T. Denny Sanford gives another $10M to Dakota State University's cyber research initiative
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T. Denny Sanford has given another $10 million to Dakota State University’s cyber-research initiative, which includes the construction of a cyber applied research lab in Sioux Falls set for completion in 2026.
Sanford’s most recent donation totals $60 million in support for the initiative from Sanford alone, and more than $100 million for the entire initiative with public-private partnerships like $10 million from the city of Sioux Falls, $30 million from the state and $250,000 from Forward Sioux Falls, according to past Argus Leader reporting.
The initiative aims to grow a cyber-research industry in South Dakota by building a cyber research workforce pipeline and expanding facilities for cyber professionals to work. Researchers currently work in the applied research lab in Madison, but the 100,000 square foot Sioux Falls facility under construction could house 400 more cyber research workers.
Sioux Falls’ cyber lab will be located in the Sanford Sports Complex area on the north side of the city by the Sanford Virtual Care Center. Plans are in the design phase, and DSU is expecting to break ground in spring of 2024, with a projected opening in 2026.
DSU President José-Marie Griffiths said Sanford’s additional donation confirms the importance of the initiative to make South Dakota a cyber state.
Other parts of the cyber research initiative include plans in Madison to continue to fill its applied research lab to as many as 125 or 150 full-time jobs, increasing capacity to double the number of cyber graduates from 200 to 400 annually, cybersecurity bootcamps, and dual credit programs for high schoolers across the state in the Governor’s Cyber Academy.
More: Cybersecurity promises jobs, six-figure pay and more — if it can get people in South Dakota
Premier Bankcard CEO Miles Beacom said in a press release that the initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when public and private entities are committed to a common cause.
“Mr. Sanford understands the importance of collaboration and has been a longtime supporter of Dakota State University and its important mission,” Beacom said in a press release. “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.”
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: T. Denny Sanford gives extra $10M to DSU cyber research initiative
