Judging from the nearly 800 visitors to the Minnesota Pavilion at the International BIO tradeshow held last May in Boston, the state’s blue-chip reputation in the world of biosciences continues to rise.
“Minnesota seemed to be on the map a lot more this year,” says Jo Iverson, who organized the pavilion for Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). “There just seemed to be a buzz about Minnesota.”
“There’s great excitement, great potential, and great growth (ahead) for Minnesota in the biosciences,” adds Heather Sharp, an executive at Elk Run, a 1,775-acre development in Pine Island that includes a new biobusiness park.
The world’s premiere bioscience trade show, BIO drew 22,366 attendees from 48 states and 64 countries, including more than 60 from Minnesota biosciences organizations, higher education and research institutions, economic development groups, and government.
“It’s a window to the big picture view of what’s happening in the world of medical and biotechnology,” says Darin Lerew, principal at Integra Group, a Brooklyn Park-based provider of clinical research services.
Making his first appearance at BIO, the only thing that impressed DEED Commissioner Dan McElroy more than the scale and scope of the show was the depth and breadth of Minnesota’s bioscience base.
“I underestimated the extent to which Minnesota has a very deep bench in the biosciences,” says McElroy. “We have significant players in virtually every area. That’s our competitive advantage. I left saying Minnesota is a serious competitor here.
