Fermentation Fuels the Future

After a highly successful debut in 2025, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and Virginia Tech’s Department of Biochemistry are once again joining forces to host the Industrial Fermentation Workshop, returning January 12–16, 2026, in Danville, Virginia.

This five-day, hands-on training experience will equip participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed in the rapidly growing biotechnology and industrial fermentation sectors.

Download the 2026 Industrial Fermentation Workshop Flyer

“Last year’s event exceeded expectations,” said Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research at IALR. “We brought together industry professionals, academic leaders, and students from across the region to learn, collaborate and see firsthand how fermentation powers industries of the future.”

Building on Proven Success

The inaugural 2025 workshop drew a diverse group of participants, ranging from community college students to seasoned industry professionals, eager to understand the fundamentals of fermentation and the science of scaling laboratory discoveries into full-scale production.

Co-taught by Dr. Lowman, Dr. Biswarup Mukhopadhyay, Professor in Virginia Tech’s Department of Biochemistry, and a roster of industry experts, the program blended classroom lectures with hands-on lab experience. Participants operated bench-scale bioreactors, learned to adjust real time process parameters and explored how microbes are used to create products such as biofuels, pharmaceuticals and sustainable agricultural inputs.

Register for the 2026 Fermentation Workshop

📅 Dates: January 12–16, 2026
📍 Location: Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, Danville, VA

How to Register

Please contact Dr. Scott Lowman with any questions or for further clarification. 

2025 Workshop Highlights

  • Dr. Zachary Baer and Dr. Lori Maggio-Hall from the Health & Biosciences Division of International Flavors & Fragrances teamed up with Dr. Mukhopadhyay to introduce the fundamentals and applied aspects of fermentation process development and scale-up through an intense and interactive mode.
  • Justin Cesmat and Kristin Shirk from Distek, Inc. brought their state-of-the-art bioreactor system and provided in-depth hands-on training in it’s use.
  • Carter Kim and Peter Poczatek of Xylem Inc showcased the use of their autoanalyzer for monitoring a fermentation process.
  • Dr. Srujana Koganti of Sable Fermentation Inc. covered the strategies used by a contract research organization in the field.
  • Dr. Lowman described how plant-associated microbes are bringing new bioprocessing possibilities.
  • Additional contributions came from Aqsa Ahsan and Jevon Hodges of Eppendorf.
  • Virginia Cooperative Extension provided funds to support the attendance of the students and recent graduates.

“Industrial fermentation is where bioscience and engineering meet,” said Dr. Mukhopadhyay. “It combines microbiology, biochemistry and chemical engineering. The key is learning how to scale up discoveries made at small scales, on agar plates and in flasks, for working towards the applied goals in large bioreactors efficiently.”

Hands-On Learning and Industry Insight

Through collaboration with partners like Distek Inc., attendees gain real-world experience running advanced fermentation systems and monitoring critical variables such as temperature, pH and oxygen levels.

“Many training courses focus on theory,” said Justin Cesmat, Product Line Manager at Distek. “But at IALR, participants actually ran systems with microbes—bridging the gap between concept and application.”

The workshop’s interactive format and industry involvement leaves a lasting impression on the participants.

“The workshop was wonderful,” said Skyler Gentry, a Biotechnology student from Virginia Western Community College who participated in the inaugural workshop. “Now I have a better perspective on what it takes to move from education into the field.”

Learn more about the 2026 Fermentation Workshop Download the Flyer

Training Tomorrow’s Biotech Workforce

IALR’s Applied Research team remains committed to supporting biotechnology through applied research, industry collaboration and workforce development. The Industrial Fermentation Workshops offer an accessible, high-impact entry point for technicians, students and professionals looking to enter or advance in the biotech sector.

“This workshop reflects our ongoing commitment to workforce training for the careers of today and tomorrow,” said IALR President Telly Tucker.

Join Us in 2026

The 2026 Industrial Fermentation Workshop will expand on last year’s foundation with new modules, updated lab experiences, new partner such as Hamilton Company, and more opportunities to engage with industry leaders.

Whether you’re a student exploring biotechnology, a professional seeking new skills, or a company looking to train your team, this immersive, week-long workshop offers an unmatched opportunity to learn from experts and experience industrial fermentation firsthand.

Submit Registration Payment for the 2026 Fermentation Workshop 

About IALR 

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses on Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg and the cities of Martinsville and Danville.Top of Form