South Dakota Biotech announces annual industry awards
South Dakota Biotech recognized outstanding industry partners with its annual awards this week.
The LIVE and Distinguished Collaborator awards were established in 2014 to recognize individuals or organizations with exceptional dedication to advancing biotechnology.
The LIVE Award recognizes leadership, innovation, vision and entrepreneurship of individuals or organizations contributing to South Dakota Biotech and furthering bioscience to heal, fuel and feed the world.
This year’s recipient is Steve Lewis, senior research adviser at POET and longtime South Dakota Biotech board member who also served two years as chair.
Steve Lewis exemplifies the qualities of innovation, vision and impact that this award celebrates,” said Joni Ekstrum, executive director of South Dakota Biotech.
“As a driving force at POET, Steve has played a pivotal role in advancing biotechnology solutions that transform agriculture and energy. His work has not only strengthened South Dakota’s position as a leader in bio-based innovation but has also contributed to global sustainability efforts. Steve’s leadership is marked by humble brilliance. He combines deep technical expertise with a collaborative spirit, fostering teams that deliver groundbreaking advancements in renewable biofuels and bioproducts.”
The South Dakota Biotech Distinguished Collaborator Award was established to recognize those advancing biotechnology by building effective, collaborative relationships with academia, government and industry, and contributing to the biotechnology sector in South Dakota.
This year’s Distinguished Collaborator is Ballard Spahr LLP, which was honored for its dedication to innovation and a partnership that has made a lasting impact.
Through the firm’s support of the SD FAST Launch program, and especially their instrumental role in Project BioTech Launchpad, Ballard Spahr has helped empower emerging biotech entrepreneurs across the state — providing critical legal guidance, strategic insight and unwavering support.
“Their contributions have not only accelerated the growth of early-stage biotech ventures but have also strengthened the foundation of our entire bioscience community,” Ekstrum said.
Additionally, the following participants were recognized for completing the latest cohort of Project BioTech Launchpad:
- Nick Stutzman of Hilltop Harvest
- Matthew Cole of Pioneer Biotechnology
- Tugba Ozdemir of InovaSkin
- Mina Raver of Catalystium Inc.
The awards were presented at this week’s South Dakota Biotech Summit, which also serves as the organization’s annual meeting.
Additionally, the following educators were awarded STEM grants to support innovative approaches to teaching STEM subjects:
- Sarah Dunbar, Hot Springs School District
- Mike O’Connell, Chester Area Middle School
- Tracy Chase, McCook Central Middle School
- Kelsey Gilcrease and Daniel Owens, South Dakota Mines department of chemistry, biology and health sciences
- Raeann Mettler, Missouri Breaks Industries Research Inc.