Dakota State research lab receives additional funding

November 1, 2023

Dakota State University’s cyber-research initiative has received additional support from one of its initial donors.

Philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, who committed $50M to the project in 2022, recently promised another $10M.

“This additional gift by Mr. Sanford is a confirmation of the importance of this initiative to make South Dakota a cyber state, and we appreciate his continued support,” said President Dr. José-Marie Griffiths.

This public-private partnership initiative will grow a cyber-research industry in South Dakota by building a workforce pipeline and expanding the facilities where these employees would work. Researchers are currently working in the Applied Research Lab (ARL) in Madison, and the donation from Sanford allows for an expansion to Sioux Falls with a 100,000-square-foot building that could house 400 cyber research workers. This will expand opportunities for the state’s brightest and best cybersecurity professionals to live and work in South Dakota.

“The cyber-research initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when public and private entities are committed to a common cause,” said PREMIER Bankcard CEO Miles Beacom. “Mr. Sanford understands the importance of collaboration and has been a longtime supporter of Dakota State University and its important mission. Cyber research has never been more essential to our national security, and he is honored to play a role in making this initiative a reality.”

The new building will be located in the Sanford Sports Complex area on the north side of Sioux Falls, near the Sanford Virtual Care Center. Plans are in the design phase, and DSU is expecting to break ground in the spring of 2024, with a projected opening in 2026.