February 4, 2026
In this episode of Favorable Environments, Host Tung Nguyen speaks with fellow members of theUSD Discovery District leadership team—Ryan, President; Marc, Director of Biotech Development; in a reflective discussion—about the organization’s first operational year since taking possession of Building 1 in January 2025. The team shares candid insights into the milestones achieved, the challenges navigated, and the strategic pivots that have positioned the District as a purpose-built hub for bioscience and life sciences innovation in Sioux Falls.
The conversation explores the pragmatic realities of building a research park from the ground up: from refining tenant profiles to prioritize research-oriented companies, to developing a resource-mapping platform that connects prospects with statewide assets in academia, healthcare, and industry. Ryan, Marc, and Tung reflect on lessons from early tenant engagements, the value of an abundance mindset in partnerships, and how South Dakota’s low-density networks and statewide support create scalable advantages for commercialization and long-term growth. They discuss the importance of relationships as infrastructure—beyond buildings—and how collaborations with entities such as the University of South Dakota, Forward Sioux Falls, and regional healthcare systems drive momentum.
Later in the episode, the team addresses the cultural evolution of a small, agile group, the need for disciplined filtering of opportunities, and the vision for future phases, including alpha and beta testing of the resource-mapping tool and its potential as a standalone platform. The discussion highlights why the USD Discovery District serves as a conduit between university research, private sector ambition, and community impact, advancing applied research, talent pipelines, and bioscience scaling in a region built for resilience.
This episode provides an inside look at the disciplined progress behind South Dakota’s emerging bioscience campus and why the USD Discovery District continues to create favorable environments for mission-driven innovation, partnerships, and economic impact.
To stay connected with the USD Discovery District, follow us on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/usd-discovery-district and discover opportunities at usddiscovery.com, including leasing at Building 1 for research, diagnostics, and advanced manufacturing.
Favorable Environments is presented by the USD Discovery District and supported by South Dakota First Capital, working to expand access to capital for companies building the future of bioscience in the region.
About this Guest
Ryan Oines leads the USD Discovery District as President and CEO, driving economic growth through biotech and life sciences innovation. With over 25 years of experience launching startups and securing capital, he oversees a $314M development plan for 26 buildings, fostering 2,800 jobs. His strategic vision strengthens public-private partnerships, positioning South Dakota as a hub for research and commercialization.
Marc Niamba advances the USD Discovery District’s mission to pioneer life sciences innovation. As a key contributor to GreenLight Bionics, he leverages virtual reality to enhance physical therapy solutions, earning recognition in the 2021 Governor’s Giant Vision Competition. His expertise in computer science and artificial intelligence has enabled him to create internal management and tenant recruitment tools.
Tung Nguyen amplifies the USD Discovery District’s vision of innovation and economic impact. With a background in mechanical engineering and regulatory strategy, he crafts data-driven campaigns to attract biotech tenants and showcase the District’s $23MM funded private public partnership. Nguyen’s strategic storytelling connects academia, industry, and government, driving engagement and growth across South Dakota’s life sciences ecosystem.
This episode features a conversation with Jason Foster. Jason is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare and technology sectors across the US, UK, and Europe. As the Chief Executive Officer of Ori Biotech, he spearheads the company’s efforts in revolutionizing cell and gene therapy manufacturing technology.
Ken Londoner has established himself as an authority in capital markets and capital architecture, as well as a prominent executive in the life sciences sector. He is the Chief Executive Officer of BioSig Technologies, Inc. [NASDAQ: BSGM].
Kristina Harris Jackson is the Director of Research and Education for OmegaQuant Analytics in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine.
Kristina received her PhD in Nutritional Sciences from Pennsylvania State University in 2013 and completed her training to become a Registered Dietitian in 2014. As a graduate student, she studied under Dr. Penny Kris-Etherton, an internationally-recognized expert in fats and nutrition. She worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Colorado-Denver under Dr. John Peters in the area of worksite wellness before returning to the omega-3 field. Kristina joined the family business, OmegaQuant Analytics, as a Research Associate in 2014, with a particular focus on omega-3s in maternal health, helping create the Prenatal DHA test and the Mother’s Milk DHA test. In 2020, she became Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine.
Kristina is also the co-founder of Midtown Coffee Radio Hour, a live radio show produced and performed by local artists in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She lives in Sioux Falls with her husband, two kids, one old dog, and four grandparents.
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