IMEG to provide engineering design services for $90M Dakota State University cyber-research lab

Dakota State University plans to build a new Applied Research Laboratory as part of a $90 million investment in South Dakota’s cyber-research industry.  

IMEG will provide mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, technology, and security engineering design services for the facility, which will conduct research in computer and cyber sciences supporting national security and defense. It is expected to open in 2025. 

The 100,000-sf building will house specialized laboratories, office space and a data center. At full capacity, it will support 400-500 full-time jobs and $100 million in annual activity.  

Dakota State University has a nationally recognized cybersecurity program, but many graduates leave South Dakota for work elsewhere. The research laboratory is part of an initiative to keep more graduates in the state, in specialized jobs that pay $100,000 a year or more.