Iowa already is a leader in education. It wants to become a leader in biotechnology. Combine the two. Make Iowa known nationally as a state with a special emphasis on teaching biology throughout the school system. Such an effort needn't be hugely expensive.
Schools already teach science.
With just a little more effort, there could be a special emphasis on the biological sciences. The governor could recognize schools that do an outstanding job in teaching biology. Outstanding biology teachers could be prominently honored. Science fairs in Iowa could focus on the life sciences. Every school district could strive to offer advance-placement courses in biology.