SpringBoard 2025: Driving Innovation in Ag-Based Products and Materials
APRIL 15-16, 2025
DISTILLERY LABS, PEORIA, IL
SpringBoard 2025 is the premier event uniting researchers, industry leaders, and investors to spark innovation in non-food products and bio-based materials derived from soybeans and other crops. This dynamic gathering is designed to fuel collaboration, accelerate commercialization, and expand market opportunities for ag-based products.
Be part of the conversation shaping the future of sustainable materials. Discover cutting-edge advancements, connect with key decision-makers, and position yourself at the forefront of Illinois’ thriving innovation pipeline.
FAQs
Formal written comments will not be provided. However, staff may provide general notes identifying strengths and weaknesses of the proposals.
Quarterly progress reports will be due, and a final report upon successful completion of the project.
There is no limit to the number of project team members.
While ISA/SIC will keep all submissions confidential and not share information with participants without their explicit permission, ISA/SIC and its reviewers will not be required to sign Confidentiality Disclosure Agreements.
You keep the intellectual property you already have. We will work with you to create a collaborative agreement that will help improve it. A collaborative agreement will govern any new intellectual property arising from this project. ISA/SIC wants to encourage innovation, research, and development while honoring its fiduciary responsibilities to the farmers whose contributions support this initiative.
Yes, however, one entity must be designated as the lead entity.
The Illinois Soybean Association/Soybean Innovation Center (ISA/SIC) would like to select at least two proposals from each of the five program areas. However, ISA/SIC reserves all decisions regarding funding based on the number of proposals received, the quality of those proposals, and available funding.
The first stage is the submission of an idea. If your idea is selected, a stipend of $2,000 will be provided to the project team. This stipend will be used to develop the full proposal to be submitted for Stage Two project funding.
The project team will identify the lead entity to receive the award. The lead entity will be responsible for separating the funding if multiple entities are involved. At the idea stage, a payment of $2,000 will be made to the lead entity. Reimbursement-based payments in Stage Two will be made to the lead entities in accordance with the laws and regulations governing check-off funds. These payments will be made monthly.
Individuals, for-profit entities, institutions of higher education, and non-profit organizations are all eligible to submit proposals. ISA/SIC may require additional assurances that the person or entity submitting a proposal has the capacity to perform the tasks and functions described in the proposal.
No. ISA/SIC regards the IIN as an essential, non-exclusive partner in developing the R&D and innovation infrastructure in agricultural utilization. ISA/SIC is opening this initiative to all higher education institutions (including community colleges) and private entities.
Yes. ISA/SIC sees the long-term consequences of this initiative. We regard students as future leaders in agricultural product development.
The lead entity can submit only one proposal in a project category and no more than two proposals as the lead entity. Additionally, the lead entity may be affiliated with other proposals submitted by other entities independent of the lead entity. Individuals who are not the lead entity may participate in unlimited proposals.
Yes. This process is meant to be collaborative and supportive. We want to advance the best ideas and solutions. We would be happy to provide resources and contacts and facilitate support teams should they need it or ask for ideas and proposals where we see good potential outcomes.
Project funding is for one year and must result in agreed-upon deliverables. Each project should proceed in several phases with defined milestones. For example, the first phase may last 60 to 90 days, the second phase may last three to six months, and so on. We recognize that the agreed deliverables may not achieve a product or material that can be immediately commercialized. ISA/SIC will work with the project team to secure support for a defined period beyond the first year.
You will be required to link your project to one of the five project areas. We will strongly prefer those closely associated with one of the five specific areas. We will consider other projects that are loosely linked. Please remember that our goal is to move the pile. What that means is that we are focused on creating demand and not increasing the supply of soybeans
Yes.
Yes.
ISA/SIC wants to maximize opportunities for success. The review teams will be permitted to seek clarifications that do not substantially alter the underlying concept or proposal.
Yes. The technical panel will collectively have expertise across all five product areas: bioplastics, lubricants, PFAS substitutes, biopolymers, and biofibers.
Plans are to hold a similar event in 2026.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
