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SB 2311

A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 4.1-01-20.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the bioscience innovation grant program.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by Jeff Barta and 4 co-sponsors

Establishes a North Dakota bioscience innovation grant fund/program to back biotech commercialization and startups via state-agency collaboration and up to a 50% grant match.

Withdrawn from further consideration
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Bill Summary · SB 2311

SB 2311 — Summary (Bioscience Innovation Grant Program, North Dakota)

Status: Withdrawn from further consideration
Introduced: March 11, 2025

Purpose

The bill would amend NDCC §4.1-01-20.1 to restructure and expand the state’s bioscience innovation grant program. Its intent is to formalize collaboration between state agencies and a private or non‑profit bioscience association to promote biotechnology commercialization, leverage agricultural strengths, support university research, and encourage bioscience job creation in North Dakota.

Key provisions

  • Requires the commissioner (of what is implied to be a relevant state agency) to collaborate with a local in‑state association with bioscience experience to develop and administer the bioscience innovation grant program and fund.
  • Directs coordination between the commissioner and the Department of Commerce when awarding grants to align this program with the department’s biotechnology grant program.
  • Authorizes reimbursement to the collaborating association for program administration costs up to $600,000 per biennium.
  • Requires program rules and eligibility criteria to be adopted in collaboration with an established committee; includes a requirement that grant recipients match up to 50% of the grant amount.
  • Establishes the bioscience innovation grant fund as a special continuing appropriation to the commissioner to award grants for:
    • Biotechnology innovation/commercialization (examples listed: crop genetics, biofuels, biomaterials, biosensors, medical diagnostics/therapeutics, farm‑based pharmaceuticals).
    • Supporting research and commercialization at institutions governed by the state board of higher education.
    • Encouraging bioscience startups and job creation, and leveraging the state’s agriculture sector.
  • Lists prohibited uses of grant funds: capital improvements, academic programming/curriculum, and workforce training.

Eligibility and award process

  • Eligible bioscience businesses must:
    • Employ at least 2 employees;
    • Have documented annual sales under $2,500,000;
    • Be properly registered and in good standing in the state.
  • Grant awards would be made by a committee comprising state and institutional appointees (e.g., agriculture commissioner; representatives from the Department of Commerce, Department of Agriculture, University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University, and the bioscience association of North Dakota).

Who is affected

  • Small bioscience and biotechnology companies in North Dakota (especially early-stage firms meeting the size/sales thresholds).
  • The collaborating bioscience association (administration role and potential reimbursement).
  • State agencies (commissioner, Department of Commerce, Department of Agriculture) and public higher education institutions.
  • The bioscience innovation grant fund (state finances) and, indirectly, stakeholders in agriculture and regional economic development.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced March 11, 2025. According to the provided record, the bill was subsequently withdrawn from further consideration and did not become law.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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