Technology Business Center Completes Labs

South Dakota Technology Business Center has completed the Phase I construction of bio-tech “wet lab” space in the lower level of the business incubator building. 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. The first laboratory tenant, Dakota Pharmaceuticals, is utilizing both spaces, with company president Robert Nelson continuing his research on polymers for testing in DNA sequencing in one lab. The second lab space is dedicated to cancer research supervised by Nelson.

“Dakota Pharmaceuticals is exactly the kind of cutting-edge biotech company we prepared the labs for,” said Rich Naser , Jr., executive director of SDTBC. “Their use of the lab space proves the effectiveness of the design—and will encourage other companies to use our facilities.”

Lab amenities include acid-resistant countertops and sheet vinyl floors, super-clean purified water, 110 and 220 volt power with built-in backup to prevent electrical outages, highly-networked computer grid, hazardous waste disposal and safety features including emergency eyewash and floor drains. Floor to ceiling white boards are provided in each lab for scientific analyses and system planning. Each lab is also equipped with five foot fume hoods, with roof units to provide total air exchange.

Several companies are currently interested in lab space at SDTBC, and the facility is working on securing financing to construct four more labs this year. According to Naser, SDTBC is beginning to demonstrate its efficiency as a business incubator.

“We will see our first graduate this year as MetaPayment Systems moves into its own building, currently under construction,” he said. “We have only about 3,500 square feet of finished space left to fill, with eight companies in the building and three more sharing our virtual office program. Most importantly, people are now coming to us looking for space, with an understanding of why we’re here. SDTBC is working for Sioux Falls.”