Groundbreaking ceremonies were held yesterday for the POET Bioproducts Institute at the Research Park at SDSU. POET President and COO Jeff Lautt says the facility will serve as an innovation center for next generation of bioproducts that convert agriculture and forestry materials into high-value bioproducts such as animal feeds, bioplastics and low-carbon biofuels in order to protect the planet.
SDSU President Barry Dunn says SDSU and South Dakota Mines will be collaborating on research that will drive economic growth through biotechnology.
Several commodity groups including the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council helped underwrite the project. Council Chair Tim Ostrem says they will provide $2.5 million and are excited about the opportunity to develop new uses to add value to the commodities they produce.
