The Illinois Small Business Development Center International Trade Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center held discussions in early May about potential collaboration to support agribusinesses, biofuel innovators and agricultural technology companies seeking global opportunities.
The talks reflected shared interest in supporting innovation, commercialization and global competitiveness within Illinois’ bioeconomy sector.
The collaboration aligns with the ITC’s 2026 strategic focus on agriculture and food-related industries. The center is working to build partnerships with organizations advancing research, sustainability and industrial innovation in southwestern Illinois.
“NCERC plays a critical role in supporting research and innovation in the biofuels and bioproducts industry,” said Schneidine Louis, director of the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at SIUE. “Through this collaboration, we hope to help connect companies and technologies within this ecosystem to international market opportunities, export resources and global industry networks.”
NCERC Executive Director Praveen V. Vadlani said the center’s facilities and capabilities are designed to validate agricultural-derived bioproducts for exports and international markets.
The ITC provides free export assistance to small and medium-sized businesses throughout southwestern Illinois, including export counseling, market research, trade data analysis and export compliance guidance.
Both organizations plan to continue discussions about future initiatives supporting economic development and international business growth across the region.
