North Dakota Awarded Up to $160M for AgTech Innovation by NSF

Key Takeaways:

1. A coalition of five North Dakota entities wins up to $15 million over two years, potentially $160 million over 10 years, from the NSF.
2. The award, part of the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program, aims to address food insecurity and expand economic opportunities in agriculture.
3. This funding recognizes North Dakota’s leadership in AgTech and its collaborative approach to agriculture and technology.
4. The FARMS program was selected for its potential to drive innovation and support underserved communities.
5. The initiative will focus on workforce development, advanced agricultural technologies, and creating a dynamic AgTech ecosystem.

North Dakota Awarded Up to $160 Million for AgTech Innovation by NSF

A coalition of five North Dakota organizations has been named a recipient of a substantial award from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines program. This groundbreaking collaboration has been granted up to $15 million over the next two years, possibly receiving up to $160 million over a decade.

Funding to Fuel AgTech and Food Security

This NSF award is dedicated to supporting programs that address food insecurity and expand economic opportunities. It focuses on enhancing the growth of existing crops and introducing new crops to the market. The funding underlines the talent pool in North Dakota’s AgTech sector and acknowledges the unique collaborative partnership within the state.

U.S. Senator John Hoeven emphasized the impact of this funding on NDSU and Grand Farm’s efforts in transforming agricultural production. The investment is expected to provide farmers and ranchers with tools to strengthen their operations, reduce costs, and improve yields. This development benefits various sectors, including the tech industry and manufacturers, boosting North Dakota’s competitiveness in the global market.

Statewide Collaboration and Innovation

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum highlighted the state’s contributions to AgTech, food production, biotech, and genomics. The award is a testament to the collective efforts across North Dakota’s 53 counties, showcasing the state’s innovative capacities in these fields.

NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan described the NSF Engines awards as a commitment to fostering opportunity and innovation nationwide. These awards are expected to transform geographic regions into innovation hubs and drive economic growth.

FARMS Program: A Model of Regional Innovation

The regional partnership, Food Systems Adapted for Resiliency and Maximized Security (FARMS), was selected from 188 concept outlines submitted across the U.S. The FARMS program aims to support innovation in areas traditionally underserved by technological advancement. The federal investment is intended to utilize and expand North Dakota’s existing networks and strengths, offering a platform for new ideas and businesses.

NDSU President David J. Cook expressed enthusiasm about the potential transformation the award could bring, especially in terms of workforce development in agriculture and related fields. The recognition of North Dakota as a center of AgTech innovation is expected to have far-reaching impacts beyond the local community.

Broad Impact and Future Vision

The FARMS initiative will focus on attracting talent and creating upskilling opportunities in the region’s workforce. It aims to provide equitable agricultural opportunities and bolster North Dakota’s position in the AgTech landscape. The project is set to improve food production under changing climate and geopolitical conditions, thereby enhancing national security.

The collaboration between NDSU, the Tribal College System, the Chamber, the EDC, and Grand Farm demonstrates a statewide reach in AgTech. This coalition is poised to bring innovations to market, leveraging North Dakota’s tech transfer infrastructure through the NDSU Research Foundation.