Iowa State must rely on its faculty and student body to help recruit a group of South Korean biotechnology companies to the ISU Research Park.

The goal of the park, located south of the ISU campus, is to provide an environment where established technology-related organizations and science and technology entrepreneurial ventures can develop in Iowa, according to the Research Park’s Web site, www.isupark.org.

A group of South Korean firms, focused on research in the fields of human and animal nutrition, are considering setting up at the Research Park, said Jim Bloedel, vice provost for research and advanced studies at Iowa State.

“[The firms] are interested in the use of biotechnology to produce human-related therapeutic agents and nutritional supplements and treating animal related nutritional problems,” Bloedel said.

Lisa Lorenzen, industrial liaison for the research administration, said Iowa State has been collaborating with the Greater Des Moines Partnership in trying to woo South Korean companies for more than a year.

“It’s a competition with other areas and that’s why it takes so long,” Lorenzen said. “We are hosting another delegation on February 24 and hope to know something by summer.”

Bloedel said the passing of Gov. Tom Vilsack’s proposed Iowa Values Fund would help Iowa State put together a better package for bringing companies to Ames.

“In the absence of appropriate funding in the state, our shortcoming is putting together economic incentives,” Bloedel said.

Lorenzen said there are benefits to setting up business in Iowa.

“What we are trying to sell to the South Korean firms is the fact that if they locate on one of the coasts they will be 1 of 100 biotech research firms,” Lorenzen said.

“Here, they will be 1 of 10. They will get a lot more attention and service.”

Judi Eyles, program coordinator for the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, said opportunities will exist for both faculty and students with the influx of more biotech research facilities in Ames.

“These companies are looking to utilize and connect with faculty and research facilities here,” Eyles said. “Part of our pitch is also the students.”