About the USD Discovery District

About us

Welcome to The USD Discovery District

We aim to scale the economic growth ignited by university research, faculty, and student expertise while supporting the growth of private sector research and companies.

Located in Sioux Falls, the USD Discovery District is a new biotech and life science development in the largest city in South Dakota. As part of the fastest growing metropolitan area in the region, the USD Discovery District is next to the University of South Dakota Sioux Falls and is near to the intersection of I-90 and I-29. The strategic location of the District ensures accessibility and near workforce talent. As a result, the USD Discovery District is the ideal destination for innovation and collaboration.

Our Mission

To foster economic development by:

Growing university research capacity, resources, and talent
Connecting these core university strengths with private sector resources and companies
Fostering entrepreneurship and commercialization
Facilitating the creation of the physical infrastructure necessary to support creation and attraction of research and innovation-based businesses

Our Vision

Capitalize on the economic growth potential of university research, faculty, and student expertise and support the growth of private sector research and companies.

36 Year Over Night Success

Our History

1989 - 2000

Gov. George S. Mickelson, Sioux Falls leaders, and USD proposed a research park, revived in 2000 by the Forward Sioux Falls Technology Committee with over 200 stakeholders.

2001 - 2009

Feasibility study recommended a business incubator and research district; 252 acres acquired in 2006, followed by 2009 legislation authorizing an 80-acre research district.

2010 - 2014

National experts endorsed the USD Research Park in 2011; 2012 legislation passed and corporation formed; named USD Discovery District in 2014.

2015 - 2019

$755,000 EDA grant awarded in 2016; groundbreaking and Phase I street construction completed in 2017.

2020 - 2025

James W. Abbott named interim CEO in 2021; $19 million secured in 2022; construction began in 2023; first tenants signed in 2024; building opened in 2025.

Leadership

Board of Directors

Sheila Gestring, CPA, MBA

Chairwoman

President, University of South Dakota

Deb Peters

Treasurer

Owner, Pinnacle Adviser, LLC

Nathan Lukkes

Executive Director & CEO, South Dakota Board of Regents

Kim Patrick

Retired Chief Business Development Officer, Sanford Health

Tim Rave

President, South Dakota Board of Regents

Mayor Paul TenHaken

City of Sioux Falls

Mark Mickelson

President, Mickelson & Company, LLC

Bobbie Tibbetts

Commercial Sales & Leasing, Bender Commercial

Matt Michels, RN JD

Transaction Counsel, Avera Health & Partner, Michels and Associates, Prof. LLC

Bob Mundt

Ex-Officio

President & CEO, Sioux Falls Development Foundation

Dr. Dan Engebretson

Ex-Officio

Vice President, Research & Sponsored Programs, University of South Dakota

Katie Pohlson

Vice President, Innovations, Sanford Health

James Abbott

Retired President, University of South Dakota

Dr. Jay Perry

Ex-Officio

Vice President, University of South Dakota – Sioux Falls

People Behind Our Success

Meet Our Team

Ryan Oines

President and CEO

Ryan Oines leads the USD Discovery District as President and CEO, driving economic growth through biotech and life sciences innovation. With over 25 years of experience launching startups and securing capital, he oversees the projected $314M development plan that includes 26 buildings and an estimated 2,800 jobs. His strategic vision strengthens public-private partnerships, positioning South Dakota as a hub for research and commercialization.

Marc Niamba

Biotech Specialist

Marc Niamba advances the USD Discovery District’s mission to pioneer life sciences innovation. As a key contributor to GreenLight Bionics, he leverages virtual reality to enhance physical therapy solutions, earning recognition in the 2021 Governor’s Giant Vision Competition. His expertise in computer science and artificial intelligence has enabled him to create internal management and tenant recruitment tools.

Tung Nguyen

Marketing

Tung Nguyen amplifies the USD Discovery District’s vision of innovation and economic impact. With a background in mechanical engineering and regulatory strategy, he crafts data-driven campaigns to attract biotech tenants and showcase the District’s $23MM funded private public partnership. Nguyen’s strategic storytelling connects academia, industry, and government, driving engagement and growth across South Dakota’s life sciences ecosystem.

Interested in learning more?

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Stay connected and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

Sioux Falls

4600 West Nobel Street, Suite 102
Sioux Falls, SD 57107

605.275.8010
info@usddiscovery.com