AGP Executive Report

Space Research: A University of Minnesota-led team using the James Webb Space Telescope detected an unexplained signal twice in a region thought to be empty, raising new questions about what lies between distant galaxies. Organ Preservation: Researchers co-led by a University of Minnesota transplant surgeon revived pig kidneys stored at −150°C; one had been frozen for more than a year and showed signs of function after transplant. Data Center Policy: Northfield eased a setback rule for data-processing facilities and asked staff to develop broader regulations that consider water use as well as power. Wildfire Science: After fires burned more than 70,000 acres in Superior National Forest, specialists are studying fire behavior and forest recovery to help plan for future events.

Space Watch: Federal agencies are investigating an 11-foot metal object found in a Stevens County cornfield, believed to be space debris; officials say it poses no public danger. Crop Science: University of Minnesota and Danforth Center researchers found that early heat and drought can affect corn growth and flowering months later. Testing both stresses together may help breeders identify tougher varieties. Water Quality: Park Rapids residents can bring well water for free nitrate testing at an Oct. 20 forum on pollution in the Central Sands, where sandy soils allow fertilizer to seep into groundwater. Health Research: The FDA approved satralizumab, a treatment that can be injected at home for thyroid eye disease. Mayo Clinic in Rochester helped inform the treatment’s development. Tech and Infrastructure: Minneapolis is weighing new data-center rules as residents push back against expansion. Quantum Computing: Minnesota-based SkyWater and D-Wave extended their manufacturing partnership, supporting continued work on quantum technology.

Wildlife Research: Trail cameras documented a lynx mother and two kittens in Voyageurs National Park across several months, with the young surviving to their first birthday. Researchers say the sightings could indicate a resident population, though more study is needed. Minnesota Tech Workforce: Information-sector employers filed 133 H-1B petitions in Minnesota in 2025, up 27.9% from 2024; 131 were approved. Data Center Debate: Minneapolis is weighing new rules for data centers as residents raise concerns about their local impacts, while Southeast Minnesota cities are developing a proposal toolkit. Water Quality: A new report found PFAS in all tested Minnesota waterways, renewing concern about the chemicals’ spread. Quantum Computing: Minnesota chipmaker SkyWater and D-Wave extended their quantum manufacturing partnership through a multiyear agreement.

Data Center Debate: Google says it won’t seek a tax break for its proposed Hermantown data center, which could generate up to $240 million in regional property taxes. Minneapolis is also weighing new data center rules as community concerns grow. Water Quality: A new report found PFAS in every Minnesota waterway tested, with the chemicals also detected in Duluth’s Tischer Creek. Biomanufacturing and Research: Minnesota Biomanufacturing Services has quadrupled capacity with a new facility, while the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute is testing InnovaTrees to help restore Duluth’s urban canopy. Local Science Investment: The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council is seeking research proposals, and Pulsar Helium has selected Two Harbors for a planned rare-gas hub.

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.