High-Tech Laboratory Space Added at Business Incubator

South Dakota Technology Business Center is preparing the way for new tenants with the construction of biotech “wet lab” space in the lower level of the business incubator building. Biology and medical technology companies frequently require laboratory space with available purified water, gas and other facilities for their research and development efforts.

The initial phase of the lab build-out includes a 1,190 square foot area divided into two spaces, each with 100 square feet of office space and the rest working laboratory. A connecting door will make it possible for a company to convert the two spaces into one lab to accommodate growth.

“The design for this space maximizes flexibility,” said Rich Naser , Jr., executive director of SDTBC. “We interviewed potential tenants and worked with industry consultants to determine the best basic plan, then added amenities start-up biotech companies were likely to need.”

Those amenities include acid-resistant countertops and sheet vinyl floors, super-clean purified water, 110 and 220 volt power with built-in backup for no electrical outages, highly networked computer grid, hazardous waste disposal and safety features including emergency eyewash and floor drains. There will even be a floor to ceiling white board in each lab, for scientific analyses and system planning. Each lab is also equipped for the installation of five foot fume hoods, with roof units to provide total air exchange.

In addition to the build-out for the two labs, Phase I includes the construction of a shared equipment room, which will feature items such as a glass washer, autoclave, freezer and possibly even a floor-mounted centrifuge.

“We have already seen significant interest from local companies,” Naser said. “A number of start-up biotech firms are looking for their own lab space, especially lab space that can be easily modified to meet their specific needs.”

The build-out should be completed by mid-December of this year. Phase II of the project, including four additional labs and a Class 10,000 clean room, will follow as the original labs fill up, Naser said.