THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
BioTechnology Institute
About BTI
Our Mission
Since its inception in 1984, BTI has supported world-class biotechnology research. Through the Biotechnology Training Program and the Graduate Program in Microbial Engineering and cutting-edge microbial production and downstream processing services, we continue to support research within the University and serve as a vital link to industry partners.
World-class Research
BTI is home to cutting-edge research in synthetic biology, bioconversion, bioremediation, protein engineering, and natural products discovery. Read our Gateway blog for stories about research, partnerships with local industry and the impact of our work on communities across Minnesota.
Seminars & Events
Our seminar and event series supports the research and educational mission of the University through weekly lecture and workshop series, symposia, and community programming. Please see our full schedule for format details.
Research News
Q&A with BTI Director Claudia Schmidt-Dannert
As the BioTechnology Institute’s new director, longtime faculty member Claudia Schmidt-Dannert aims to plant the institute firmly on the front lines of emerging needs and opportunities.
Synthetic Cells and Biofactories
Kate Adamala and the Build-a-Cell consortium look to synthetic biology for insight into the origins of life and a source for vital raw materials.
Building New Metabolic Pathways
Microbes are nothing if not industrious. The metabolic pathways (linked series of chemical reactions) in these tiny organisms lead them to crank out a wide variety of molecules for all sorts of purposes — and that’s what has Mike Freeman’s attention.
Programs and Services
Biotechnology Resource Center (BRC)
The BRC provides contract development and manufacturing services for University researchers and external partners. The BRC is a vital part of the state’s thriving biotech ecosystem.
Biotechnology Training
BTI is home to the NIH supported Biotechnology Training Program which provides interdiscplinary, lab-based training and mentorship for students pursuing careers in academia and industry.
Graduate Program
BTI’s Graduate Program in Microbial Engineering draws on faculty from across the University in a dual-track program designed for students coming from life science and engineering backgrounds.
BTI is an interdisciplinary research institute whose members come from departments and colleges across the University.
