# Illinois Expands Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center

Illinois announced a $17 million expansion of the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on October 9, 2026, funded with $15 million from the state and $2 million from the Illinois Corn Growers Association. The project is expected to expand biomanufacturing research and scale-up capacity, train up to 200 additional workers annually, create about 25 permanent positions, and support more than 100 construction jobs. Related state announcements include $1.8 million in Local Food Infrastructure Grant funding on October 8 and a pilot low-interest grain-storage loan program announced October 7. No solicitations, application deadlines, or procurement-specific contacts were provided.

- The research-center expansion may lead to future facility construction, equipment, and research-support opportunities; contractors and technology providers can assess where their capabilities fit the project, while recognizing that no solicitation is identified.
- Eligible food-system organizations may assess potential fit with the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program, which supports projects such as refrigerated vehicles and community kitchens; the announcement did not state an application deadline.
- Illinois farmers planning on-site grain storage may find the pilot low-interest loan program relevant, but the available information does not specify application procedures or loan terms.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 09, 2026

### Government Entities
- State of Illinois
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
- Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA)
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE)
- Illinois Finance Authority (IFA)

### Key Quotes
> This expansion creates an opportunity for innovation beyond traditional ethanol, unlocking the potential of renewable feedstocks, the acceleration of industry research, and the ability to develop technologies that tomorrow’s bioeconomy will require like sustainable aviation fuel, biodiesel, or cellulosic ethanol products.
> — James T. Minor, Chancellor, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

### Sources
- [The State of Illinois Newsroom](https://gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/icymi-gov-pritzker-delivers-major-wins-for-illinois-farmers) - IL
- [The State of Illinois Newsroom](https://gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/gov-pritzker-announces-expansion-of-the-national-corn-to-ethanol-research-center-at-southern-illinois-university-edwardsville) - IL