DES MOINES, IA (March 4, 2026) – The Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio) is excited to announce Brent Shanks, Anson Marston Distinguished Professor in Engineering and Jean Steffenson Faculty Chair in Chemical and Biological Engineering at Iowa State University, as the recipient of the 2026 Biotech Leader Award.

Dr. Shanks established and serves as Director of the Center for Biorenewable Chemicals (CBiRC), formerly a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center.  He also serves as the Platform Lead for the Iowa Biosciences Initiative in Biobased Products.

Shanks is co-founder of Pyrone Systems, Inc., which is commercializing bioinsecticide technology initially developed in CBiRC. He joined the faculty at Iowa State University in 1999, where his group’s research has primarily involved reaction systems for efficiently converting plant-based feedstocks to chemicals.  Shanks holds 11 patents and has been a co-founder of four companies.

“We are proud and thrilled to announce Brent Shanks as our 2026 Biotech Leader of the Year,” said Jessica Hyland, Executive Director of IowaBio. “Brent exemplifies the type of dedicated biotech leader, researcher, and entrepreneur, who has worked diligently and successfully in our Iowa biotechnology ecosystem for many years.”

Billi Hunt, Executive Director of America’s Cultivation Corridor said, “While Dr. Shanks’ accomplishments in business and academia are impressive, what he has done for the industry goes far beyond what can be captured on a Curriculum Vitae. He has strengthened Iowa's bioprocessing sector in meaningful and lasting ways. He challenges conventional thinking, brings people together to solve complex problems, and turns bold ideas into action. Our state is stronger and better positioned for the future because of his leadership.”

After receiving his B.S. degree from Iowa State University in 1983,  Shanks completed his Ph.D. at the California Institute of Technology in 1988.  From 1988 to 1999 he worked as a Research Engineer and Department Manager in the Catalyst Department at the Shell Chemical Company technology center in Houston, Texas.

Shanks was chosen for this prestigious honor from a pool of nominees reviewed by a panel of industry experts. The award was presented to Shanks at the Iowa Biotech Showcase & Conference on March 4, 2026, in Ankeny, Iowa.

The Biotech Leader Award, sponsored by America’s Cultivation Corridor, is given to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership within their organization and the industry, successfully brought innovative biotech products and services to market, and advocated for Iowa’s life science sectors. The 2026 selection committee is proud to recognize Shanks for his significant contributions to Iowa’s biotech industry.

About IowaBio

Since 1994, the Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio) has provided benefits and services to promote the interests and growth of the life sciences industries in Iowa. IowaBio is a non-profit, membership-based organization with a diversified membership including industry companies from all segments of biotechnology, universities & colleges, state & federal associations, as well as numerous service and support companies. The Association seeks to promote the success and growth of biotech-based businesses in Iowa. For more information, please visit www.iowabio.org.

About America’s Cultivation Corridor

Focused on further developing and marketing the world-renowned agricultural and bioscience economy in Iowa, America’s Cultivation Corridor is building on a rich history of innovation to accelerate value-added agriculture business development by attracting companies, talent and capital from across the globe to the state.

About the Iowa Biotech Showcase & Conference

The Iowa Biotech Showcase & Conference is a two-day conference held every spring featuring a startup pitch competition, industry-specific and collaboration-focused breakout sessions, legislative update, keynote presentation, and networking features. IBSC brings together innovators, investors, biotech leaders, and support vendors, and provides top-notch information and content to Iowa’s diverse biotech industry.

This year’s award was sponsored and presented by America’s Cultivation Corridor. America's Cultivation Corridor accelerates ag-tech and bioscience startups by connecting them to the global resources, talent, and capital of Iowa.

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Additional Info

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