John Benske

Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization, also known as ibio, is a state trade association representing the life sciences industry in Illinois. The non-profit company is based in Chicago, IL. The organization's mission is to promote, connect, and engage the life sciences community to drive discovery, transform lives through groundbreaking research, and grow the economy. The company's membership ranges from corporations to startup companies in the biopharma, medical device, and nutrition industries. The Illinois life sciences industry is recognized as a national leader, and ibio's members are committed to expanding the boundaries of science by discovering, developing, and delivering innovative and needed therapeutics and products to transform patients' lives.

Founded in 1987, BioForward is a member-driven state association and venture capital investor located in Madison, Wisconsin. The firm serves as the voice of Wisconsin's bioscience industry. They advocate on their members behalf to create investment and partnership opportunities, attract and retain the best people and support public policy that fosters their continued growth. BioForward also provides member-support services including networking opportunities through a variety of conferences and events, online resources and group purchasing programs. Their members include bioscience companies, universities, non-profit organizations, service providers, as well as state, regional and local government representatives. BioForward was previously known as the Wisconsin Biotechnology & Medical Device Association.