WILLMAR - A business with a need for research or a researcher in need of a business home to enter the marketplace could find a connection in Willmar at the University of Minnesota’s Mid-Central Research and Outreach Center.
“Give us a call, that’s what I’m here for,” said Kathy Schwantes, regional director of the MCROC, during an event Thursday that highlighted the potential partnerships with the U of M that could be ignited at the Willmar facility, which is located on the MinnWest Technology Campus.
With 13,000 researchers at the University it can be difficult for the public to get access to information that could be helpful for business ventures, said Thomas Hutton, from the U’s office of Commercialization.
By the same token, there are researchers at the University who have innovative ideas in the “pipeline” and are looking for a business partner to buy an exclusive license to put products into the marketplace.
“We want you to partner with the University and we want to make it as simple as possible,” Hutton said.
One of those partnerships is taking place at the bio-safety level-two laboratory at MCROC where University researchers, including Tim Johnson, are working on “cutting edge” animal health issues in collaboration with the local poultry industry. That partnership was especially important during the recent bird flu outbreak, Johnson said.
Most of the University’s research takes place on the metro campuses, but Johnson said it makes sense to conduct poultry research where the turkey industry is located
“We really needed a home to have more interaction with the industry,” he said.
By drawing from the industry to address real-life problems creates a “synergy” that can result in real-life solutions.
One of the goals at MCROC is to create a facility where the public can interact with University research and resources “without having to drive two hours.”
Since opening in 2012, Johnson said there had been some criticism leveled at the MCROC laboratory as it developed its mission.
But he said there is “active research” underway with two full-time employees with two additional ones expected to be added.
“It’s an active and well-used lab,” Johnson said.
Having the MCROC laboratory available for his work has “changed how I can do research” and has the potential for positive future collaborations with the poultry industry.
Besides providing an information- and economic- link to the University’s resources and research, Johnson said MCROC’s presence in Willmar could help recruit young people into science and agricultural industries.
