CLIMB is a need-based program made possible by a grant to Concordia from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Created in partnership with local biotechnology companies, CLIMB is open to 12 incoming STEM students annually through Fall 2026 who are interested in careers in biotechnology. The program awards scholarships of up to $15,000 per year toward the total cost of attendance and includes opportunities for research experiences and paid internships. Learn more about CLIMB in our frequently asked questions.

Our Partners

 

Agathos Biologics, established in Fargo in 2021, develops biological systems to facilitate better delivery of therapeutic molecules — including proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids — directly to cells for applications in biomanufacturing, biologic payload delivery, and cell and gene therapy. Agathos Biologics is on a mission to create ethically acceptable products so that everyone — researchers, physicians, and ultimately patients — can benefit from these novel technologies without compromising their moral beliefs.

 

 

 

Aldevron is a premier manufacturing partner, producing high-quality plasmid DNA, mRNA, proteins, and other key components for the development of vaccines, gene and cell therapies, immunotherapies, and molecular diagnostics. Headquartered in Fargo, with additional locations in Madison, Wisconsin, and Lincoln, Nebraska, Aldevron supports scientists who are developing revolutionary, lifesaving treatments for millions of people.

 

 

 

Genovac is a contract research and manufacturing organization offering advanced antibody discovery, characterization, and biologics production solutions. Its genetic immunization technologies, industry-leading species options, and multiple single B cell screening technologies enable success against the field’s most challenging targets. In addition to its headquarters and labs in Fargo, Genovac operates another scientific and production facility in Freiberg, Germany.

Biotechnology Opportunities

Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that uses living cells, or molecules derived from living cells, in a wide array of applications, from human and animal health to food, agriculture, and the environment. Biotech merges the molecular sciences with engineering but also relies on computer science and mathematics in emerging areas such as bioinformatics and computational biology.

Opportunities for biotech jobs in the Fargo-Moorhead region have grown tremendously over the last decade. Gross Regional Product (GRP) contributed by the bioscience sector has grown from $73.8 million in 2012 to $257.3 million in 2022. Occupations in bioscience have grown 55% from 2012 to 2022 (from 718 jobs to 1,113). The national growth was 33.5% during this period.

Learn more about the growing biotech industry in our area from the Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation.

 

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No. 2322712. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Contact

Dr. Mark B. Jensen

Professor of Chemistry; Director, CLIMB and STEM Discovery Programs Chemistry