About Us

PROPEL is a joint partnership of iBIO and the iBIO Institute started in 2007, sharing staff from both organizations, to increase the number of life sciences start-ups in Illinois and boost the success rates of existing companies.

In addition to the iBIO and iBIO Institute staff leading PROPEL, PROPEL depends on the time and expertise of the life sciences community, serving PROPEL as coaches, technical experts, panelists and many other ways. If you are interested in contributing your time and expertise with PROPEL, please contact us.

iBIO is a life sciences industry association composed of:

International agricultural and human health companies combating disease and malnutrition worldwide
Established small and medium-sized companies
Entrepreneurial leaders of start-ups and spinoffs
Scientists and technology transfer specialists from top-tier academic and research institutions
Venture capitalists, investment bankers, and angel investors
Seasoned government people committed to economic development of the region
Service providers from major law, accounting, financial, and search firms
Business professionals from a wide variety of professions and callings who want to make something special happen in Illinois and the Midwest

iBIO’s primary objectives are to:

Advocate sound public policy at the local, state, and federal levels
Create a strong sense of community and interaction among public, private, and academic/research sectors
Promote development and retention of new companies and corporate expansions

The iBIO Institute was established by the Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization (iBIO) to expand upon the educational activities previously undertaken by iBIO, and provide greater focus and resources for these activities. iBIO, the Institute’s founding parent, provides an industry context that ensures success by grounding Institute programs firmly in marketplace realities.

Strategic Direction of the iBIO Institute:

Provide educational programs and training for

K-12 and community college students
members of the health and life sciences community, including entrepreneurs
those considering careers in the life sciences
the general public

Create programs that increase career opportunities for minority and other underserved groups
Engage in specialized research of particular interest to Illinois and the Midwest region
Secure recognition for Illinois and the Midwest as one of the world’s leading science centers