This year the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville enters its 20th year of leadership in the biofuels industry. The center opened its doors in October 2003 and since that time has served as the primary location for innovation in the corn ethanol industry. Now, NCERC’s clients have evolved to include companies from across the bioindustrial manufacturing sector who benefit from its unique facility and expert staff.

After six years of operations, NCERC’s business model evolved from publicly-funded to privately-funded in 2009 through contractual research services with companies in the private sector, which catalyzed innovation beyond the initial vision for the Center. As NCERC enters 2023, its client portfolio includes companies of all sizes exploring novel ways to convert bio-based feedstocks, such as corn, industrial hemp and Municipal Solid Waste, into chemicals, materials and products that consumers use every day.

Beyond its contractual research services, NCERC also serves its clients through industry-sponsored research projects that help to tackle industry-wide challenges and opportunities. Corporate sponsorships through companies like Siemens and Shimadzu Corporation also bolster NCERC’s ability to remain a leader in fermentation research.

Last year, NCERC received $1.9 million through the Rebuild Illinois Wet Lab Capital program by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to expand its pilot-scale fermentation capabilities. The Illinois Corn Marketing Board also contributed funding to this project and NCERC anticipates that it will be completed in the fall.

An anniversary celebration is planned for October 12 and a 20th anniversary report will be published to showcase the accomplishments of the center.