SIB is a for-profit company initially formed and capitalized by NISTAC and Sunflower Electric. Investments by these companies beginning in 2006 have led to the refinement of integrated bioenergy models, evaluations of technology companies, protection of intellectual property, algae pilot facilities, and other technology commercialization activities.

Sunflower Electric, in a settlement agreement with the Governor of Kansas for the permitting of a $2.4 billion power plant, has designated funding for the development of the bioenergy center including algae technologies.

The Kansas Bioscience Authority (KBA) is a bioscience investment entity of the state with funding authority of $581 million under the Kansas economic growth act. KBA has contributed funding for SIB activities with additional future milestone funding available.

Utilities including Tri-State Generation and Golden Spread have invested in algae technology pilots at Holcomb 1 station in conjunction with SIB. Participation by other utilities is expected as these technologies advance.