Get connected to growing biotech scene at upcoming event
June 17, 2021
This paid piece is sponsored by South Dakota Biotech.
Bioscience education, research and development didn’t stop in 2020 – and this is your chance to catch up on what has been happening.
South Dakota Biotech, the state’s industry association and affiliate of the international BIO organization, will hold an industry networking event from 5 to 6 p.m. June 23 at the GEAR Center, 4800 N. Career Ave.
“We’re so glad to be able to get together again and help our industry and interested members of the business community connect,” said Joni Johnson, executive director of South Dakota Biotech.
“There’s a lot to catch up on and so much potential exists for our industry this year and beyond. The more relationships we can build, the more we can continue to grow this industry in our state.”
GEAR Center leader Dan Engebretson, vice president for research and sponsored programs for the University of South Dakota, will be on hand to share some of the developments at the organization in the past year.
Those include the Technology Readiness Acceleration Center, or TRAC, which has received $1.2 million in state and federal funding over the next three years.
“We have nine students currently participating, and we’ve already had companies formed and grants that have been submitted,” he said.
“There’s excitement there in terms of new venture and new idea creation. We’ve got lots of students who are very entrepreneurial and want to stay here, so we’re giving them the tools to develop.”
Students in the program work with USD faculty and Sanford Health researchers to learn about technology development, evaluate market opportunities and create businesses. A professional advisory board meets with them quarterly to provide guidance.
“Most all of them came in with the goal of learning to start a company,” Engebretson said. “That was their big driver.”
The networking event is designed to help the broader biotech and business communities connect, he added.
“Joni really is able to connect everyone with everyone, and we’re providing the venue,” he said. “But I know there are startups lurking in the background I don’t know about, so we’re inviting anyone interested in this industry to attend.”
