Central ND News

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved a new grant program aimed at supporting research and product development in agriculture and defense at the North Dakota State University Research and Technology Park. The program is designed to encourage exploratory and innovative work that advances intelligent autonomous mobile equipment, with a focus on key sectors for the state.

“This program leverages the talent and innovation assets of the RTP to accelerate technology development and commercialization in key economic sectors, further enhancing the state’s competitiveness and economic opportunities,” said commission members in a joint statement.

Brenda Wyland, CEO of the Research and Technology Park, presented the plan to the commission, which includes Gov. Kelly Armstrong as chair, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, and Attorney General Drew Wrigley. The commission will oversee the administration of the grant program.

“This program builds a direct pathway from scientific discovery to market deployment, accelerating dual-use technologies that strengthen our economy and advance both agriculture and defense,” Wyland said. “We are deeply grateful to the Industrial Commission for their support and to the North Dakota Legislature for their commitment and vision in making this program investment possible.”

Funding for this initiative comes from an appropriation by the 69th Legislative Assembly, which allocated $5 million in non-matching funds along with $5 million in matched funding for the new grant program.