Minnesota Is A Natural For Bioscience

Bioscience is a broad field that encompasses hundreds of different products and services. Agricultural chemicals, pesticides and animal feeds are part of it. So are genetically modified seeds, ethanol and other biofuels, as well as cleaning products designed to kill germs in hotels and hospitals.

By Laura French, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: March 5, 2007 - 10:01 AM

Ask people to define "bioscience," and they might give you a blank look. Ask people about agriculture, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and microbiology, and you'll get more knowledgeable responses. In fact, "bioscience" is a blanket term that encompasses a range of industries and disciplines in which Minnesota has a long and distinguished track record.

By supporting the growth of bioscience, the state will also support a wide range of career opportunities.

From Agriculture To Allergies

By definition, bioscience is "any of the branches of natural science dealing with the structure and behavior of living organisms." In Minnesota, bioscience translates to Cargill, Cenex, and Land O'Lakes; Medtronic, St. Jude Medical, and 3M; Ecolab and H.B. Fuller.

As this list of companies shows, bioscience is a broad field that encompasses hundreds of different products and services. Agricultural chemicals, pesticides and animal feeds are part of it. So are genetically modified seeds, ethanol and other biofuels, as well as cleaning products designed to kill germs in hotels and hospitals. New methods of testing for allergies and infectious diseases rely on breakthroughs in bioscience. Pharmaceuticals used to treat cancer and heart problems are yet another bioscience subspecialty.

Growth Ahead

A survey of bioscience companies conducted by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) in 2004 projected strong growth in bioscience careers through 2008. The need for technicians and technologists will increase by 88 percent; scientists by 64 percent; and engineers by 60 percent. Workers in a number of other occupations, from sales to patent law, will also be required.Several initiatives are underway to help Minnesota realize its potential in bioscience.

The University of Minnesota invested more than $300 million in genomics and biotechnology between 1998 and 2002. Biodale is a consortium of University of Minnesota research service facilities that both the university community and Minnesota bioscience companies can draw upon. Biodale's specialized technicians provide a "one-stop-shop" for research in genetic imaging and analysis. Life Science Alley, resulting from the merger of MNBIO and Medical Alley, is a non-profit trade organization for bioscience companies.

Life Science Alley provides educational programming for a number of special interest groups ranging from clinical studies and regulatory affairs to marketing communications and business growth. They also host two to three large industry conferences each year.

Minnesota's Bioscience Zone

A "Bioscience Zone," created by the Minnesota Legislature in 2003, connects the University of Minnesota with the Mayo Clinic, providing tax incentives to existing and start-up companies within the corridor. The $4 million in funding awarded in 2006 will help provide infrastructure for research and development facilities in Austin, Mankato, Cannon Falls, Chaska and Minneapolis.

Learn More

The Governor's Bioscience Initiative, www.deed.state.mn.us/biozone/. Life Science Alley, www.LifeScienceAlley.org. University of Minnesota's Biodale www.cbs.umn.edu/biodale.

Laura French is principal of Words Into Action, Inc., and is a freelance writer from Roseville.

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