THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO JOINED US FOR THIS YEAR'S SUMMIT!

Please bookmark this page to stay in the know for the date of our 2023 Summit and future details.

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2022 South Dakota Biotech Summit & Annual Meeting

October 11, 2022  |  8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. |  Swiftel Center, 824 32nd Ave, Brookings, SD 57006

Get inspired and network with national, regional and local thought leaders providing insight and breakthroughs in the biotechnology field.

The biotech industry is rapidly evolving – and South Dakota is positioning itself to meet that future.

Increasingly, that means harnessing data and using it to help advance what is quickly becoming an information-driven industry.

The 2022 South Dakota Biotech Summit & Annual Meeting will equip you and your organization with the knowledge and relationships needed to succeed and partner with this next-generation industry.

From artificial intelligence to advances in agriculture and how cybersecurity is key to biotech's future, topics covered at the Summit will bring together national, regional and local thought leaders who will provide you with the insight you need in a field that will impact all of our futures.

Click For Full Summit schedule & information


Lodging available at Comfort Suites University, 929 25th Avenue, Brookings, SD, 57006,
A block of rooms is reserved with the group code SD BIO CONFERENCE.
Reserve your room today, as the cutoff date for discounted rate room block is October 5th.


Purchase Tickets Here


 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPEAKERS, PRESENTERS, MODERATORS AND SPONSORS:

Julie Borlaug

MORNING KEYNOTE

President of the Borlaug Foundation

Borlaug is the president of The Norman Borlaug Foundation and granddaughter of Norman Borlaug. In continuing her grandfathers legacy of food security and innovation in agriculture, Ms Borlaug will offer a perspective on the future of biotechnology and the public.

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Kevin D. Kephart, Ph.D.

LUNCHEON KEYNOTE

Deputy Director, Institute of Bioenergy, Climate, and Environment
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
U.S. Department of Agriculture


Kevin Kephart is the deputy director of the Institute of Bioenergy, Climate, and Environment (IBCE) in the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. With a background in federal and state public research, technology transfer, and industry R&D, Kevin has led the diverse team in IBCE since September 2021.    

José-Marie Griffiths, Ph.D.

CLOSING KEYNOTE

President of Dakota State University, Madison, South Dakota

Dr. José-Marie Griffiths has served as president of Dakota State University since 2015 and has led DSU into transformational growth and advancement including in enrollment, academic programs, philanthropy, facilities, applied research and development and public-private partnerships. She earned her undergraduate degree in physics, her Ph.D. in information science and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in computer science and statistics at University College, London.
 
Griffiths has served in presidential appointments to the National Science Board, the U.S. President’s Information Technology Advisory Committee, and the U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science. She is a member of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence and has led projects for over 28 U.S. federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation and NASA, with major corporations such as AT&T Bell Laboratories, IBM and Apple, and has worked with seven major international organizations, including NATO and the United Nations.

Dr. Vera Bonardi, Ph.D.

IMPACT IN AGRICULTURE PANELIST

BioAg Application Research Manager, Novozymes

Bonardi manages the BioAg Application Development Department at Novozymes in Durham, NC.  In her current role she leads the advancement of biologicals for biocontrols and biostimulants to deliver sustainable solutions for agriculture. Over the years she has developed a deep understanding of the regulatory landscapes associated with the use of biologicals in Ag, an insight into the customer needs and willingness to adopt such solutions, and an extensive knowledge around the technical feasibility and major hurdles to unveil the biologicals’ full potential. She earned her PhD in Biology from Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich with a research focus on plant photosynthesis. Prior to joining Novozymes she conducted extensive research at University of North Carolina on plant-microbe interactions with a focus on plant immune responses.

 
 

Dave Bubeck, Ph.D.

IMPACT IN AGRICULTURE PANELIST

Research Director, Corteva

Dr. Dave Bubeck is a Research Director for Seed Product Development (SPD) for Corteva Agriscience.  In his current role, Dave serves the plant breeding organization through the effort of a Seed Product Commercialization team, oversees the global germplasm intellectual property protection, and provides a connection point for SPD with regulatory/compliance/stewardship.  

Dave is a recent Past President of the National Association of Plant Breeders, serves as Research Chair of the Seed Science Foundation, and is on the Board of Directors for the Living History Farms.

Dave joined Pioneer Hi-Bred, now Corteva, in February 1998 as a Research Coordinator in Corn Breeding and became a Research Director in 2000. He conducted a corn breeding program and subsequently lead various parts of the North America and Southern Europe corn breeding programs until fall of 2013. Since then, he had several responsibilities, including Corn Platform Product Program Director and leading Global Trait Integration, Global Plant Pathology, and Global Parent Characterization. 

Dave earned his Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy and his Master of Science degree in plant breeding and cytogenetics from Iowa State University. He received his Ph.D. in plant breeding and crop science at North Carolina State University.

Mark Stowers, Ph.D.

IMPACT IN AGRICULTURE MODERATOR

Managing Director, The Global Bluefish Company LLC
Member Board Of Directors South Dakota Biotech

Dr. Mark Stowers is the Managing Director of The Global Bluefish Company, LLC, a global management and financial advisory company in agriculture, bioproducts, and bioenergy, that provides diverse business and technical guidance encompassing research management, product development, business development, marketing, mergers and acquisitions, licensing, corporate finance and general management.

Andy Carlson

IMPACT IN BIOPRODUCTS PANELIST

Plant Engineering Lead for Gevo’s Net Zero-1 Facility

A seasoned professional with more than 20 years engineering experience, Andy is known for safety-focused plant management, quality engineering design, fiscally responsible capital management, and effective construction project implementation. Additionally, he is knowledgeable in grain processing, soy crushing, edible oil refining, biodiesel, polyols, and fermentation.

Andy holds a BS in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and an MS in Engineering from South Dakota State University.

 

Chris Wagner

IMPACT IN BIOPRODUCTS PANELIST

Vice President of Engineering,Viaflex, Inc. (formerly Raven Engineered Films)

Chris Wagner is currently the Vice President of Engineering at Viaflex, Inc. (formerly Raven Engineered Films). He has led several engineering and operation teams in a wide variety of industries, with the last ten plus years at Raven Applied Technology prior to joining Viaflex in May 2022.

Chris has Bachelor of Science degrees in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering as well as Interdisciplinary Science from the South Dakota School of Mines.

He is known as being a team builder and problem solver and is helping Viaflex to meet its mission of “Protecting Earth. Promoting Industry.”

Dale Sorensen

IMPACT IN BIOPRODUCTS PANELIST

Chief Commercial Officer, CoverCress Inc

He has a broad background in production agriculture beginning with the family farm in southeastern South Dakota focused on beef, corn and soybeans, and degrees from SDSU in Agricultural Business and Agronomy.

Dale has 4 decades of experience in research, product development, and commercializing biotech trait products in corn and soybeans, with his career spent between SDSU, Monsanto, CiBO Technologies and Outward Ag.

 

JEFF HEIKES, PE

IMPACT IN BIOPRODUCTS MODERATOR

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, POET RESEARCH

Jeff Heikes joined POET in June 2002 and has served the organization in multiple roles since then. Prior to leading POET’s research business unit, Heikes had leadership roles in plant operations, engineering, and project management. He was also a key leader in the design, construction, and operations of POET’s cellulosic bioethanol plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa.
In his current role as Senior Vice President of POET Research, Heikes leads biotechnology, science, and engineering research for POET in Sioux Falls. He also oversees the operations of the POET Research Center in Scotland, South Dakota and the POET Bioproducts Center being built in Brookings, South Dakota on the South Dakota State University campus.
Prior to joining POET, Heikes held various roles in corn wet milling in Nebraska. Heikes received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from South Dakota School of Mines. He is also a registered Professional Engineer in South Dakota.
 

Casey Williams

IMPACT IN HEALTH PANELIST

Pharm.D., MBA, BCOP, FHOPA Chief Scientific Officer and Executive Director of Cancer Research
Avera Cancer Institute | Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Ctr


Dr. Williams serves as the Chief Scientific Officer and Executive Director of Cancer Research at Avera and leads the Precision Oncology Program. He maintains an active clinical and research presence at Avera has contributed to over 200 abstracts, book chapters, and manuscripts and has faculty appointments at the KU, SDSU, and USD

Cassie Hajek-Blosl, M.D.

IMPACT IN HEALTH PANELIST

Medical Director, Helix / Sanford Imagenetics

Catherine Hajek is an internist-geneticist and Medical Director at Helix and Director of Population Genomics at Sanford Health.  She graduated from the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine and completed Internal Medicine residency at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY and medical genetics fellowship at the UCLA Intercampus Medical Genetics Program. She is a leader in the population genomics field and is passionate about translating genomics research into the care of patients. She specializes in the design and launch of population genomics programs which is her key area of focus at Helix. She came to Helix from Sanford Health where she led the development of Sanford Health’s preemptive genetic screening program.  Her research focus is Adult Genetics and the genetics of common complex disease and genomic contribution to risk.  She is committed to identifying new approaches to integrating genetics and genomics in the care of patients. 

Aaron Harmon, Ph.D.

IMPACT IN HEALTH MODERATOR

General Manager and Director of Quality Inanovate, Inc.

Aaron is an educator in quality and regulatory science. He’s worked in vaccines, biologics, and medical device product development and is currently Director of Quality and General Manager for Inanovate Inc. He actively supports the biotech and medtech industries through courses taught for USD and his podcast, Inside Out Quality.

Dr. Mel Ustad, Ph.D.

CLOSING REMARKS

Director, South Dakota EPSCoR
Vice President - Board of Directors, South Dakota Biotech

Dr. Mel Ustad is the South Dakota EPSCoR Director coordinating the state’s EPSCoR research activities. He has been the Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator on South Dakota’s NSF Track 1 projects since 2006.  Ustad served as Director of Commercialization for South Dakota’s Governor’s Office of Economic Development from 2004-2017. He served as Interim Vice President for Research at the University of South Dakota from 2001-2004.


 

Brookings Economic Development Corporation

2022 PRESENTING SPONSOR

BEDC is the primary engine for promoting economic growth in Brookings, South Dakota and the surrounding area. BEDC serves as an advocate for the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to succeed by taking advantage of the area's unique and progressive business environment.

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Dakota Bioproducts Innovation Institute

2022 PRESENTING SPONSOR

Pilot Scale-up Facility
  • Bioprocessing Labs
  • Analytical Labs
  • Office Space
  • Fermentation
  • Separation/Purification
  • Product Drying

Research Park at SDSU

2022 PRESENTING SPONSOR

The Research Park strives to establish itself as a physical environment that can deve​lop, attract and retain technology companies that are aligned to the talent and sponsored research conducted at SDSU. ​

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South Dakota EPSCoR

2022 PLATINUM SPONSOR

In 1980, the National Science Foundation (NSF) established the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). The EPSCoR program is designed to assist states to establish a self-sustaining academic research enterprise with the competitive capability that will contribute to the states' economic viability and development. SD EPSCoR's mission is to strengthen research and education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) across South Dakota to increase science literacy and drive science-based economic development. SD EPSCoR helps build South Dakota's research infrastructure and increases its capacity to successfully compete for federal funding.

Sanford Health

2022 PLATINUM SPONSOR

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America's heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization serves more than one million patients and 220,000 health plan members across 250,000 square miles. The integrated health system has 47 medical centers, 2,800 Sanford physicians and advanced practice providers, 170 clinical investigators and research scientists, more than 200 Good Samaritan Society senior care locations and world clinics in 8 countries around the globe.

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GRAIL

2022 GOLD SPONSOR

GRAIL is a healthcare company whose mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. GRAIL is focused on saving lives and improving health by pioneering new technologies for early cancer detection. The company is using the power of next-generation sequencing, population-scale clinical studies, and state-of-the-art computer science and data science to overcome one of medicine’s greatest challenges with Galleri, GRAIL’s multi-cancer early detection blood test. With this proprietary technology, GRAIL is also developing solutions to help accelerate cancer diagnoses, blood-based detection for minimal residual disease, and other post-diagnostic applications. GRAIL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Illumina, Inc., is headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with locations in Washington, D.C., North Carolina, and the United Kingdom. 

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Avera Health

2022 SILVER SPONSOR

No matter where you live across the Upper Midwest, count on Avera Health, an integrated health system based in Sioux Falls, SD, for the same top-quality health services you’d find at major medical centers and regional referral facilities.

Avera serves South Dakota and surrounding areas of Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and North Dakota through six regional centers in Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre, Sioux Falls and Yankton, SD, and Marshall, MN. We serve you through 37 hospitals, 215 primary and specialty care clinics, 40 senior living facilities in addition to home care and hospice, sports and wellness facilities, home medical equipment outlets and more.

You’ll benefit not only from the highest quality expertise and technology, but also from an emotional and spiritual connection with Avera caregivers.

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BIO (Biotechnology Innovation Organization )

2022 SILVER SPONSOR

BIO is the world's largest biotechnology organization, providing advocacy, business development and communications services for more than 1,200 members worldwide. Our mission is to be the champion of biotechnology and the advocate for our member organizations—both large and small. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology technologies. Corporate members range from entrepreneurial companies developing a first product to Fortune 100 multinationals. We also represent state and regional biotech associations, service providers to the industry and academic centers.

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Fisher Scientific

2022 SILVER SPONSOR

Fisher Scientific offers customers convenient access to a complete portfolio of laboratory equipment, chemicals, supplies and services used in scientific research, health care, safety and education markets.  A global network of direct sales professionals, industry-specific catalogs, e-commerce capabilities and supply-chain management services enables Fisher Scientific to offer a broad mix of products manufactured by Thermo Fisher Scientific and third parties.

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McGough Construction

2022 SILVER SPONSOR

It takes the effort of hundreds and sometimes thousands of people to bring together the vision, expertise and materials to build any structure. McGough is proud of our role in that process – and we’re proud of the results. As a respected general contractor, we bring six generations of experience to prominent, distinctive and complex construction projects. Our people and their expertise in planning, development, construction and facility management power our success.

From new construction to renovation – with world-class architects and trusted subcontractors – McGough has a history of collaboration and partnership that leverages the power of people and the advantage of cross-functional expertise. We have worked in diverse spaces including corporate, industrial, healthcare, institutional, housing, education, worship, performing arts and retail.

Whether your project is large or small, start with confidence from the ground up.

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SAB Biotherapeutics

2022 SILVER SPONSOR

SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc. (SAB), is a biopharmaceutical company on the leading edge of innovation, developing natural technologies that have the potential to transform the treatment and prevention of diseases from cancer to Ebola, and diabetes to influenza. SAB's first-of-its-kind therapeutic production platform holds the promise of treatment of rare conditions, long-term diseases and global pandemic threats.

SDSU

2022 SILVER SPONSOR

South Dakota State University is the state’s leader in the creation and dissemination of knowledge through research, development and innovation. Whether it’s through in-house R&D or partnerships with industry leaders designed to give students hands-on experience, SDSU ensures graduates will make an immediate impact on the rapidly evolving biotech industry.

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Principal®

2022 SILVER SPONSOR

The Principal® Financial Network of the Dakotas is a group of local offices representing Principal® in and around the Sioux Falls, SD area. We also have multiple offices and advisors located in North Dakota, Southwest Minnesota and Northwest Iowa. We are dedicated to helping individuals, businesses and their employees achieve financial security and success in our communities. We proudly represent Principal with integrity and professionalism.

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ILS Innovative Laboratory Systems

2022 BRONZE SPONSOR

Established in 1989, Innovative Laboratory Systems, Inc. is a full-service laboratory furniture and equipment company.  ILS provides services ranging from preliminary design, procurement, and installation to ongoing preventative maintenance agreements.  Our team members are here to assist clients build state of the art laboratory facilities and maintain them.

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PhRMA

2022 BRONZE SPONSOR

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, which are devoted to discovering and developing medicines that enable patients to live longer, healthier and more productive lives. Since 2000, PhRMA member companies have invested more than $900 billion in the search for new treatments and cures, including an estimated $79.6 billion in 2018 alone.

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Sioux Falls Development Association

2022 BRONZE SPONSOR

Since 1954, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation has been leading the way in creating one of the most vibrant, secure, and growing economies in the nation. Founded by a group of far-sighted business leaders, the SFDF is a non-profit economic development corporation with the mission of improving the economy of the Sioux Falls region. We connect businesses with the people, tools and resources they need to be successful.

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CBS Bio Platform

2022 NETWORKING SPONSOR

CBS Bio Platforms Inc. is an innovation-focused company that researches, develops and manufactures a wide range of products used in feed, food, industrial and environmental applications.    

The company was established in 1984 and is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with manufacturing and warehouse locations east and west, serving customers internationally.

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Trans Ova Genetics

2022 NETWORKING SPONSOR

For more than 40 years, Trans Ova Genetics has offered industry-leading embryo transfer technologies, in vitro fertilization (IVF), sexed semen, genetic preservation and cloning. Ongoing research and applied science also allow Trans Ova Genetics to develop and implement new technologies that will help move the science of bovine genetic improvement forward rapidly.

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Novozymes

2022 NETWORKING SPONSOR

Novozymes is the world leader in bioinnovation. We work with our partners to innovate new solutions and rethink industries around the world. Our industrial enzymes, microorganisms and other proteins allow our customers to achieve more efficient use of raw materials, reduce energy consumption, replace traditional chemicals with more sustainable alternatives, and offer higher-quality products. We rethink everyday products every day.

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Electronics Systems, Inc.

2022 EXHIBITOR SPONSOR

Electronic Systems, Inc. is an electronic manufacturing service (EMS) provider serving the medical, industrial, commercial, energy, and HVAC markets.

Electronic Systems, Inc. has been helping its customers lower their total production costs while improving throughput for over 40 years. Our business model is centered on Lean initiatives and practices to provide our customers with the best economic value; while maintaining a culture of empowered associates dedicated to integrity, flexibility, and responsiveness.

Located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and founded in 1980, Electronic Systems, Inc. (ESI) supports the commercial, industrial, agriculture, medical, energy, and HVAC markets with electronic assembly services. We are ISO 9001 and 13485 certified. Our capabilities provide for a full range electronic assembly from PCBA to final product assembly.
 

Prairie AquaTech

2022 EXHIBITOR SPONSOR

Prairie AquaTech is addressing aquaculture's challenges, which are unique: sustainability of feed resources, profitability of feed manufacturers, efficiency of aquaculture producers, traceability for the health of consumers…and common to all these challenges is the health of the fish. The company researches, develops, and manufactures feed ingredients that start with plant-based protein. Prairie AquaTech's flagship product, ME-PRO®, is a non-genetically modified, plant-based ingredient that is 70% protein (as fed), 100% digestible, with high phosphorus availability for clean water. The company consists of extraordinary individuals, partnerships and associations, enabling the company to work locally but fulfill globally for feed manufacturers and producers.

Medgene Labs

2022 EXHIBITOR SPONSOR

Medgene Labs is breaking the paradigms of herd health management via its powerful animal health service ISPRIME. “IS” stands for “Immunological Services.”  Immunological refers to the scientific study of the immune system and the application of research and carefully acquired data. Services refers to a relationship between the immunologist, the producer, and the veterinarian involved in animal health. “Prime” refers to the fact that this valuable immunological service is reserved for a community of livestock producers. Using technologies and methods developed by Medgene Labs, effective vaccines are created with extraordinary precision and speed. These vaccines are deployed where and when they're needed through the producer's veterinarian.


SD Biotech BREAKTHROUGH! 2020 Virtual Summit: DAY 1

SD Biotech BREAKTHROUGH! 2020 Virtual Summit: DAY 2