In 1987 the Iowa Biotechnology Consortium, a joint effort of Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the Iowa Department of Economic Development arranged the Iowa Biotech Showcase to promote the state as a center for biotechnology research and industry. At that time Iowa hoped to take advantage of the economic benefits promised by the expanding interest in biotechnology. Representatives from 50 businesses listened to presentations from researchers and agriculture companies about Iowa’s potential for becoming biotech’s answer to Silicon Valley. A train called the Iowa Biotech Express, on which this banner hung, served as a highlight of the event, transporting attendees between two of the state’s major research institutions, the campuses of Iowa State and the University of Iowa.
Sources:
Accession File
“Iowa Ties Rebound to Biotech Express.” Wechsler, Lorraine. The Scientist. October 19, 1987. Accessed online. http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/9038/title/Iowa-Ties-Rebound-to-Biotech-Express/
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