1. Good afternoon. My name is Maura Donovan and I am Executive Director of the Office of Economic Development at the University and a representative of the University’s central research administrative unit.
I want to start by thanking the organizers of this annual event for including the U of M.
My colleagues and I are very pleased to be here and to have the opportunity to share with you some of the exciting possibilities for partnering with the University.
I will make a few introductory remarks and then hand things over to Dr. Trevor Ames, who is Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

2. As I mentioned, we are excited to talk about partnering opportunities, specifically (for this conference) in the bioresearch domain and encompassing Food & Agriculture, Health Sciences and Engineering.
For the scientists and engineers in the audience, such partnering can be triggered by a desire to take advantage of the U’s extensive technology capabilities including:
Fermentation
Purification
Mass Spec
Proteomics
Imaging
Genomics
Clinical trials and testing
Materia l science and characterization
It is important to also mention that, increasingly, our partnering is focused heavily on meeting industry workforce needs and opportunities.

3. Business and Industry Funded Research
Research Statistics
8th among public research universities (2015)
Top 5 in life sciences tech transfer (Nature Biotechnology)
National Rankings
$881M (2015)
>300 research, education, and outreach centers and institutes
R&D Expenditures
Increased $33M over the last decade
Currently 10% of research funding
81 MN-IP research agreements with 62 companies (2016)
Business and Industry Funded Research
101 since 2006
Raised >$215M in investment capital
Startup Companies
You may be aware that the U of M consistently ranks among the top 10 public research institutions in the nation, with approximately $900 M in annual research expenditures. The investment is spread across numerous departments, center and institutes which are, in turn, spread across the state.
The University has been working hard over the past years to become more open to business engagement. Much of the work has centered on updating technology transfer programs, including the development of the successful MN-IP program (Minnesota Innovation Partnerships) and, most recently, launching an Economic Development Office to serve as a front door for businesses seeking to connect with resources at the University. Thanks to many combined efforts, the University has seen a significant increase in business and industry funded research, especially over the last 3 years. (2016--$80M in B&I sponsored research).
Another area of strategic focus is promoting entrepreneurship. The U of M is one of only three NIH funded Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hubs (REACH). We also receive NSF funding as part of the ICorps Program, a national entrepreneurship initiative. As an indication of the commercialization focus, the University recently passed the 100th startup milestone.
(Holds 900 patents and 1,800 current licenses for U of M technology)

4. MnDRIVE Minnesota Discovery, Research and InnoVation Economy
A landmark partnership between the University and the state of Minnesota
Fosters innovation to address society’s greatest challenges
Cultivates business collaboration that advances Minnesota’s economy
The University’s efforts to advance innovation and business engagement has been strengthened by state support. In particular, in 2013, the Legislature authorized the MnDRIVE program with the goal of supporting breakthrough research that will:
Advance Minnesota’s economy
Leverage Minnesota’s strengths and comparative advantages
Improve Minnesotan's health and quality of life
Advance capacity and competitiveness of Minnesota industries
Position Minnesota as a national leader
MnDRIVE has involved to date more than 800 researchers in 116 departments, 26 colleges and three campuses (TC’s, Duluth, Morris) and engaged more than 325 external partners.
Example Projects:
1. Field scale bioreactor for remediation of agricultural runoff. Bioreactors are a cost-effective solution for removing excess nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural run-off—before it reaches nearby waterways. A MnDRIVE supported research project at the University of Minnesota seeks to make the technology more efficient in cold climates like the upper midwest.
2. Portable soil sensor: The main goal of this proposal is to provide farmers and agricultural engineers with a portable soil sensor for on-site and real-time measurement of the amount of nitrate (NO3) and nitrogen (N) in soils

5. UMN Economic Development
The Office of University Economic Development (UED) offers a broad ranges of services to individuals and groups looking to partner with the University of Minnesota.
The Office of University Economic Development was established in 2014 in response to feedback from industry and community leaders who sought strengthened engagement with the University and connection to resources and capabilities across the University system.
We provide a “Front Door & More” for the University and offer a broad range of partnering services.
You can find us at frontdoor.umn.edu or by sending an to Each month, we are responding to over 30 requests from people such as you. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU.
“FRONT DOOR & MORE”

6. PARTNERSHIP Case Studies
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: Takeda
PROBLEM: Workforce needed for new Brooklyn Park production facility.
OUTCOMES: Takeda now employs more than 30 UMN graduates and continues to access UMN pipeline for workforce.
RESEARCH EXPERTISE: Toray
PROBLEM: Toray sought to develop new applications & markets for carbon fiber materials.
OUTCOMES: Toray connects with UMN research expertise, sponsors UMN research.
CONSULTING SERVICES: NetZro
PROBLEM: NetZro needed marketing input for a new application of a technology to treat food waste.
OUTCOMES: UED connected NetZro to Willmar poultry producers and the parties are evaluating an egg waste application.
I often get asked the question, “How can the U help my business?” To get you started in thinking about partnering opportunities, I am showing three examples of work the Office of Economic Development completed during this past year that included: finding talent, accessing research expertise, and evaluating market opportunities.

7. I am going to turn the microphone over to Dr. Ames
I am going to turn the microphone over to Dr. Ames. I will be around today to answer questions and learn more about your particular interests.
Thank you.
frontdoor.umn.edu