on Wednesday, March 4, in Ankeny, Iowa.
Ideal candidates for this award are individuals who exemplify outstanding leadership, consistently introduce innovative biotechnology products and services to the market, and actively advocate for the advancement of Iowa's biotech industry
Do you know someone who:
- plays a pivotal role in their organization and industry, demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities,
- brings groundbreaking biotechnology products and services to the forefront of the market, and
- collaborates with business and public policy leaders to promote and propel the biotech industry in Iowa?
We encourage you to nominate them today!
Past Honorees of Iowa Biotech Leader of the Year:
- 2025: Joel Harris, Co-Founder & CEO of Genvax Technologies
- 2024: Dr. Frances L. Johnson, MD, CIO, Perspective Therapeutics,
- 2024: Anthony Kinney, Retired Research Director, Corteva Agriscience
- 2023: Dr. Jill Zullo, Former Global Managing Director of Bio-Intermediaries at Cargill Bioindustrial
- 2022: Heidi Nebel, Managing Partner of MVS
- 2022: Chris Nelson, CEO of Kemin
- 2021: Corteva Agriscience COVID-19 Diagnostic Project Leaders
- 2020: Dr. Todd Krone, Co-Founder & CEO of PowerPollen
The 2026 recipient will be selected by a committee comprised of individuals with significant roles in Iowa's biotechnology industry.If you have any questions about the award or the selection process, please reach out to Jessica Hyland at jessica@iowabio.org.
Don't miss this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the trailblazers shaping the future of Iowa's biotech landscape!