BIOMEDICAL
Innovation with Purpose
Research is in our DNA
With a medical school, a major medical complex, and research centers, Grand Forks has a strong biomedical industry. Founded in 1905, the University of North Dakota (UND) School of Medicine & Health Sciences is the only medical school in North Dakota. UND also hosts the Center for Biomedical Research while IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) promotes the development, coordination, and sharing of research resources and expertise that will expand research opportunities.
FAST FACTS
Top 3%
UND Medical School ranked in the top 3% for Microbiology & Immunology School the the US
#1
UND’s Medical School was the #1 Recipient of National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant dollars among comparable departments nationwide in 2023*
*According to the federal grant tracking agency the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research
78
Admitted Medical Students Annually
Each year the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences admits 78 students to the only medical school in the state.
UND's Talent pipeline
UND offers a robust research infrastructure and IRB process, with an impressive return on investment for the state’s hospitals and clinics. Grand Forks’ has a strong biomedical industry because UND provides a pipeline of talent both from the School of Medicine & Health Sciences and the College of Engineering & Mines where research-intensive programs and “Innovation Based Learning” nurtures future experts in biomedical fields.
MAJOR EMPLOYERS
Buildings & Spaces
BioInnovation Zone (BIZ)
Offering over 8,000 square feet of innovation-based learning space with access to students, incubator capabilities, support for grant writing, and research.
BIZ Features
Pre-incubator space inside UND
Access over 200 graduate/undergraduate students ready to support research initiatives
Decentralize clinical trials with access to C2SHIP and IRB support
Regulatory engineering consultation
Medical device maker space with access to 3D printing, computer modeling, bioprinters, mechanical and electrical prototyping capabilities, and full support for the medical IoT cycle
Assistance with State and Federal Grants such as SBIR and STTR
Center for Biomedical Research
A 20,433 square-foot research facility offering comprehensive resources for animal research and bioscience development.
Center for Biomedical research Features
17 holding rooms and 1 quarantine room
6 procedure rooms
4 biohazard rooms including Class 2 Biological Safety Cabinets
100 percent backup system in the event of a power failure
Surgical suite is composed of a prep room, scrub room, and a surgery room
2 behavioral study suites
UND Tech Accelerator
Dedicated labs for research and development, including BioSafety Level-2 and vivarium facilities, foster a conducive environment for innovation.
UND Tech Accelerator Features
5 BSL-2 laboratories
ABSL2 comprises three suites (208-320 sq ft) for up to three projects, plus a larger ABSL2-E suite (597 sq ft) for a single virology or microbiology project
Bio-containment areas feature pass-through autoclaves, air interlocks, and safety cabinets; ABSL2-E includes shower and changing rooms
Additional BSL2 spaces in Tech Accelerator and small animal quarantine in the vivarium
Vivarium provides animal testing resources for mice, rats, and rabbits
Collaborative Community
Grand Forks promotes a collaborative atmosphere, highlighted by the Bioscience Association of North Dakota (BioND) and the Senior Healthcare Innovation Consortium (SHIC), which offer networks that encourage innovation and growth in the bioscience sector.
Bioscience Association of North Dakota (BioND)
Driving the growth of bioscience companies through networking and support, BioND supports startups and expansion of bio-based ventures in life sciences, bio-ag, bio-materials, bio-fuels, and relate entities. Among the many benefits of being an association member, BioND partnerships are leveraged for purchasing power on laboratory and safety supplies, equipment, chemicals, and more.
Senior Healthcare Innovation Consortium (SHIC)
SHIC is an education and scientific research consortium focused on leveraging technology to enhance senior healthcare. With over 150 company members, the SHIC fosters community and links collaborators to take on some of the toughest senior challenges.
Center to Stream Healthcare In Place (C2SHIP)
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers Consortium created the C2SHIP Center to promote healthcare technology for in-place care, connecting partners across prestigious institutions. The University of North Dakota (UND) is one of the six participating educational institutions.
STAY INFORMED
Stay up to date with the latest information from the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation.