The University of South Dakota and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development are teaming up with a new program called Proof of Concept. South Dakota Biotech Association Executive Director Joni Johnson says Proof of Concept received a $1 million matching grant from the U.S. Commerce Department. It aims to take bioscience research to the marketplace. She says companies and researchers who have developed technologies will receive the funds necessary to test their product and get it to market.

She says the Proof of Concept program allows scientists, businesses and students to work together to advance bioscience research.

Johnson says the program will also help biotechnology grow in the state.

Johnson says the University of South Dakota has the Discovery District Land available for new biotech companies to locate in.