Biotechnology in Minnesota

From medical research to a dynamic educational system, biotechnology has a long, rich and diversified history in Minnesota. Biotechnology and related companies and research institutions in the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" range from established firms such as Cargill, Land O’Lakes and 3M to the Mayo Clinic, and start-up companies such as Blizzard Genomics and NanoMedica. As the one of the largest U.S. exporters of agricultural goods and home to the prestigious Mayo Clinic, and the University of Minnesota, the state has become a leading biotechnology research center with a promising future.

International recognition came to Minnesota in 1950 when researchers Edward Calvin Kendall and Philip Showalter Hench received the Nobel Prize in physiology/medicine for their groundbreaking work with cortisone at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Their pioneering efforts led to the first known treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. National recognition, however, had come much earlier with the founding of the Mayo Clinic in the late 19th century. Founded upon the principle of uniting education, research and treatment, the Mayo has become one of the foremost educational and research institutions in the world and a leader in industry-sponsored research funding.

The state of Minnesota supports the biotechnology industry through funding of advanced educational resources and a successful technology transfer program, as well as a diverse and modern higher educational system. Minnesota recently funded a new, state-of-the-art, 4,000 square ft. (372 sq m) Biotechnology Resource Center, part of the larger Biodale facilities network, at the University of Minnesota, and has approved plans to construct a new Biotechnology Precinct on the St. Paul Campus. The University of Minnesota Patents and Technology Marketing Department has created a Research and Technology Portal to facilitate public access to licensable technologies. In 2000, the University of Minnesota was ranked 4th nationwide in the number of start-up companies spun-off from its technologies.

The Minnesota State College and University System offers a myriad of life sciences and biotechnology programs. Minnesota State University, Mankato and St. Cloud State University offer degrees in biotechnology, while the Anoka-Ramsey Community College offers various biomedical technology programs. Other available programs include food sciences and technology, medical and clinical laboratory technology, and biomedical sciences.

In 1970, the University of Minnesota received international academic recognition when Dr. Norman Borlaug, a graduate of the University of Minnesota’s Plant Pathology program, won the Nobel Peace Prize for his pioneering work to improve wheat varieties. In addition to numerous distinguished agricultural programs within their College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, the university boasts a notable College of Biological Sciences and is home to several biotechnology research centers, including the BioTechnology Institute, the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, the Hormel Institute and the Food Animal Biotechnology Center.

Private universities within the state also play an important role in life sciences education. The University of St. Thomas, St. Olaf College, Concordia College and St. Mary’s University of Minnesota are just a few of the private institutions which offer biotechnology-related programs.

With almost 200 public and private universities, colleges, trade and technical schools and innovative state support, Minnesota is well equipped to provide the biotechnology industry with a professional, educated workforce and the modern resources necessary for future growth.