Miromatrix is close to signing a licensing agreement with the University of Minnesota to commercialize the regenerative tissue work of Dr. Doris Taylor. Two years ago, the star university scientist drew international attention for successfully growing — and keeping alive — a beating rat’s heart in a jar. Taylor’s work fueled hopes that scientists can one day grow replacement organs for patients who would typically wait for transplants.

The company, which is developing a way to grow transplant organs in labs, has no offices or Web site yet, but it’s a safe bet that Miromatrix will remain in Minnesota.