Mn DRIVE

Investments in GEMS Informatics
"LEVERAGING MN LEGISLATIVE DOLLARS" graphic showing MN map ($1) pointing (1:5 ratio) to 5 coins: Every MnDRIVE $1 unlocks $5.
"MnDRIVE INVESTMENTS AT WORK" 3-step chart: Tech (cloud/GPS) to R&D (sprout/gears) to Improved Agri-Food Futures (MN map/growth chart).

MnDRIV(E)ing the Digital Revolution in Minnesota’s Agri-Food Economy 


The MnDRIVE Global Food Venture aligns world-class University of Minnesota research with our state’s agricultural and food industries. Fueled by strategic investment from the State of Minnesota, this initiative tackles grand challenges across crop and livestock production, sustainable supply chains, and food security—generating measurable economic and environmental gains for Minnesotans and beyond.
 

"GEMS Informatics has been a first rate partner, helping 2Blades to integrate and use our diverse data sets. In an age when we have oceans of data, their cutting-edge data science and genomics capabilities, coupled with UMNs supercomputing infrastructure, have enabled us to better store and vastly streamline our analytical pipelines for discovery of novel genes that make crops more resilient to a host of costly pests and diseases that impact Minnesota farmers and beyond."
Diana Horvath, President & Co-Founder, 2Blades
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Transformative Agri-Food Innovation 

Modern food systems require both biological discoveries and advanced digital tools. The Global Food Venture brings together top-tier research in crop productivity, animal health, food safety, and natural resources, powered by the digital backbone of GEMS Informatics. By pairing cutting-edge life sciences with high-performance computing, we create advanced data science applications that translate research breakthroughs into real-world digital solutions that strengthen Minnesota’s ag-tech leadership.
 

How Digital Infrastructure Powers the Strategy

  • Responsible AI & Advanced Analytics: Leveraging secure supercomputing and spatial analytics to transform complex genomic, environmental, and field data into actionable insights for farmers and decision-makers.
  • Bridge Between Public & IP-Sensitive Data: Enabling trusted, secure data-sharing environments where academic researchers and private industry can co-develop market-ready solutions without compromising intellectual property.
  • Farm-to-Table Impact: Delivering tools that enhance the sustainable profitability of Minnesota growers, improve food safety and nutrition, and safeguard our natural resources.
  • Economic Competitiveness: Supporting workforce development and keeping Minnesota agribusinesses ahead in an increasingly data-driven global market.

GEMS Informatics is a joint-venture between CFANS and Research Computing.

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Media Credits

Header Banner Image: GEMS Informatics.(2026) Source imagery via Storyblocks (Enterprise License).

Leveraging MN Legislative Dollars: GEMS Informatics. (2026) / Google Gemini. Capitol vector adapted from original photo by Lectrician2 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).  

MnDRIVE Investments at Work: GEMS Informatics (2026) / Google Gemini.