The USD Discovery District is Ready for Innovators
January 31, 2025
In the heart of northwestern Sioux Falls, a significant milestone has been achieved with the opening of the first building in the USD Discovery District, marking a palpable step towards transforming this area into a hub for innovation, particularly in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors. The journey to this point has been neither swift nor without challenges, but the completion of this 57,000-square-foot structure heralds a new era for the region’s economic and academic landscape.
A Beacon for Future Innovators
The building, which represents the inaugural development of what is envisioned to be an expansive research park, is more than just a physical entity; it is a beacon for future innovators, researchers, and businesses in South Dakota. Ryan Oines, the interim President of the USD Discovery District, shared insights during a interview with KELOLAND News, emphasizing the strategic intent behind the project.
“Our idea is really to market to the life science and biotech industries here in Sioux Falls to draw both companies from outside as well as support companies and efforts in research and development here in South Dakota,” Oines explained. This vision is not just about creating space but fostering an ecosystem where ideas can flourish, partnerships can be forged, and innovations can be nurtured into tangible solutions.
Tenants and Growth Within
Despite the building still echoing with the sounds of construction, the excitement is palpable. Already, three tenants have been announced, signaling the beginning of a vibrant community within these walls. The Small Business Development Center and Prairie Family Business have secured their spots, bringing different facets of business and research under one roof. Additionally, OmegaQuant Analytics is in the process of having its space tailored to its specific needs, further diversifying the tenant mix and enhancing the collaborative potential of the district.
Bridging Academia and Industry with USD Sioux Falls
The USD Discovery District operates as its own 501(c)(3) entity, yet its umbilical connection to the University of South Dakota is both in name and in strategic geographical proximity. Just across the street from the USD-Sioux Falls campus, this location is strategically chosen to foster an integrated environment where academic research meets practical application.
Jay Perry, Vice President for USD-Sioux Falls, envisions a symbiotic relationship where, “scientists and entrepreneurs who can walk down the street to our campus as lecturers for our students, as well as provide internships at the businesses in the Discovery District and jobs after they graduate.”. This proximity promises not only to enhance learning opportunities but also to directly translate academic research into industry advancements.
A Vision for Future Expansion
The landscape surrounding the new building is not just land; it’s a canvas for future development. With a master plan that ambitiously outlines the construction of 26 buildings, the focus is clear – to create a mixed-use area with a heavy emphasis on biotechnology and life sciences. This development is not just about adding structures but about building a community where each building adds to the collective strength of the district.
Looking to the Immediate Future
Ryan Oines further alluded to the immediate future steps, noting that plans are already underway to start construction on the next building. This continual push towards expansion reflects the confidence in the vision of the USD Discovery District, aiming to make Sioux Falls not just a participant but a leader in the global biotech and life sciences arena.
A New Chapter in Sioux Falls
The launch of this first building is more than a physical opening; it’s the unfolding of a narrative where Sioux Falls is set to write new chapters in innovation, education, and economic growth. With each new tenant, each new collaboration, and each new building, the USD Discovery District is on its way to becoming a pivotal point in South Dakota’s journey towards scientific and entrepreneurial excellence.
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