The Alliant Energy Agriculture Innovation Lab, a partnership with Iowa State University and Iowa State University Research Park, is now open. The lab creates a hub for cutting-edge technology and collaboration in agriculture for communities across Iowa and beyond.
The Lab was born from conversations we had with Iowa State University Research Park. We identified a need for a central space for digital and precision agriculture.
“Our mutual goal is to invest and innovate in the agriculture industry,” said May Farlinger, president of our Iowa energy company and vice president of energy delivery operations. “We’re taking a significant step forward with this collaborative new building. It will afford us the opportunity to create an epicenter of agricultural innovation here in the Midwest.”
The Lab specializes in developing technology and products to make agriculture more productive, efficient and profitable, including:
- Smart sensors and controls.
- Precision agriculture, a farming approach that uses technologies like GPS and data analysis to manage different parts of a field independently, improving efficiency and environmental impact.
- Machinery electronics and CAN bus technology.
- Biomass logistics.
The research facility provides more than 85,000 square feet for ISU’s College of Agriculture and Life Science’s Digital Ag Innovation Team. Agriculture-based business tenants have access to technology, research and development, with 70% of the space dedicated to high bay and lab areas. The facility also provides another talent pipeline for companies within our services territory and the state of Iowa.
We’re dedicated to strengthening communities through partnerships, business retention and funding emerging technologies across the energy supply chain. This new facility is an example of that commitment.