South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

South Dakota Mines is a STEM-focused public research university in Rapid City known for applied, industry‑aligned education and research. Companies engage through co-located labs and testbeds for advanced manufacturing and materials, a structured internship and co-op program, and sponsored senior design that channels real problem statements into prototypes. The university’s location links partners to Ellsworth Air Force Base, the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, and an adjacent incubator ecosystem with regional economic development organizations. Research is backed by competitive federal awards from NSF, DOE, DOD, NASA and other agencies. A dedicated commercialization function supports IP protection, licensing, and startup formation.