PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- The South Dakota Defense Institute and a new collaboration space have been created in Rapid City’s Innovation District as part of Governor Larry Rhoden’s initiative to make national security South Dakota’s “next big industry.”

Rhoden said the Defense Institute will serve as a central hub to coordinate industry, education and government partners.

Rhoden said South Dakota has a solid start toward being a leader in national security because we have a strong agriculture sector and are home to Ellsworth Air Force Base, which is located near Rapid City.

Rhoden said progress toward national security is also being made on the east side of the state, including a recent announcement in Sioux Falls.

Innovative work being done in cybersecurity is another reason Rhoden thinks South Dakota is well-positioned to be a leader in national security.

Rhoden awarded $5 million from the state’s Future Fund to establish and operate the Defense Institute for the initial five years. It’ll:

• be organized adjacent to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development,
• staffed by experienced leaders with military and defense industry backgrounds, and
• partner with private businesses and local economic development organizations as well as state government agencies including the South Dakota National Guard, the Department of Labor and Regulation, the Board of Regents, and the Board of Technical Education.

Additionally, Rhoden said the Governor’s Resilience and Infrastructure Task Force– or GRIT– will work closely with the Defense Institute in a variety of areas.