LINCOLN— The National Science Foundation has awarded RuralSTAMINA a $15 million, two-year grant to help grow Nebraska and Iowa's bioeconomy by supporting startups, students and researchers developing products from agricultural materials. Based at Iowa State University, the coalition includes about 70 partners, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and could receive up to $160 million over 10 years if the initiative is successful.

Researchers say the funding will help commercialize innovations that turn crops into products such as biofuels, pharmaceuticals, plastics, textiles, paper, and vaccine components, while attracting venture capital and creating rural jobs. UNL biochemist Nicole Buan said the effort is designed to grow small biomanufacturing companies close to the region's agricultural feedstocks, strengthening Nebraska's rural economy. Sen. Deb Fischer said the investment builds on Nebraska and Iowa's agricultural strengths and will boost innovation, manufacturing, and the farm economy.

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