Gregory Bertsch

Gregory Bertsch is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Department of Management at the University of South Dakota's Beacom School of Business, where he bridges academic research and biotech entrepreneurship through ventures like Halomine Inc.

His educational foundation includes:

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, University of South Dakota (2018)
• MS in Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University (1993)
• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis (1988)

Dr. Bertsch's research integrates lean startup principles with antimicrobial surface development, targeting real-world applications in wound care, food safety, and prosthetics. His work emphasizes rapid commercialization of scientific innovations through startup formation and industry partnerships.

His 2022 publication in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules demonstrates interdisciplinary materials science approaches to wound dressing enhancement, reflecting his consistent focus on translating laboratory discoveries into practical health solutions.

Key recognitions include:

• US Army XTechSearch 5.0 Competition Quarterfinalist (2020)
• US Army XTechSearch 2.0 Competition Finalist (2019)
• South Dakota Giant Vision Business Plan Competition winner (2014)

Dr. Bertsch maintains an active grant portfolio including current NIH funding (2022-2024) for self-sanitizing coatings, with prior support from USDA, NIDA, and NSF for antimicrobial and drug abuse research projects. He mentors students in entrepreneurship while leveraging his industry experience to guide commercialization efforts.

As co-founder of Halomine Inc., he leads a team commercializing antimicrobial surface technologies, creating a dynamic environment where academic research directly informs product development for healthcare and food safety applications.