Bioprocessing Research Infrastructure Program

The Bioprocessing Research Infrastructure Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), aims to bolster Illinois’s position as a national leader in biomanufacturing. Through strategic investment in infrastructure and capital equipment, the program supports the growth of bioprocessing training and research capacity statewide. As biomanufacturing continues to expand globally, Illinois's industrial base, feedstock availability, and skilled workforce position the state for leadership in this critical sector. The program is funded by state appropriations through Public Act 104-0003 and draws upon Rebuild Illinois capital funds, which are subject to specific Bondability Guidelines. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to invest in capital projects that expand bioprocessing capacity within Illinois. Eligible initiatives must aim to enhance bioprocessing company development, expand undergraduate training opportunities in bioprocessing, and support workforce development for existing industry employees. By providing equitable and affordable access to pilot-scale bioprocessing equipment, this initiative is designed to advance both educational and industrial capacity. The program will support infrastructure such as buildings, lab space, utilities, and scientific instruments needed to provide hands-on training and research opportunities. Only capital costs are eligible for funding under this program. These include architectural and engineering design, land and building acquisition, site preparation, utility installation, construction, reconstruction or improvement of facilities, and the purchase of durable scientific equipment. Indirect costs, overhead, or administrative expenses are not reimbursable. Projects must also meet several administrative and legal requirements, including compliance with environmental review laws, the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative, the Prevailing Wage Act, and other labor-related statutes. Eligible applicants include educational and nonprofit organizations that meet specific regional and designation criteria. Projects must be located in the East Central economic development region of Illinois and must have been previously designated as a Technology Hub by the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program. Additional requirements include registration in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, and compliance with federal registration systems such as SAM.gov. Applications must be submitted electronically by 5:00 PM Central Time on February 16, 2026, using the Smartsheet link provided. A complete application package includes a Uniform Grant Application, Uniform Budget, Conflict of Interest Disclosure, Mandatory Disclosure, and a program-specific application. Each of these documents must be signed by an authorized representative and uploaded to the web form, which accepts a maximum of 10 documents. Applicants are advised to consolidate files if necessary. The selection process is competitive, and proposals will be scored based on three major criteria: Need (35 points), Capacity (40 points), and Quality (25 points). Priority is given to projects demonstrating stakeholder engagement, significant potential for underserved areas, strong organizational capacity, and alignment with Illinois’s economic development goals. Within 30 days of the submission deadline, an Evaluation Committee will assess proposals and recommend awards based on merit. The grant period runs from February 1, 2026, through February 1, 2028. Only one award of up to $7.7 million is anticipated for this funding cycle.