MEDIA ADVISORY: Robots will invade Grand Forks this fall!

The UND College of Engineering & Mines and Bifrost Manufacturing are bringing the North Dakota Signature, a VEX Robotics competition, to the Alerus Center

What: North Dakota Signature, a VEX Robotics Signature Event for middle and high school students.

When: Event will run from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.

Where: The Alerus Center in Grand Forks.

Background: The UND College of Engineering & Mines is pleased to announce it will host the North Dakota Signature, a VEX Robotics Signature Event, presented by Bifrost Manufacturing, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 at the Alerus Center.

VEX Robotics competitions are the largest and fastest growing middle school and high school robotics program globally, with more than 20,000 teams from 50 countries playing in over 1,700 competitions worldwide.

Each year, an exciting engineering challenge is presented in the form of a game. Students, with guidance from their teachers and mentors, build innovative robots and compete year-round. In its inaugural year, the North Dakota Signature, presented by Bifrost Manufacturing, is anticipated to bring in 250 teams comprised of 1,500 students.

“We at Bifrost are excited to be a part of this event,” said Killian Erickson, founder & CEO of Bifrost Manufacturing. “It’s a great opportunity to bring bright young minds together to build valuable skills, further advancing the future of STEM fields and giving students a chance to excel. Members of our team have participated in various STEM competitions through high school and college, experiences which are invaluable for us and them.”

UND President Andy Armacost said he is delighted the University has the opportunity to host the event in Grand Forks, both for its entertaining robotics challenges, and the inspiration the event can instill in the minds of young people.

“We are thrilled to co-sponsor this major event with VEX Robotics,” he said. “This tournament will inspire many students to consider future studies in robotics, engineering, and science. We will show them what is possible when imagination and a sense of discovery come together to unleash incredible creativity.”

According to VEXrobotics.com, “VEX competitions are a great way to expose students to valuable soft skills like communication, collaboration, and time-management in a fun and authentic way. The VEX Robotics competition prepares students to become future innovators with 95% of participants reporting an increased interest in STEM subject areas and pursuing STEM-related careers.”

The North Dakota Signature is set to be a boon to the Grand Forks community. According to Alerus Center data, similar robotics competitions held there in recent years have brought in nearly $1 million in economic impact per event.

Members of the community are welcome to come out to the Alerus Center on Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 to cheer on competitors and experience the excitement of VEX Robotics first-hand.

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Media Contact: Adam Kurtz, adam.kurtz.1@und.edu

About UND College of Engineering & Mines

Fueled by immersive learning, hands-on experiences, and award-winning programs, the UND College of Engineering & Mines located in Grand Forks, North Dakota ignites students’ careers in engineering and science. With 70+ degree and certificate programs in engineering, computer science, and geology, students at the College of Engineering & Mines are equipped with personalized curriculums based on their unique goals and interests.

About Bifrost Manufacturing

Bifrost Manufacturing is committed to revolutionizing the manufacturing sector through innovative 3D printing and advanced manufacturing processes. Bifrost operates across all sectors, with a specialized focus on UAS, agriculture, and industrial applications. Bifrost’s mission is to deliver rapid, affordable, and custom solutions that drive progress and efficiency.

About Alerus Center

Alerus Center, a 13,500-seat arena that can accommodate 22,000 for concerts, is the home of the University of North Dakota football team. The multi-purpose arena also hosts family shows, sporting events, banquets, weddings, conventions, and trade shows. Alerus Center features 14-luxury suites and a club lounge, as well as an adjacent 160,000-sq. ft. of convention and trade-show space, including a 26,000-sq. ft. grand ballroom and 12 meeting rooms.