Corteva spinout Vylor’s relocation to Johnston, Iowa last month is a significant move for both the company and the state’s reputation as a hub for agriculture, food and biosciences.
For Vylor, the move is a homecoming: Iconic brand Pioneer, a core part of Vylor’s seed genetics portfolio, has operated from Johnston for more than a century. The move is also a reminder of the rich opportunity within the state, both for agricultural production and ag bioscience innovation.
Iowa leads the nation in corn, pork and egg production and ranks in the top 10 for soybeans, beef, turkey, milk and wind energy.
Vylor is just one of many major agricultural operations in the state. Twenty-nine of the 100 largest food manufacturers and processors operate in Iowa, along with five global animal health brands and leaders in advanced manufacturing. Their corporate headquarters, research centers, production sites and regional offices sit alongside a network of research institutions, entrepreneurs and investors working on the next generation of ag innovation.
“Iowa has the agricultural strength, research expertise and entrepreneurial drive to lead the next era of food and agricultural innovation,” says Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority. “What sets us apart is how we work together – connecting producers, researchers and businesses to turn promising ideas into real-world solutions.”
Proximity creates opportunity
Iowa’s location is difficult to replicate elsewhere: located in the heart of US agricultural production, it offers innovators proximity to the customers, production systems and industry partners who can help turn an idea into a viable solution.
“Regardless of where you are in the state, a farm field or livestock barn is just a short drive away,” explains Todd Frazier, chair of America’s Cultivation Corridor board and vice president of U.S. Marketing for Vylor. “That access creates unique opportunities for both established companies and entrepreneurs to work directly with producers to test new technologies and gather feedback for product development.”
Research with a path to market
Proximity to industry is only part of the equation. Iowa also offers a strong foundation of scientific research and technical expertise to help innovations advance beyond the laboratory.
Iowa State University is central to that foundation. Rooted in its land-grant mission, the university combines world-class research with a commitment to extending knowledge and practical solutions throughout the state and around the world. Its undergraduate agricultural engineering program ranks first nationally, while its entrepreneurship program ranks ninth among 300 public and private universities, according to rankings cited by The Princeton Review.
“Nearly one in five jobs in Iowa is connected to agriculture, reaching far beyond the farm to manufacturing, food processing, biosciences and many other sectors,” said Dr. David Cook, president of Iowa State University. “Helping these industries adapt, compete and succeed as we enter a new era for agriculture is fundamental to Iowa State’s land grant mission.”
Research facilities across the state help bridge the gap between discovery and application. Iowa State’s BioCentury Research Farm provides an integrated environment for developing biofuels and biobased products. The Digital Ag Innovation Lab bridges research and real-world applications to support farmers, agribusiness and technology companies, while the university’s Plant Sciences Institute, Center for Crops Utilization Research and Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites and Iowa Pork Industry Center contribute expertise across key areas of agricultural innovation. The University of Iowa’s Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing adds further capacity in biotechnology and biomanufacturing.
Collaborative initiatives are creating additional capacity for innovation. RuralSTAMINA, supported by a $15 million National Science Foundation investment announced this summer, brings together more than 70 partners across Iowa and Nebraska to strengthen rural communities and support innovation. BioMADE’s planned biomanufacturing facility at Iowa State’s BioCentury Research Farm will add new capabilities for developing and scaling biomanufacturing technologies.
Together, these capabilities create opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect scientific discovery with industry needs and develop technologies toward commercial markets.
Collaboration helps scale, draws investment
Strong research and industry access matter, but innovators also need mentorship, investment and connections to help move a business from an early concept to a growing company.
Iowa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem brings together resources designed to support that journey. Ag Startup Engine provides early-stage investment and organized mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, while BioConnect Iowa connects bioscience and deep-tech startups with resources ranging from early-stage funding support to commercialization assistance. The Iowa State University Research Park, with more than 550 acres of development and more than 1 million square feet of workspace across 16 buildings, supports new ventures and the growth of Iowa-based companies.
Recent investment activity also signals growing momentum. A recent report identified Iowa as the Midwest’s leading state for agtech investment from 2021 through 2025, with more than 70 deals totaling more than $245 million.
That momentum reflects the value of bringing together businesses, entrepreneurs, researchers, educators, investors and economic development leaders around shared opportunities.
“Across America’s Cultivation Corridor, the goal is to strengthen these connections and help Iowa’s innovation ecosystem reach its full potential,” said Frazier. “By bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers and investors, we are sparking conversations and collaborations that lead to new partnerships, investment and commercial opportunities.”
For founders looking to develop the next generation of agricultural technologies, food products and bio-based solutions, Iowa offers more than a place to test an idea. It offers a connected ecosystem where ideas can be challenged, refined, developed and scaled.
Learn more about Iowa’s advantages at CultivationCorridor.org.
