Summit

Twenty Years of Progress: Building South Dakota’s Biotech Ecosystem

Joni Ekstrum, executive director South Dakota Botech

Joni Ekstrum serves as executive director of South Dakota Biotech. She oversees its advocacy, communication, education, and membership services, representing more than 60 members in industries from food and agriculture to human health and renewable energy.

Since she assumed this role in 2012, Ekstrum has grown the membership and increased gross profit while maintaining and expanding membership benefits. Her collaborative approach has provided connections for networking and led to new business and partnering opportunities for both members and individuals. Her passion for the industry and charismatic personality have helped build relationships with other states and parent organization BIO, legislators, other advocacy groups, venture capital, economic development, and other industry partners.

Anniversary Keynote: From Research to Results: South Dakota's Role in America's Innovation Future

MODERATOR

Jodi Schwan, owner SiouxFalls.business
Jodi Schwan is a next-generation media leader. Based in Sioux Falls, S.D., she is the founder of Align Content Studio, providing content strategy, production and distribution to clients in a broad range of industries. She also develops and oversees Align's original content brands including www.SiouxFalls.business. Jodi is a former editor, broadcaster and columnist who also is a frequently requested public speaker.

Jodi knows Sioux Falls business. From the latest deals to the biggest decision-makers, she’s the best source for local developments.

Jodi excels at content strategy designed to build and engage audiences. From video storytelling to news distribution, she knows how to reach people in an increasingly cluttered marketplace.

Risk, Resilience, and the Next 20 Years: A National Security Perspective for Biotech Leaders

Founder and CEO, Andrea Thompson Group

Founder and CEO of the Andrea Thompson Group, an international strategic consulting firm with proven expertise in international security, government affairs, foreign policy, intelligence operations, cyber and emerging technologies, risk management, insider threat analysis, crisis management, and executive leader development.

We leverage our expansive global network to build strategic solutions and connect you with the leaders and expertise you need. We partner with you to develop and implement your strategy, help you problem solve, develop your leaders and adapt in challenging environments.
Unrivaled experience as a Senior Executive through successive appointments as National Security Advisor to the Vice President of the United States, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Vice President of International Programs at Northrop Grumman Corporation and CEO of DARC. Board Director of international, national and regional organizations. This compelling background in international negotiations and relationships is matched by highly effective leadership and management skills developed through the oversight of large, diverse teams and budgets to deliver national strategic outcomes. Deep experience in the technical, financial and political challenges involved in harnessing advanced technologies including in the fields of cyber, AI, aerospace and national security.

AI at Work: Practical Integration Strategies for Biotech Operations

MODERATOR

Vice President of Research and Economic Development and Professor of Digital Forensics at Dakota State University

South Dakota Biotech Board Member
Dr. Ashley Podhradsky is the Vice President for Research & Economic Development at Dakota State University and a nationally recognized leader in cybersecurity. She brings a strategic vision to research growth, economic impact, and industry collaboration—both on campus and beyond.

She also serves on the Board of Directors for First Bank & Trust, where she applies her expertise to strengthen cybersecurity and innovation in the financial sector.

A frequent keynote speaker at major national conferences, Dr. Podhradsky has led research teams that have secured nearly $20 million in competitive grant funding from organizations like the National Security Agency, National Science Foundation, Google, and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

She co-founded CybHER, a cybersecurity outreach program that’s introduced thousands of students—especially girls—to opportunities in technology. Her efforts have raised nearly $2 million to support hands-on learning, mentorship, and pipeline development from elementary school through college.

Her accomplishments have earned her numerous honors, including the EmBe “Young Woman of Achievement” award, the Merrill Hunter Award for Excellence in Research, and recognition as a New America Cybersecurity Fellow in both 2017 and 2018. In 2019, she was named an AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador, and her legacy was immortalized with a life-size statue in the Smithsonian, celebrating her as one of 120 pioneering women in STEM.

AI at Work: Practical Integration Strategies for Biotech Operations

Palo Alto Networks Industry Leader for Healthcare brings more than 20 years of experience to Palo Alto Networks transforming information technology and security programs, with 14 years in the healthcare sector as an executive overseeing clinical technology implementations and serving as the Chief Information Security Officer at two of the largest integrated health delivery systems in the United States.

Before joining Palo Alto Networks, Troy held the positions of Chief Information Security Officer - Field at Fortinet, Chief Information Security Officer at Beaumont Health and Director, Chief Information Security Officer at Sanford Health where he had oversight of the Security Technology, Security Operations, Identity and Access Management, and Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC) Teams.

Troy has been instrumental in forming multiple healthcare cyber security boards that focus on the medical device and IoT security and national healthcare cyber security task forces and engaging the education sector to produce more healthcare cyber security graduates and professionals. Troy has extensive public speaking experience at multiple national and regional conferences, speaking to members of congress, senate, and government agencies educating and advocating for healthcare cyber security. He holds degrees in computer information systems from the University of Mary and North Dakota State College of Science.

AI at Work: Practical Integration Strategies for Biotech Operations

Founder, Harvest AI

For more than fifteen years, she's led AI transformation work inside Fortune 500 companies and turned it into real results. She built Allianz Life's first Data Science practice from scratch and delivered $314 million in premium growth and $3.5 million in annual savings using machine learning across underwriting, sales, and fraud prevention. At Microsoft, she stood up the organization's first analyst agent in under twelve months, doubling her team's output without adding headcount or cost.

A South Dakota native who recently returned home, Sam founded Harvest AI, a Sioux Falls-based firm helping small and midsize businesses put AI to work. She's a familiar face in the Sioux Falls business community, speaking on AI strategy at local leadership forums and business summits, and guest lectures on AI and business transformation at top business schools across the country.

The Next 20 Years of Possibility: Building South Dakota’s Biotech Future

Executive Director & CEO, South Dakota Board of Regents

Nathan Lukkes serves as Executive Director and CEO of the South Dakota Board of Regents, overseeing the state’s public university system and special schools. He has been with the Board of Regents since 2014, previously serving as System Assistant Vice President for Research and Economic Development and later as Chief of Staff and General Counsel.

Before joining the Board of Regents, Lukkes served as Deputy Commissioner of the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development, bringing experience in economic development, research, public policy and higher education leadership.

A South Dakota native, Lukkes attended South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota and earned his law degree from the University of South Dakota School of Law. He also served 10 years in the South Dakota Army National Guard, including a deployment to Afghanistan, and was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal.

Lukkes is active in his community and serves on the Dakota State University-Applied Research Corporation Board. In his role with the Board of Regents, he focuses on strengthening partnerships among higher education, government and industry to expand educational opportunities, support workforce development and contribute to South Dakota’s economic growth.

The Next 20 Years of Possibility: Building South Dakota’s Biotech Future

MODERATOR

Founding Partner, LOVE THE WORK
South Dakota Biotech Board Member

Nathan Schock is a Co-Founder, Author, Speaker, Business Coach, Team Trainer, Growth Partner. He helps businesses grow with fewer growing pains. You can learn more about him at nathanschock.com

He is Co-Founder of and Partner in Love the Work, a Sioux Falls–based leadership development and organizational growth firm focused on culture, customer experience, and operational performance for scaling organizations. He works with leadership teams to build strong, aligned, high-performing organizations.

Previously, Nathan served as President of Locals Love Us and as a strategic consultant with Bird Dog Equity Partners. Prior to that, he was Director of Public Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility at POET, where he led communications, stakeholder engagement, and policy efforts across sustainability, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology—advancing bioeconomy initiatives at both state and national levels.

Nathan has served on numerous boards, including a national leadership role with the Biotechnology Innovation Organization. He holds a BA in political science from Wheaton College.

He brings a strong combination of bioeconomy knowledge, policy perspective, and leadership development experience to support South Dakota’s bioscience ecosystem.

Lunch Emcee
Built Here: Candid CEO Stories from South Dakota’s Biotech Journey

Co-Founder & President, SAB BIO
South Dakota Biotech Board Advisor

As President, CEO, and Co-Founder, Dr. Sullivan is actively involved in charting the vision of the organization and working directly with the scientific and technical staff to develop new, innovative products using the DiversitAb™ Platform. He has worked to form strategic partnerships around the world to promote the development of life-saving therapeutics.

As a seasoned biotechnology executive, Dr. Sullivan has more than 15 years of leadership experience, including being President of a subsidiary of Kyowa Hakko Kirin, a Japanese pharmaceutical company. During that time, he led initiatives to develop infectious disease, cancer, and autoimmune therapeutics. Raising over $190M in capital to develop biopharmaceutical platform technologies, he has also led several mergers and acquisitions. Dr. Sullivan was previously Vice President of Business Development and Government Relations of Sanford Applied Biosciences, a subsidiary of Sanford Health. He was also the head of Genemark, a company developing molecular diagnostic tools to the animal health industry as well as a co-founder of BioDak, a biotechnology development company.

Dr. Sullivan has been a thought leader in this field and worked with various committees and discussion groups that have focused on animal biotechnology and has actively participated in discussions for establishing a regulatory framework for this technology. He serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) in Washington, D.C. He is also the Founder and Past President of the state affiliate of BIO, South Dakota Biotech.

He was governor-appointed to South Dakota’s Research Commercialization Council and was Chairman of the state’s National Science Foundation-EPSCoR committee for 12 years.

Dr. Sullivan holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona and graduate degrees from Brigham Young University, Kennedy-Western University, and Utah State University in both reproduction and business.

Blaine Crissman, Partner, Badlands Capital

Mr. Crissman has more than 30 years of experience financing and investing in middle-market companies. Mr. Crissman has been involved in founding several private capital funds. Mr. Crissman is active in the portfolio companies in which he invests and currently serves on the Board of Directors of seven private companies.

Mr. Crissman founded Badlands Equity Fund in 2022 (“Badlands Equity”). Badlands Equity evaluates equity investments in private companies in the Upper Midwest.Badlands Equity is investing in software, technology-enabled businesses,and precision manufacturing companies.

The portfolio of Badlands Equity includes software, medical device,Senior living,and manufacturing companies. Mr. Crissman founded South Dakota Equity Partners (“SDEP”). SDEP evaluated equity investments in private companies in South Dakota. While leading SDEP, Mr. Crissman originated and led the investments in eight companies. The portfolio of SDEP includes software, solar, medical device,and manufacturing companies.

Prior to joining the Fund, Mr. Crissman founded Badlands Manufacturing(“Badlands Manufacturing”). Badlands Manufacturing evaluated equity investments in private companies in the Midwest. While leading Badlands, Mr. Crissman originated and led the acquisition of Design Tanks LLC, a South Dakota manufacturing company. Mr. Crissman was a founder and partner in Prism Mezzanine Fund SBIC, LP (“Prism”). Mr.Crissman was involved in fundraising, SBIC licensing and management of Prism. He also served on the investment committee of Prism, led the origination of many of Prism’s portfolio investments and was involved in managing these investments.

Prior to Prism, Mr. Crissman was a principal with Bank of America Capital Investors, a mezzanine debt and equity investing partnership funded by Bank of America. He served on the investment committee of Bank of America Capital Investors. Prior to joining Bank of America Capital Investors, he worked in BancAmerica Securities High Yield Group where he was involved in sourcing and underwriting public subordinated debt offerings. Prior to Bank of America, Mr. Crissman was a Vice President with First Bank Systems.

Mr. Crissman is the former President of the Midwest Regional Association of SBICs and is a founding member of the Private Equity Advisory Board at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. Mr. Crissman received an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and a BA in Economics and Finance from Augustana University.

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Founder Readiness: The IP, Finance and Partnership Decisions That Can Make or Break a Company

MODERATOR

Jamison Rounds, J.D., CVA, CM&AA Managing Partner, Value Visor LLC & Value Visor Business Sales and Real Estate
South Dakota Biotech Board Member
Jamison is a seasoned attorney, mediator, and Certified Valuation Analyst with over 20 years in business development and transactions. A former mayor of Crooks, SD (2015–2019), he has advised on major public and private deals, including the Homestake Gold Mine acquisition and the Gluco Boy™/Bayer Didget® exit. He’s represented clients in industries ranging from health care and distilleries to aviation and franchises.

An educator and entrepreneur, Jamison has taught at the University of South Dakota and chaired Mount Marty University’s Business Department, focusing on government-business intersections, ethics, and entrepreneurship. A Truman Scholar and award-winning M&A advisor, he is managing partner of Rounds International LLC and Value Visor, and is married with four children.

The Next Chapter: Turning Possibility into Progress

Dr. Mark Stowers, Co-Founder and General Partner, South Dakota First Capital

South Dakota Biotech Board President

Dr. Mark Stowers is the Biotech Executive of The Global Bluefish Company, LLC, a global management and financial advisory company which focuses on de-risking agriculture, food, bioproducts, and bioenergy and chemical businesses globally. It provides diverse business and technical guidance encompassing research management, product development, business development, marketing, mergers and acquisitions, licensing, corporate finance and general management.

Mark was most recently Chief Operations Officer and President of North America at Inari Agriculture, an emerging gene editing and computational seed design company targeting improved yield and resiliency of corn, soybean and wheat. While at Inari, he was responsible for the early-stage set-up of the company, its product development, the development and launch of the company’s “go to market” strategy, information technology, and its seed supply chain.

Previously he held senior executive positions in the research and business development areas at Limagrain, POET and Monsanto (now Bayer Crop Science). He has also worked to commercialize new biotechnologies and helped new business start-ups as President and CEO of MBI International and the Bio-Business Incubator of Michigan. He was the co-founder of Draths Corporation and the UCDavis-HM.Clause Life Sciences Innovation Center. Over the last twenty-five years he led/supported equity and debt financings of over $2 billion including a $200+ million IPO.

Dr. Stowers holds a Ph.D. in microbiology from North Carolina State University (1982) and completed post-doctoral studies at the Boyce Thompson Institute at Cornell University (1983). He is a NC State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Distinguished Alumnus (2003). He (as the principal from HM.Clause) is the recipient of the UC Davis Chancellor’s award Innovative Community Partner award (2016). He has served on numerous company, not-for-profit, and university boards and advisory committees.

About South Dakota First Capital
South Dakota First Capital Group is an emerging investment firm that seeks to invest in clever, gritty, and charismatic team's working on compelling businesses in South Dakota and the Upper Midwest of the United States. The firm further leverages the strong business, governmental affairs, and scientific/technical expertise of its Partners to create dynamic opportunities for its portfolio companies.

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Twenty Years of Progress: Building South Dakota’s Biotech Ecosystem

A look back at the people, organizations, investments, and milestones that helped shape South Dakota's biotech community over the past 20 years.

Anniversary Keynote: From Research to Results — South Dakota's Role in America's Innovation Future

Risk, Resilience & the Next 20 Years: A National Security Perspective for Biotech Leaders

A discussion of research security, supply chains, cybersecurity, resilience, and the evolving global environment surrounding biotechnology and innovation.

AI at Work: Practical Integration Strategies for Biotech Operations

The Next 20 Years of Possibility: Building South Dakota's Biotech Future

20th Anniversary Awards & Recognition Luncheon

Celebrate the founders, collaborators, innovators, companies, and partners who have helped build South Dakota's biotech community. The luncheon will include anniversary reflections, awards, special recognitions, and stories from throughout South Dakota Biotech's history.

Innovation Connections: Meet the People Building the Next 20 Years

Built Here: Candid CEO Stories from South Dakota's Biotech Journey

Biotech leaders share the real stories behind building companies in South Dakota—from securing capital and navigating regulatory pathways to finding talent, building partnerships, managing risk, and turning innovation into real-world impact.

Founder Readiness: The IP, Finance & Partnership Decisions That Can Make or Break a Company

Experts in intellectual property, investment, and commercialization discuss the decisions founders should address early to position their companies for growth.

The Next Chapter: Turning Possibility into Progress

A closing reflection on the ideas shared throughout the Summit and the role each attendee can play in shaping South Dakota's next 20 years of biotech innovation.

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DINNER SPONSOR

SAB BIO, 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.

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2026 LUNCHEON SPONSOR

POET’s vision is to create a world in sync with nature. As the world’s largest producer of biofuel and a global leader in sustainable bioproducts, POET creates plant-based alternatives to fossil fuels that unleash the regenerative power of agriculture and cultivate opportunities for America’s farm families. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Sioux Falls, POET operates 34 bioprocessing facilities across eight states and employs more than 2,400 team members. With a suite of bioproducts that includes high-quality animal feed, corn oil, green asphalt rejuvenator, purified alcohol, and renewable CO2, POET nurtures an unceasing commitment to innovation and advances powerful, practical solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Today, POET holds more than 100 patents worldwide and continues to break new ground in biotechnology, yielding lower-carbon, more efficient renewable energy and bioproducts.

2026 LUNCHEON SPONSOR

For over 60 years, it´s been our business to help better your business. Since 1954, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation (SFDF) 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 tools and resources they need to be successful.
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• Help you build partnerships for workforce success
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2026 BREAKFAST SPONSOR

Dakota BioWorx is a cutting-edge biotech innovation hub dedicated to supporting the development and commercialization of groundbreaking biotechnologies. Located in the heart of South Dakota, we offer state-of-the-art facilities and expert bioprocessing services, helping startups, researchers, and established companies scale their projects from concept to market. Our comprehensive support includes bioprocess scale up, contract manufacturing (CMO), and contract development manufacturing (CDMO) services, providing end-to-end solutions for process validation, optimization, and pilot-scale production up to 3000L. By fostering collaboration with industry leaders and academic institutions, Dakota BioWorx is committed to advancing the field of biotechnology and driving economic growth in the region. As a proud sponsor, we are excited to connect with fellow innovators and contribute to the future of biotechnology.

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2026 BREAKFAST SPONSOR

The University of South Dakota is a vibrant setting of innovation artistry and discovery, with research and creative activity opportunities in all disciplines across campus. USD researchers collaborate with industry professionals to bring new technologies to market as well as carrying out fundamental research in order to elucidate physical processes, improve human health, and protect the environment. In addition to individual research, the university hosts multi-disciplinary competitive research centers that foster academic excellence and spur economic growth. Biomedical engineering, chemistry, and physics are the main pillars of USD’s materials research; key research strengths and facilities within this area include the Center for Ultra-low Background Experiments in Dakotas (CUBED), Graduate Education and Applied Research Center (GEAR), and Center for Security Printing and Anti-Counterfeiting Technologies (SPACT). USD is also home to the state's only medical school. Sanford School of Medicine faculty members teach students the latest techniques and skills for a career in biomedical research. Critical biomedical research areas include anatomy and structural biology, cancer biology, immunology, cardiovascular sciences, microbiology, neuroscience, rural healthcare, pharmacology and physiology, among others. Key research groups and facilities include: South Dakota Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (BRIN), Neuroscience & Nanotechnology Network (USD-N3), Center for Brain & Behavior Research (CBBRe) and USD’s two biomedical cores: Behavioral Core and Physiology Core.

2026 SUPPORTING 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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2026 SUPPORTING SPONSOR

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2026 SUPPORTING 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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2026 NETWORKING 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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EXHIBITOR

DRACO Startup Studio, Inc. is a mission-driven innovation engine that partners with bold thinkers to transform breakthrough biotech and medical device concepts into viable, fundable, and scalable ventures.

EXHIBITOR

EOS Worldwide provides the Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS), a practical, proven system designed to help entrepreneurial leadership teams run stronger businesses. EOS helps organizations create a shared vision, gain traction on priorities, improve accountability, and build healthier, more cohesive teams using simple tools that can be applied throughout the organization.

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