Central ND News

The North Dakota Department of Commerce has launched the 2025 Autonomous Agriculture Grant Program, making up to $7.5 million available for projects aimed at advancing autonomous agriculture within the state.

The initiative seeks to encourage the development and use of new agricultural technologies, support infrastructure improvements, and address workforce needs. The funding may be awarded as a single grant or split among several recipients.

“North Dakota is uniquely positioned to lead the future of autonomous agriculture,” said Commerce Economic Development & Finance Deputy Director and Head of Investments and Innovation Shayden Akason. “This program is about catalyzing bold, collaborative ideas that integrate technology, research and rural economic development.”

Applications for the program open on September 2, 2025, at 1 p.m. CDT. Proposals must be submitted by October 2, 2025, at 5 p.m. CDT. All awarded funds are required to be used by June 30, 2027.

Eligible applicants include nonprofits, public-private partnerships, or industry consortia with an established presence in North Dakota. Projects may focus on areas such as creating autonomous agriculture proving grounds, commercializing ag-tech innovations, offering workforce training programs, or conducting research and deploying unmanned systems and precision equipment.

Proposals will be reviewed by a committee consisting of state leaders and industry representatives using a scoring system that considers factors like potential to accelerate automation in agriculture and economic impact in rural communities.

Additional details about application guidelines can be found at https://ndgov.link/AutonomousGrant.