In the midst of a crowd of maroon and gold, the BioTechnology Institute (BTI) and Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation Center (BBIC) wanted to stand out. With interactive activities, posters, and research to share, BTI and BBIC Director Claudia Schmidt-Dannert and BBIC COO Carmen Schicklberger joined colleagues and students from across the University system to advocate for legislative requests at the Minnesota State Capitol on U of M Day in February. The two, along with fellow biotechnology researchers, shared some of the current biotech research currently happening on campus and across the state.
“BTI researchers are working to produce an eco-friendly leaf spray to reduce the disease levels of Goss’s Wilt in corn production, to create a new biofilm based membrane reactor technology to clean up PFAS in wastewater facilities, and to identify new fungal compounds that protect bats, but also have potential applications for human health as anti-parasitics, a category of medicine that sees little innovation,” says Schicklberger. “These are just a few of the examples of research we wanted to make sure people knew about. We really wanted to share impact stories and the vision of how University research is addressing critical challenges and technology needs to solve problems and lead to new market solutions for the benefit of Minnesotans and people beyond.”
Building off existing research strengths in these areas, BTI and BBIC sees unique opportunities available at the intersection of U of M research expertise and Minnesota resources.
“With all of the resources such as feedstocks, water, and minerals available in Minnesota, along with the strengths of the BTI research community and faculty focused on biotechnology, there is an opportunity via the recently founded BBIC to invest in research infrastructure and fund projects that can lead to new technologies, new companies, and good jobs in the biotech sector,” Schicklberger says. “Taking part in U of M Day was a great chance for us to share some of the research happening on campus but also some of the ways we can benefit Minnesota in the long run.”