Initial Focus Will Be on the Cabinetry, Furniture, Wall Paper and Engineered Wood Markets
BioBond Adhesives, Inc. (“BioBond”), a leader in sustainable and cost-effective, high-performance materials, today announced the launch of itsBioAdhere groundbreaking line of bio-based adhesives for the Cabinetry, Furniture, Wall Paper and Engineered Wood markets. Theseinnovative adhesives are derived from plant-based materials and have achieved USDA BioPreferred certification. They offer a new standard in cost-performance, contain zero microplastics, and have no odor compared to conventional solvent-based adhesives.
“We are up ending the adhesives industry with the introduction of these game-changing bio-based adhesives for the Cabinetry, Furniture, Wall Paper and Engineered Wood markets,” said Marc McConnaughey, CEO of BioBond. “Our team has worked tirelessly to develop a solution that not only meets demanding price and performance requirements but also brings a level of sustainability yet to be achieved in the adhesives market.”
Greg Piche, Vice President of Products, noted that BioBond’s BioAdhere bio-based adhesives offer a compelling array of benefits including unmatched performance, enhanced safety with no odors, a sustainable solution with zero microplastics, and costs similar to solvent-based solutions. We are introducing today our BioAdhere SUP250 for Engineered Wood applications, our BioAdhere SWoA250, a superior wood adhesive for the Cabinetry and Furniture industries, our BioAdhere SWaA250 for the Wallpaper industry, and our BioAdhere SUP250 for select Engineered Wood applications that requires no priming and has no solvent odors. ( Trademarks Pending )
“Our goal is to revolutionize the adhesives industry. We are excited about this first step in that direction,” added Brad Boelkins, Vice President of Business Development, Adhesives. “By combining cost effectiveness and superior performance that is safer and healthier to apply with zero microplastics and no odors, we are providing contractors and builders of Cabinetry, Furniture, Wall Paper and Engineered Wood, as well as end customers with a more sustainable solution.” BioBond will be demonstrating its bio-based protective coatings and adhesives at this year’s NAHB-IBS International Builders Show in Las Vegas on Feb 25-27th, 2025.
BioBond’s products are manufactured in the USA in USDA rural-qualified zip codes, helping to create living-wage jobs in rural America. BioBond is funded by the Generation Food Rural Partners Fund (“GFRP”), a part of Big Idea Ventures (“BIV”), which invests in the best food technology, AgriTech and Material companies globally. The products are now available to Cabinetry, Furniture, Wall Paper Engineered Wood manufacturers and contractors. BioBond intends to serve global markets from its Indiana R&D and Headquarters.
Soy-based compounds show similar or superior surface activity compared to commercial petroleum-based ones
Soy-based materials developed at Purdue University have been proven to reduce surface tension in a liquid as well as or better than commercial petroleum-based materials. The new materials could make personal care products more sustainable while maintaining product quality.
Petroleum-based surfactants are used in most conventional shampoos, conditioners and antimicrobial washes.
“A surfactant is a chemical compound that reduces a liquid’s surface tension and lets it spread out to wet a surface,” Youngblood said. “There is a lack of bio-based surfactants on the market, which is a sustainability issue.”
Youngblood and Martinez disclosed the soy-based surfactants to the Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization, which has applied for a patent to protect the intellectual property. Industry partners interested in developing or commercializing them should contact Dipak Narula, lead technology development liaison and assistant director of business development and licensing — physical sciences, at [email protected] about track code 70130.
Validation and next steps
During tests, the soy-based surfactants exhibited comparable or better surface activity than commercial QA (quaternary ammonium) compounds, CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) compounds and DTAB (dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide) compounds.
“Our soy-based surfactants may not impact the performance of personal care products,” Youngblood said. “They can be a drop-in replacement for petroleum-based surfactants; manufacturers will not need a new product or platform to implement them into their processes.”
Youngblood said further research will be conducted on the soy-based surfactants.
“We are currently finishing the cationic portion and writing a paper and will continue to anionic and neutral surfactants,” he said.
New data from USDA shares that net cash farm income decreased roughly 3.5% from 2023 into 2024 and we’re looking at inflation adjusted numbers. But here’s the piece of the silver lining that may be untold: that number – net cash farm income – is still above average when we look at the last 20 years from USDA data. This week, Natasha Cox, Senior Vice President of Farm Credit Mid-America, joins us to help make sense of the numbers, what it means to producers and to the broader agbioscience economy. We get into:
The macro perspective on the health of farm balance sheets across the Midwest
Big trends that she’s looking at from a financial health standpoint of farms and agribusinesses
Consolidation – from both the farmer and innovator perspective – as a factor in the economic system of agriculture in the US
New investments being made on farm or within agribusinesses to better connect to the end market of food is health
Natasha’s perspective as a farmer and how she prioritizes where to place her bets for her operations
The criticality of surrounding yourself with good partners, knowing your options when it comes to strategic planning and investments and asking the right questions for your operations or business
The innovation she’s most excited about in 2025
Date: Tuesday, March 25 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Location: Tallison Hotel
Cost: Free to INFB members and law enforcement, $50 for all other attendees.
In partnership with FBI Indianapolis, Beck’s and Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, Indiana Farm Bureau is hosting an Indiana Ag Threats & Security Summit at the Tallison Hotel in Carmel on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
The current technology landscape is constantly evolving, transforming how we work, live and learn. Join us for an engaging day with local experts in the biosecurity and data industries to explore how to keep yourself safe from cyber threats.
What You’ll Learn:
– Industry perspective on biosecurity threats and how agencies work together.
– Easy-to-follow best practices to keep your farm secure.
– Insights on the current threat landscape.
– How to safely and effectively utilize drone technology.
Featured Speakers:
– Randy Kron, Indiana Farm Bureau
– Brad Fruth, Beck’s
– Scott Caine, Directions Group
– Herb Stapleton, FBI Indianapolis
– Susan Cropp, FBI
– JoLee Hayes, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance
– Will Bales, FBI Indianapolis
– Brian Giovannini, FBI
– Kendell Culp, Indiana Farm Bureau
– Aaron Pierce, Pierce Aerospace
– Jim Love, Beck’s and more to be announced.
BioBond Continues to Grow Its IP Portfolio to Commercialize Sustainable Adhesives and Coating Solutions
BioBond Adhesives, Inc. (“BioBond” or the “Company”), the second portfolio company launched by Big Idea Ventures’ Generation Food Rural Partners I, LP (GFRP) Fund, has
executed a license agreement with the Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) to advance certain technologies that have the potential to enable the Company to pursue its goal to usher in a new era with biodegradable adhesives and coatings alternatives for packaging of all types used in the consumer products industry.
BioBond is licensing multiple patent applications in the novel biomaterials space from the OTC, one of the most comprehensive technology transfer programs among leading research universities in the U.S. Marc McConnaughey, CEO of BioBond, stated, “Petroleum-based adhesives and coatings are a major source of VOCs and microplastics and are in need of innovative solutions which reduce our day-to-day exposure. I am pleased and excited to partner with Purdue in bringing these needed technologies to the market.”
“Working with truly innovative professors and inventors allows GFRP to create new companies in the difficult areas of agriculture, materials and food. In addition to supporting the commercialization of IP, the Fund places these new companies in rural America, creating living-wage jobs in underrepresented regions,” said Frank Klemens, managing director of the GFRP Fund. “Many of these professors are at Purdue and locating BioBond in a rural area in Indiana near the university was a win-win for the GFRP fund and for rural America. GFRP looks forward to a long, fruitful relationship with Purdue’s team of professional innovators for many years to come.”
“It has been great working with the Generation Food Rural Partners Fund. We are excited to work with BioBond in advancing the field of sustainable packaging to help solve some important global challenges,” said Brooke Beier, senior vice president of Purdue Innovates. “This license is further proof that industry and academia can work together to advance technologies to improve people’s lives around the world.”
The year 2025 is poised to be an interesting one for agbioscience. Venture capital inflows from 2023 to 2024 are roughly flat according to Crop Life, the production cost of corn and soybeans remains roughly in line or slightly below market price and the turbulence around global trade and what tariffs could mean leave an uncertain operating market for what could be ahead. Joining us today is Hoosier Ag Today president, Eric Pfeiffer, to make sense of what’s ahead. We get into:
The current perspective of the farmer, their natural optimism and knowing the challenges that lie ahead for 2025.
Trends he’s noticing that are operational changes to drive net farm income – particularly biologicals – and why that’s challenging.
Property tax reform as a major topic in the Indiana General Assembly and making this issue relatable to the general public – because it does impact them at the end of the day.
The biofuels tax credit bill in the Indiana General Assembly and its potential economic impact and jobs to the state of Indiana (not to mention better burning, more sustainable fuel).
On a federal level – trade wars – and tariffs potential impact, good or bad, on farmers.
Farmers needing certainty on The Farm Bill to make plans for the future – it does not appear to be a priority at the moment.
TerraForce, the cutting-edge ag-tech company revolutionizing specialty crop production with AI-driven robotics, proudly announces the successful completion of an oversubscribed $375,000 fundraising round. The overwhelming investor interest highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions in agriculture and underscores the confidence in TerraForce’s mission to empower farmers through service and technology.
Solving the Farm Labor Crisis with an Immediate ROI
Founded in 2024 by Michial J. Jacob, P.E., a farmer-turned-entrepreneur, TerraForce is solving one of the most pressing challenges in modern agriculture: the worsening labor shortage. Prior to founding TerraForce, Mike led and eventually exited Veritas Engineering Group, a high-growth engineering firm he founded in 2015, demonstrating his ability to scale while meeting customer demands. TerraForce leverages his engineering expertise, agricultural background, and business acumen to provide a safer and cost-effective alternative to unpredictable seasonal farm labor.
“This oversubscribed round and presales of our recurring services serve as a powerful validation of our vision to reshape the future of farming,” said Mike Jacob, Founder and CEO of TerraForce. “Farmers are seeking reliable, efficient, and data-driven solutions to their labor and productivity challenges, and this funding accelerates our development and expands our impact. With our MVP set to launch for the 2025 harvest season, we will transform the way large fruits are produced and will deliver an immediate return for the growers that partner with us.”
Competitive Edge & Future Growth
Unlike traditional manual harvesting, which is labor-intensive, inconsistent, and costly, TerraForce’s autonomous AI-powered robotic systems operate 24/7 with superior precision, grading accuracy, and predictive analytics. By eliminating human handling, TerraForce also reduces contamination risks and compliance burdens, making its technology an ideal solution for modern agricultural operations.
With this fresh capital infusion, TerraForce is accelerating its go-to-market strategy, expanding its engineering team, and further refining its capabilities. The company will continue to innovate, ensuring that farmers gain access to the most advanced, efficient, and profitable harvesting solutions available today.
Junior Achievement of Central Indiana announces its finalists for the 21st annual Indy’s Best and Brightest event presented by KPMG LLP. The event honors 100 of central Indiana’s most outstanding young professionals in 10 different industries. AgriNovus Indiana’s Geoff Zentz, Senior Director of Innovation, has been named to Indy’s Best and Brightest for Technology.
An awards program and reception to recognize these outstanding professionals will take place on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025, at Fishers Event Center. All 100 finalists will receive an award and the winners in each category will be announced.
“KPMG is proud to once again serve as the presenting sponsor for this prestigious event, marking our 21st consecutive year of involvement. We continue to recognize the importance of celebrating these exceptional young professionals, who not only excel in their fields but also serve as inspiring role models and mentors for the next generation in our community,” said Eric Sutphin, KPMG Indianapolis Managing Partner.
Jennifer Burk, Junior Achievement of Central Indiana’s CEO, stated, “These dynamic and forward-thinking leaders are driving positive change in central Indiana, and they continue to serve as inspiration for the thousands of young people engaged in Junior Achievement programs.”
Indy’s Best and Brightest was created by Junior Achievement of Central Indiana (JA) to recognize the outstanding young professionals and leaders in our community. Indy’s Best & Brightest finalists serve as excellent role models to JA students and youth in our community.
All proceeds from the event go towards JA’s mission to give young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their personal financial success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices.
The categories honored are: Accounting; Banking & Financial Services; Education & Nonprofit; Government, Tourism, & Arts; Health & Life Sciences; Law; Manufacturing, Retail & Services; Media, Entertainment & Sports; Real Estate, Development & Construction; and Technology.
Sponsorship opportunities are currently available; please contact Alesha Johnson at [email protected]. Proceeds from Indy’s Best and Brightest benefit Junior Achievement of Central Indiana, Inc.
