From D.C. to San Diego: Shifting from Recruiting to Attracting Innovators
In the span of three weeks, I traveled from Washington, D.C. to San Diego — from supporting South Korean companies in the nation’s capital to participating in the world’s largest biotech conference. Instead of flying over South Dakota between time zones, I came home to reflect on what these experiences mean for the work we are doing at the USD Discovery District.
Descending into Discovery: Reflections from America’s Underground Lab
Descending into the Sanford Underground Research Facility revealed more than a historic mine turned laboratory. It exposed South Dakota’s quiet but powerful role in answering the universe’s deepest questions. From Ray Davis’s pioneering experiments to DUNE’s 800-mile neutrino beam, the state is building on generations of vision and partnership.
What the Governor’s Giant Vision Competition Reveals About South Dakota’s Startup Ecosystem
The recent Governor’s Giant Vision Competition in Pierre, South Dakota, offered a compelling view of the state’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape. Reflecting on the experience, Tung Nguyen—who previously participated as a finalist in 2022—observed a noticeable elevation in the event’s execution and the quality of ventures emerging from across the state. Events like Giant Vision reinforce the importance of coordinated innovation infrastructure as South Dakota’s startup ecosystem continues to mature.