BEAM Circular’s BioCirCA 2025 Summit Announces Keynote Speakers and Sessions
For Immediate Release:
October 21, 2025
Photos from BEAM Circular’s BioCatalyst event in May 2025
Modesto, CA (October 21, 2025) – BEAM Circular proudly presents BioCirCA: The California Circular Bioeconomy Summit , its annual convening that celebrates and advances the circular bioeconomy. The 2025 Summit will take place November 5-6, 2025, at California State University, Stanislaus in Turlock, California.
This year’s Summit will feature California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross and State Senator Jerry McNerney, alongside a lineup of distinguished experts, innovators, and community leaders.
BioCirCA brings together industry pioneers, policymakers, educators, researchers, and community partners, which include members of the CBIO Collaborative partner network, a coalition of over 130 public and private institutions co-led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and UC Merced. These partners help to explore how California can transform waste into value, create high-quality jobs, and lead the way in sustainable biomanufacturing.
Summit Program
November 5: Public Summit (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Day One of BioCirCA is open to the public and focuses on inspiration, education, and connection. Attendees will hear from state leaders, innovators, and thought partners driving the circular bioeconomy forward.
Program Highlights include:
Keynote Speakers: Secretary Karen Ross, Senator Jerry McNerney, national industry and environmental leader Bill Shireman, and other agricultural, manufacturing, scientific, and community leaders advancing California’s sustainability and innovation agenda.
Breakout Session Tracks, including:
The Circular Bioeconomy: California's Path Forward
Advancing Regenerative Agriculture through Bio-Based Innovation - Hosted by UC Merced
Sector Spotlight: Natural Polymers & Green Chemistry
Next-Gen Workforce: Career Pathways in the Bioeconomy - Sponsored by Modesto Irrigation District
The Geography of Opportunity: Regional Perspectives on Land Use and Bioeconomy Development
Foundations of the Circular Bioeconomy (English and Spanish sessions)
Student Research Presentations and Poster Session
Innovation Lightning Pitches
UpCycled Foods: Turning Byproducts into Breakthroughs - Hosted by Upcycled Foods
Sector Spotlight: Renewable Hydrogen & Green Fuels - Hosted by the Green Hydrogen Coalition
Next-Gen Workforce: Education & Training Program Spotlights - Sponsored by Turlock Irrigation District
California’s Policy Landscape: Enabling the Bioeconomy
Additional features include:
Youth art exhibit and student research presentations
Industry pitches showcasing new technologies and bio-based materials
November 5: BEAM Community Benefit Dinner (6:30 - 9:30 p.m.)
An evening celebration featuring local food, drinks, and entertainment, where proceeds will benefit BEAM’s student and community programs, expanding educational and workforce opportunities across the region.
November 6: CBIO Collaborative Design Workshops (Partners Only)
Day Two is dedicated to CBIO Collaborative Members, offering hands-on collaboration and strategic working sessions focused on advancing California’s circular bioeconomy.
BioCirCA is designed to engage everyone, from the most experienced biotechnology experts to students, businesses, and community members who are brand new to the circular bioeconomy. The summit fosters a welcoming environment to spark innovation, forge partnerships, and advance equitable, community-centered solutions.
To learn more about BioCirCA and to become a partner or sponsor, please email krystal@beamcircular.org. To register for the event, please visit: beamcircular.org/biocirca
About BEAM Circular:
BEAM Circular is a nonprofit organization that serves as a hub for circular bioeconomy innovation, workforce development, and industry growth in California’s agricultural heartland. BEAM Circular works with multi-sector partners across the Central Valley and beyond to develop bio-based solutions that transform waste into valuable products while creating local economic opportunities and addressing environmental challenges.
About CBIO Collaborative:
Circular Bioeconomy Innovation Collaborative (CBIO Collaborative) was formed with support from a National Science Foundation Engines Development Award and is made up of a coalition of over 130 partners working together to advance innovation activities that accelerate the circular bioeconomy and deliver value for local communities.
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