John Swart, founder and CEO of Exemplar Genetics, received the Cultivation Corridor Iowa Biotech Leadership Award for 2017 last week. Executive directors Joe Hrdlicka of Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio) and Brent Willett of Cultivation Corridor presented the award at this year’s Partnering for Growth event March 21.

A special recognition was awarded posthumously to Ted Crosbie, former Monsanto executive and industry leader, who passed away suddenly last summer. 

The Cultivation Corridor and IowaBio team up to present the award to an individual who in the past year has demonstrated leadership, innovation, advocacy and commitment to advancing Iowa’s biotech industry. 

The recipient was determined by a committee of individuals with roles in Iowa’s biotechnology industry. Last year’s honoree was Chris Nelson of Kemin Industries.

Swine genetic engineering innovation
Swart founded Exemplar Genetics in 2008 in Sioux Center. The company develops specialized miniature swine models that are genetically engineered to exhibit a wide variety of human disease states, to provide a more accurate platform to test the efficacy of new medications and devices. Exemplar Genetics is now part of the Intrexon family of companies, providing innovative products in the health, food, environment, energy and consumer sectors. Swart is a member of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization’s Animal Policy Committee.

The selection committee unanimously agreed to recognize Crosbie in addition to this year’s award designee based on his contributions to the industry over a career that featured work at Iowa State University, ICI Seeds USA and Garst Seeds, in addition to his work at Monsanto. Crosbie also served as chief technology officer for the state of Iowa under three governors. Crosbie’s wife, Rowena, accepted the award on his behalf.

Iowa’s annual biotech summit
IowaBio’s Partnering for Growth forum is the state’s “biotechnology summit,” targeted to senior leaders in biotech who have funding, human resources, issues management, business development and research in their areas of responsibility. The event attracts public officials who lead programs assisting the biotech sector from a funding, regulatory or economic development perspective.

Partnering for Growth features a series of educational presentations, track sessions and networking activities aimed at sharing best practices and opportunities for collaboration within the industry. Partnering for Growth also features the Biotech Innovation Showcase part of the event — a platform for biotech leaders in Iowa and beyond to present their innovations to potential investors from throughout the country.

Since 1994, the Iowa Biotechnology Association has provided benefits and services to promote the interests and growth of the life sciences industries in Iowa. For more information, visit iowabio.org.

Focused on further developing and marketing the world-renowned bioeconomy in central Iowa, Iowa’s Cultivation Corridor is building on a history of innovation to accelerate value-added agriculture business development by attracting companies, talent and capital from across the globe to Iowa. Visit cultivationcorridor.org.

Source: Cultivation Corridor and IowaBio