South Dakota Biotech 2026 Summit & Annual Meeting
About this Event
Join South Dakota Biotech as we celebrate 20 years of advancing bioscience, innovation, and economic growth while looking ahead to the next generation of opportunity. The 2026 SD Biotech Summit will bring together researchers, entrepreneurs, healthcare leaders, policymakers, investors, educators, and industry partners for a day of inspiration, collaboration, and forward-thinking discussion.
The Summit will feature a dynamic keynote on the future of biotechnology, engaging panel discussions on emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, policy, commercialization, workforce development, and investment, along with interactive roundtables designed to address the challenges and opportunities shaping South Dakota's bioscience ecosystem. Attendees will also celebrate the pioneers who helped build South Dakota Biotech during a special 20th Anniversary Recognition Ceremony, honoring the founders, members, and partners whose vision has transformed the state's life sciences community.
Whether you're a startup founder, researcher, healthcare executive, investor, policymaker, educator, or student, the SD Biotech Summit offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with South Dakota's bioscience leaders, celebrate two decades of achievement, and help shape the next 20 years of innovation.
Join us as we honor our past, celebrate our progress, and chart the course for the future of biotechnology in South Dakota.
Support innovation. Build connections. Increase your visibility.
Become a sponsor of the 2026 South Dakota Biotech Summit and connect with more than 250 leaders shaping the future of biotechnology, agtech, and life sciences in South Dakota. Sponsorships are limited—secure yours today!
Sponsorship Opportunities Agenda Below:
Agenda
🕑: 07:30 AM - 08:00 AM
Registration, Coffee & Networking
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:15 AM
Twenty Years of Progress: Building South Dakota’s Biotech Ecosystem
Host: Joni Ekstrum, executive director of South Dakota Biotech
Info: A look back at the people, organizations, investments, and milestones that helped shape South Dakota’s biotech community over the past 20 years.
🕑: 08:15 AM - 09:00 AM
KEYNOTE From Research to Results: SD's Role in America's Innovation Future
Info: A forward-looking conversation connecting research, commercialization, economic development, and national competitiveness.
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:45 AM
Risk, Resilience, and the Next 20 Years: National Security
Info: A National Security Perspective for Biotech Leaders
A discussion of research security, supply chains, cybersecurity, resilience, and the evolving global environment surrounding biotechnology and innovation.
🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:10 AM
Break
🕑: 10:10 AM - 10:55 AM
AI at Work: Practical Integration Strategies for Biotech Operations
Info: Industry leaders explore practical applications of artificial intelligence across research, operations, data security, customer intelligence, and organizational workflows—with a focus on what organizations can implement today.
🕑: 10:55 AM - 11:40 AM
The Next 20 Years of Possibility: Building South Dakota’s Biotech Future
Info: A cross-sector conversation about the workforce, infrastructure, research capacity, capital, partnerships, and investments needed to strengthen South Dakota’s biotech economy for the decades ahead.
🕑: 11:40 AM - 12:00 PM
LUNCH BUFFET
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:45 PM
Awards Lunch: 20th Anniversary Recognition Ceremony
Info: Celebrate the founders, collaborators, innovators, companies, and partners who have helped build South Dakota’s biotech community. The luncheon will include anniversary reflections, awards, special recognitions, and stories from throughout South Dakota Biotech’s history.
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:15 PM
Innovation Connections: Meet the People Building the Next 20 Years
Info: A facilitated networking session designed to help attendees connect around research partnerships, capital, workforce, customers, commercialization, startup support, and other opportunities.
🕑: 02:15 PM - 03:15 PM
Built Here: Candid CEO Stories from South Dakota’s Biotech Journey
Info: Biotech leaders share the real stories behind building companies in South Dakota—from securing capital and navigating regulatory pathways to finding talent, building partnerships, managing risk, and turning innovation into real-world impact.
🕑: 03:15 PM - 04:00 PM
Founder Readiness: IP, Finance & Partnership Decisions
Info: Experts in intellectual property, investment, and commercialization discuss the decisions founders should address early to position their companies for growth.
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:15 PM
The Next Chapter: Turning Possibility into Progress
Host: Mark Stowers, SD Biotech Board President
Info: A closing reflection on the ideas shared throughout the Summit and the role each attendee can play in shaping South Dakota’s next 20 years of biotech innovation.
🕑: 04:15 PM - 05:30 PM
20th Anniversary Celebration Reception
Info: Continue the conversation and celebrate two decades of South Dakota Biotech with colleagues, partners, and friends from across the state and region.
Agenda and speakers are subject to change.
Info: Additional speakers and program details will be announced as they are confirmed.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 23.18 to USD 200.00
