Sioux Falls, SD — The USD Discovery District today released the 2025 South Dakota Bioscience Market Study, a comprehensive analysis of the state’s emerging strengths in bioscience, life sciences, and technology-driven research. The report outlines how South Dakota’s affordability, development speed, and collaborative public-private environment are positioning the region as a competitive location for early stage and growth stage bioscience
companies.
The study arrives at a pivotal national moment. The recently announced Genesis Mission places federal focus on translational research, domestic biomanufacturing, and AI-enabled discovery — priorities that closely align with South Dakota’s expanding capabilities and investments.
“Founders tell us the same thing everywhere we go,” said Ryan Oines, President of the USD Discovery District. “They need time for their science to mature, and many are finding that South Dakota gives them more breathing room than the major coastal hubs. This study puts data behind that experience and shows why our model is working.”
The 2025 study highlights several key advantages:
● Operating runway: The same capital that lasts five years on the coasts can last up to ten years in South Dakota.
● Development speed: Faster permitting, predictable processes, and aligned partners reduce friction for companies building complex scientific infrastructure.
● Research and clinical capacity: USD’s expanding biomedical, engineering, and AI programs, when combined with regional health system partnerships, create a growing talent and research pipeline.
● Infrastructure readiness: The completion of Building 1, a purpose-built multi-tenant lab and innovation facility, signals that the state is ready for research, scale-up, and commercialization activity.
● Regional positioning: Sioux Falls is emerging as a competitive node in the Midwest bioscience corridor and is seeing increased interest from national and international partners.
“South Dakota is not trying to replicate Boston or San Diego,” said Tung Nguyen, Partner at Thel Consulting and project director of the study. “We are building an environment that reflects who we are: clear, collaborative, and fast. The data shows that when companies operate in a place where friction is lower, their progress accelerates. That is a meaningful competitive advantage.”
The Market Study integrates interviews, industry benchmarking, policy analysis, and economic trend data to map the state’s growth potential. It also aligns with the South Dakota Science and Technology Plan, which outlines statewide priorities for research, innovation, and workforce development.
“This report confirms what many leaders in South Dakota already believe,” Oines added. “If we stay focused and continue building the right infrastructure, we can offer something rare in today’s innovation economy — a place where companies have the time and support to reach the next stage of their scientific and commercial journey.”
The full 2025 Market Study is now available for download.
Download the report:
https://www.usddiscovery.com/2025-south-dakota-bioscience-market-study
About the USD Discovery District
The USD Discovery District is a university anchored innovation community in Sioux Falls designed to accelerate bioscience, life science, and technology based development. Formed through a public private partnership, the USD Discovery District is supported by the University of South Dakota, the South Dakota Board of Regents, the SD Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the City of Sioux Falls, and Forward Sioux Falls. The mission of the USD
Discovery District is to connect academic research, clinical expertise, industry partners, and a growing talent pipeline in one location. With the completion of Building 1 and an 80 acre campus planned for research and innovation facilities, the USD Discovery District provides companies with the environment, resources, and support to advance scientific and commercial progress in South Dakota.
Media Contacts
Ryan Oines
President, USD Discovery District
ryan@usddiscovery.com | 605-728-7926
Tung Nguyen
Partner, Thel Consulting
Marketing, USD Discovery District
tung@usddiscovery.com | 605-251-9043
