AGP Executive Report

Helium Hub: Pulsar Helium selected a Two Harbors industrial site for a proposed $90 million processing plant, which could become Minnesota’s first commercial helium facility. University Research: A University of Minnesota mouse study linked kombucha with changes in gut bacteria and fewer anxiety- and depression-like behaviors; human benefits are still unknown. Water Quality: A new report says PFAS were found in every Minnesota waterway tested, including Duluth’s Tischer Creek. Urban Ecology: Researchers at the Natural Resources Research Institute are testing InnovaTrees in Duluth to help restore the urban canopy. Biomanufacturing: Minnesota Biomanufacturing Services has quadrupled its capacity with a new facility, expanding the state’s life-sciences production base.

Data Centers: Opposition is crossing party lines as residents raise concerns about noise, water use and electricity demand. Lino Lakes is reviewing its zoning rules as it considers how to handle new projects. Urban Research: Duluth and the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute planted 25 fast-growing hybrid poplars to replace ash trees lost to emerald ash borer. Researchers will track canopy recovery and the trees’ cooling effects. Water Quality: PFAS were detected at all 91 Minnesota waterways testing sites from 2022 to 2024, including locations along the Mississippi River and Lake Superior; researchers are calling for broader monitoring. STEM Pipeline: More than 250 students explored 50 science, technology, engineering, arts and math workshops at Minnesota State Moorhead’s annual STEAM Day. Rochester Community and Technical College’s trades programs are also near or at capacity, meeting local workforce needs. Minnesota Tech: Minnesota Biomanufacturing Services has quadrupled its capacity with a new facility, while Polar and imec plan 200mm gallium nitride production. Driverless Vehicles: St. Paul approved a study of autonomous vehicles as Minneapolis weighs rules requiring a human safety monitor in robotaxis.

Research: The University of Minnesota’s Bell Museum has installed a powerful CT scanner that could reveal the internal anatomy of about 3 million specimens, supporting biodiversity research across Minnesota and beyond. Women’s Health: Minneapolis-based Visana Health is expanding its weight-care program to address hormonal and metabolic factors alongside weight loss. Cybersecurity: Eden Prairie company SmiForce says its new price-lock program will help local governments and schools manage rising security-software costs. Agriculture: UMN Extension is urging farmers to scout for Asian copperleaf, an invasive weed confirmed in a southern Minnesota cornfield. North Shore Technology: Pulsar Helium plans a rare-gas hub in Two Harbors, while a new toolkit aims to help Minnesota cities prepare for data-center proposals. STEM for All Ages: The MN STEM Book Festival returns to the Bakken Museum on Oct. 24 with author panels, hands-on activities and a kids’ corner.

Medical AI: University of Minnesota researchers developed EpiScreen, an AI tool that helped neurology residents distinguish epilepsy from functional seizures more accurately using past medical records. It isn’t ready for patient care. Young Innovators: A 13-year-old from Connecticut won 3M’s Young Scientist Challenge in St. Paul with a system designed to reduce ocean acidification. Higher Education: The University of Minnesota Regents advanced a $150 million funding request for a new Rochester academic building, aimed at supporting enrollment, research and workforce development. Rare-Gas Industry: Two Harbors approved a preliminary agreement for Pulsar Helium’s proposed processing hub, which would include helium liquefaction and carbon capture; financing, engineering and approvals remain ahead. AI and Robotics: Minneapolis-based HUMXN Research Labs is seeking to buy and license $50 million in work records and other data to train AI and robotics systems.

Biotech: Biogen’s CEO says Minnesota’s mix of universities, hospitals and investors gives it a strong life sciences base, but warns the region must tackle talent recruitment, costs and slower drug development to stay competitive. Advanced Technology: SkyWater and D-Wave extended their quantum manufacturing partnership, while nVent and AMD are collaborating on cooling for advanced computing racks. Clean Energy: Mountain Iron-based Heliene sold another round of federal manufacturing tax credits, supporting its U.S. solar production. Research: A University of Minnesota veterinary study tracked porcine astrovirus across 390 pigs to identify gaps in understanding infection and immunity. STEM Careers: University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering mentors are helping students navigate career choices and see paths into leadership. Regional Industry: DigiKey plans a $100 million expansion at its Thief River Falls facility.

Surveillance Technology: Minneapolis City Council members voted 9–4 to urge the Hennepin County sheriff and University of Minnesota to end contracts with Flock Safety, whose license-plate cameras have raised privacy and civil-rights concerns. The resolution does not cancel the contracts. Data Center Debate: Monticello’s planning commission advanced a proposal for a campus of up to 3 million square feet on nearly 550 acres. Residents and commissioners raised concerns about electricity demand, the unknown operator and protections for nearby homeowners. Minnesota Helium: Pulsar Helium is discussing financing for a proposed northeastern Minnesota production hub with state agencies, University Bank and USDA Rural Development. Local Tech Investment: DigiKey plans a $100 million expansion at its Thief River Falls facility. Fertility Research: University of Minnesota researchers reported that nearly three-quarters of women with inflammatory bowel disease in a prospective study achieved pregnancy through IUI or embryo transfer, though outcomes varied by treatment.

Minnesota Tech: DigiKey plans to invest more than $100 million expanding its Thief River Falls distribution center, adding automation and upgrading order-management systems. Health Research: A University of Minnesota follow-up study suggests choline treatment can deliver lasting gains in memory and recall for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, with benefits still evident five years later. Clean Energy: Orono is among three finalists for CenterPoint Energy’s networked geothermal pilot, which could begin construction in 2027. Water Science: Minnesota shellfish help protect drinking water for about 500,000 people, highlighting the value of often-overlooked freshwater species. Ecology: Minnesota Point saw its first cultural prescribed burn in nearly two centuries, bringing Indigenous fire practices back to the landscape.

Health AI: Researchers tested EpiScreen on 13,633 patient records and found it could help clinicians distinguish epilepsy from functional seizures. The system is still a potential screening tool, not a replacement for confirmatory monitoring. Climate Resilience: Northern Minnesota groups are working on a resilience plan as Bemidji-area communities face longer droughts, stronger storms and heightened wildfire risk. STEM Careers: Students from 34 schools will visit northern Minnesota manufacturers to explore engineering, robotics and other career paths. Science Education: Pequot Lakes’ science proficiency rose 6.2 percentage points in 2026, while the statewide rate dipped slightly. Ecology: Minnesota Point saw its first cultural prescribed burn in nearly 200 years, renewing an Indigenous fire practice.

Climate Research: Former federal scientists, including a University of Minnesota researcher, have launched the U.S. Climate Collection to document advances and research priorities after work on the National Climate Assessment was halted. Northern Minnesota Resilience: Bemidji-area groups are developing a climate plan as drought, severe storms and wildfire risk shape local concerns. STEM Careers: The Arrowhead Tour of Manufacturing will bring students from 34 schools into factories to explore engineering, robotics and other careers. Autonomous Vehicles: Minneapolis is weighing rules for robotaxis as Waymo eyes the city, where winter driving will test self-driving technology. Water Science: Minnesota lake research is helping develop a more direct way to track nitrogen loss in aquatic ecosystems.

Cancer Research: Mayo Clinic researchers found links between gut bacteria and cancer outcomes and chemotherapy side effects, analyzing stool samples from 1,364 patients. The findings could help clarify why some cancers are rising among younger adults. Minnesota Industry: Mesabi Metallics announced an $18 billion plan connecting Iron Range mining with a proposed steel complex in Iowa. The project aims to create a domestic steel supply chain. Environmental Stewardship: The Fond du Lac Band and partners carried out a cultural prescribed burn on 17 acres of Minnesota Point, restoring Indigenous fire practices to help manage the landscape. Local Ecology: An invasive aquatic plant was confirmed in Edina, prompting concerns about monitoring and control. STEM Workforce: Minnesota employers in professional, scientific and technical services filed 1,301 H-1B petitions in 2025.

Steel Investment: Essar-backed Mesabi Metallics announced an $18 billion plan linking iron ore mining and pelletizing on Minnesota’s Mesabi Iron Range with a proposed steel complex in Iowa. The company says the project would create a fully domestic steel supply chain. Research: Deming Lake in Itasca State Park and Minneapolis’ Brownie Lake are helping researchers test a direct isotope-tracking method to measure nitrogen loss more precisely. Indigenous Land Stewardship: Fond du Lac Band members and state partners carried out a cultural prescribed burn on 17 acres of Minnesota Point in Duluth, returning a low-intensity fire practice to the area after nearly 200 years. Water Quality: Research on Kernza, a perennial grain, found its deep roots can capture substantially more nitrate than corn and soybeans, offering a potential tool to protect Minnesota groundwater.

Medical Technology: Maple Grove-based Urolution Medical won FDA clearance for its redesigned urinary catheter, clearing the way for clinical evaluation and potential commercialization. Autonomous Vehicles: St. Paul is considering a study of robotaxi rules before services arrive, including winter safety, disability access, worker impacts and data access. Water Quality: Research found Kernza could absorb up to 96% more nitrate than corn and soybeans, potentially helping protect Minnesota groundwater. Invasive Species: An invasive phragmites patch was confirmed in an Edina wetland; a University of Minnesota team will treat it and monitor for regrowth. Public Health Research: A University of Minnesota study found midwife-attended births grew in rural and urban areas from 2007 to 2023, with higher rates in states granting midwives full practice authority. Ecological Restoration: Indigenous partners and state and local groups carried out Minnesota Point’s first prescribed burn in nearly 200 years to support red pines, encourage new growth and manage invasive species.

Gene Editing: University of Minnesota biochemists found that a bacterial DNA-repair gene can redirect a base editor to make a different class of mutations, a discovery that could expand gene-editing tools and highlights how results depend on the host organism. Advanced Manufacturing: A $2.95 million state loan will help bring Chisholm’s former Minnesota Twist Drill plant back to life, with plans for 30 jobs. AI and Data Centers: A federal appeals court has paused Minnesota’s law against AI-generated nude images, while a proposed Google data center deal faces state scrutiny over who pays its power costs. Aquaculture: A new Minnesota guide, built on three years of research, offers golden-shiner producers advice on feeding, water quality and facility planning to help meet baitfish demand.

Medical Technology: Minnesota-made Bair Hugger warming technology was named the state’s “Coolest Thing Made,” spotlighting a local innovation used in patient care. Energy & Infrastructure: A federal-state partnership is strengthening the electric grid in Milaca as demand from data centers raises questions about power and water use. Environmental Research: Studies point to practical ways to track nitrogen loss in lakes; a separate report found native plantings at two Minnesota solar farms coincided with a 2,000% increase in bee populations. Biotech: Minnesota-based Bio-Techne opened a manufacturing facility to support cell-therapy development. Mining & Environment: The DNR will prepare a supplemental environmental impact statement for NewRange Copper Nickel’s proposed project.

AI and Public Oversight: A new poll finds 64% of Americans think AI is developing too fast, while about 8 in 10 want government to keep it under human control. The debate has a local edge: Minneapolis council members are pushing rules for robotaxis, and Minnesota’s data-center proposals are drawing scrutiny. Minnesota Biotech: Minneapolis-based Nuwellis is seeking clinician input as it develops a pediatric kidney-care system for very small patients. Bio-Techne has opened a new cell-therapy manufacturing facility in the U.K. Clean Energy and Nature: Two Minnesota solar farms planted native flowers and saw bee populations rise 2,000%, a promising example of pairing renewable power with habitat. STEM Learning: Minnesota students are getting hands-on science opportunities, including a NASA soil project that sent samples to the stratosphere.

Aviation STEM: Cambridge-Isanti High School is launching a Future Aviators Lab, where students can explore drone flying and aviation through new classes. Grants are helping bring the program to life. STEM Education: Minnesota teacher Rachel Larsen has joined a multi-state Midwest STEM Alliance initiative, connecting local educators with broader STEM opportunities. Health Research: A study reported in Minneapolis found that people with Parkinson’s who were more physically active had slower declines in thinking and movement over time; researchers caution this shows an association, not cause and effect. Clean Energy: Minnesota’s first Solar Commons project aims to turn sunlight into community funding, linking renewable power with local benefit. Battery Safety: Duluth fire officials are urging safe charging as lithium-ion battery fires rise, warning that damage and heat can trigger dangerous fires.