Oct. 9, 2023

This paid piece is sponsored by South Dakota Biotech.

A newly renamed nonprofit aims to put South Dakota on the map for plant-based biotechnology innovations.

Dakota BioWorx, formerly the Dakota Bioproducts Innovation Institute, will unveil its new brand as part of a ribbon-cutting this week for the POET Bioproducts Institute at the SDSU Research Park in Brookings, where the organization will operate.

The SDSU Office of the President is hosting the grand opening from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday at 2405 Research Park Way.

“Dakota BioWorx is the result of visionary thinking and a broad-reaching, public-private investment,” CEO Craig Arnold said.

“DBX is investing in equipment and expertise necessary to bring this pilot-scale facility and capabilities to South Dakota. In addition to the opportunities that lay ahead for plant-based protein research and advancement, the bioprocessing education and workforce development opportunities are many.”

For instance, Dakota BioWorx is working toward the launch of an education and workforce development program that will partner with South Dakota universities and schools to provide hands-on experience for bioengineering students, bringing forth a fresh, new workforce with technical and on-the-job readiness.

“Dakota BioWorx is set to play a key role in advancing the incredible work that will happen inside the POET Bioproducts Institute,” said Joni Ekstrum, executive director of South Dakota Biotech. “We’re looking forward to supporting their efforts and finding ways to add value to the public-private partnerships that will take shape here.”

We caught up with Arnold to learn more about the organization and its plans for the future.

What are you hoping to communicate with the new name Dakota BioWorx?

Dakota BioWorx represents a lot of different things. We’re especially proud of the way “Worx” suggests our collaborative and team-like approach and emphasizes our goal of being an important statewide network of bioprocessing resources and support. But maybe most of all, we like how it suggests the spirit of “workshopping” ideas, which is really what we’re about: creating an encouraging space and network for inventors, engineers and researchers to bring their ideas to life.

What are some of your newer initiatives?

 Here is a list of the projects as of now that are reliant on our fermentation capacity to scale up:

• Biodegradable high-temperature recyclable/reusable plastic.
• Natural and healthy plant-based food coloring.
• Plant-based alternative protein and vegetable oil enhancements.
• Collaborative workforce development and courses focused on fermentation.

What will your new location allow you to do?

The bioeconomy is projected to be worth $7.7 trillion by 2030. Our location is a strategic advantage in the plant-based biotechnologies of today and the future. If you look around us, what will you see? You’ll see miles upon miles of agriculture and farmland. That’s the key – we’re right in the heart of the bioeconomy. A critical necessity in plant-based bioprocessing research is access to feedstock and materials. That’s where we have the real advantage – it’s all right outside our door. We think of Dakota BioWorx as more than a state-of-the-art, scale-up facility equipped with leading technology. We are also a community of support with an unparalleled partner network of biotechnology resources that gives innovators access to bioreactors, downstream processing and engineering support.

The state of South Dakota is primed for an opportunity to break through the plant-based product market. Through $23M in South Dakota State funding and the visionary leadership at SDSU, SDSMT, POET, South Dakota Corn, South Dakota Soy, South Dakota Biotech and many others have partnered together to bring this facility and organization to life to fully embrace that opportunity.

Who should consider becoming connected to Dakota BioWorx, and how should they do that?

First and foremost, those with big visions. We want to connect with academics and innovators who are eager to push their plant-based biotechnology research to the next level. We are equipped and ready to help guide them through the complex scale-up process. At Dakota BioWorx, you’ll find a team that’s experienced, determined and equally invested in your success. We also want to continue to grow our network of partners, whether you’re a biotech company, a bioengineering professor or student, or simply someone who is passionate about biotechnology.

Over the next few months, we will be posting open positions at our facility as well as internship opportunities. If they’re interested, we’ll want them to go to our website and sign up for our newsletter or career alerts. They can also connect with us on Facebook or LinkedIn.