South Dakota Mines will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. to celebrate the opening of the Vanderboom Laboratory for Entrepreneurial Research (V-Lab)—a newly renovated, 40,000-square-foot facility expanding lab and office space for students, faculty, and research partners.
Originally built in 2006 as the Ascent Innovation Center, the building was acquired by Mines after Elevate Rapid City relocated. Funding came from $5.25 million in state support via Senate Bill 97 and a $2 million gift from alumni Steve and Julie Vanderboom, who also donated $1 million in 2022 to enhance the Office of Student Success.
The V-Lab now houses key university programs and research labs, with additional space leased to private tenants like Novum Nano and Raven. About 7,000 square feet remain available for future expansion.
The university envisions the V-Lab as a cornerstone for applied research, addressing the growing demand for modern lab space.
Comments