The vision of the "Building Capacity Across Iowa to Meet Human Needs from Things that Grow" (aka "Chemurgy 2.0") project is for Iowa to become an advanced biomanufacturing leader by adapting and modernizing the concept of "chemurgy": i.e., applied chemistry with a focus on producing industrial products from agricultural material. The project advances this vision by building and integrating research capacity in biosciences and advanced manufacturing, two key areas identified as important to the State of Iowa. 

Chemurgy 2.0 focuses on the manufacturing of proteins, vaccines and therapeutics; the manufacturing of biochemicals and biofibers; 3D-printing and composite fabrication processes that utilize biochemicals and biofibers; and applications of data science and artificial intelligence. The development of plastics for additive manufacturing, fibers for flexible and rigid materials, and proteins for diagnostics and therapeutics benefits society by providing bio-based and sustainable materials for health and consumer applications. 

With this project, research infrastructure will be improved not only at Iowa research universities but also at predominantly undergraduate institutions in Iowa. Research experiences and educational opportunities are provided for preservice teachers and for undergraduates from groups traditionally underrepresented -- including first-generation and rural students. 

Chemurgy 2.0 is administered by Iowa State University in collaboration with the University of Iowa, the University of Northern Iowa, Dordt University, and Central College.