SpringBoard Challenge2026-02-05T20:24:13+00:00

SpringBoard Challenge

Two people reading an iPad about Educator Resources

Everything you need to apply.

Below are tools and links to help you prepare for the 2026 SpringBoard Challenge, whether you’re just getting started or finalizing your pitch.

SpringBoard Challenge Resources2026-01-23T15:40:24+00:00

  • Challenge Overview (PDF)
    A summary of the challenge, eligibility, and timeline.

  • Challenge Statements
    Explore the specific problem areas participants can address.

  • Q&A Document
    Answers to common questions about the challenge and application process.

  • Submit Your Proposal
    Submit your completed proposal by April 1, 2026 using the following form: Springboard Challenge Intake Form

2026 SpringBoard Challenge Conference

March 4-5, 2026 | Illinois Soybean Association
1108 Trinity Lane, Bloomington, IL 61704

Join the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Soy Innovation Center team for Springboard 2026, the premier event uniting researchers, farmers and industry leaders to spark innovation in scalable products made from soy. 

2025 SpringBoard Conference

Springboard 2025, hosted by Distillery Labs in Peoria, Illinois, brought together researchers, entrepreneurs, and ag industry leaders for two days of big ideas and bold solutions.

The event focused on advancing soy-based and bio-derived products beyond food, with sessions aimed at building connections, accelerating innovation, and turning concepts into commercial success. A standout moment was the Seed Funding Challenge, where participants pitched creative, ag-based solutions for a chance at startup funding. The energy was high, the ideas were fresh, and the collaboration was real.

Behind the Bean Operator Edition: Sprayers

2025 Challenge Winners

  • Self-Healing Polymers from Soybean Oil. Submitted by Kyle Plunkett at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
  • Soybealon: Chemo-bio hybrid biomanufacturing of advanced biodegradable polyester amides (PEAs) from soy meal and soy hull. Submitted by Saptarshi Ghosh and Lahiru N. Jayakody at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
  • Low-carbon specialty lipids for liquefied soybean hulls. Submitted by Junli Liu at Purdue University and Yan Zhang at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
  • A novel method of separation, concentration, and extraction of rare earth elements utilizing soybean oil and three-dimensional nanoporous micro-ribbons. Submitted by Punit Kohli and Annie Vargas at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Snapshots of Innovation: SpringBoard 2025

Sponsors

https://www.peorianext.com
https://greaterpeoriaedc.org
https://iin.uillinois.edu
https://www.distillerylabs.org

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Association Checkoff Program.

Bloomington Office
1108 Trinity Lane
Bloomington, IL 61704
P: (309) 663-7692 | F: (309) 663-6981

Lombard Office
100 22nd St., Suite 102
Lombard, IL 60148

Springfield Office
217 E. Monroe, Unit 95
Springfield, IL 62701

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and government relations efforts, while the membership program, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) and the Illinois Soybean Growers PAC actively advocates for positive and impactful legislation for farmers at local, state and national levels. ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean farmers through promotion, advocacy, research and education with the vision of becoming a trusted partner of Illinois soybean farmers to ensure their profitability now and for future generations.

© 2026 Illinois Soybean Association. Privacy Policy

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