Moonshot comes within reach
The University of North Dakota is embarking on a strategic realignment to amplify its role as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurial activity, and economic growth.
Central to this effort is bringing the Center for Innovation, directed by Amy Whitney, under the umbrella of UND’s Vice President for Research & Economic Development. In its new organizational home, the Center will lead UND startup commercialization efforts and work in tandem with the newly established Office of Economic Development, led by Cortnee Jensen, which has a complementary mission of unifying economic development efforts across the University.
Together, the entities will strive to fulfill the VPRED’s goal of linking UND faculty across all disciplines with industry partners and economic development stakeholders toward the creation of new ideas and the generation of new technologies. This integrated structure will strengthen UND’s ability to translate research into real-world solutions and reflects the University’s commitment to building a more connected, forward-looking innovation ecosystem.
Guided by the principles of inclusive innovation, statewide impact, education, partnerships, development, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, UND aims to embed a culture of creativity and discovery into the daily experience of students, faculty, staff and community partners alike.
Two signature initiatives
To bring this vision to life, UND is launching two signature initiatives. The first is based on one of the “moonshot” goals that UND President Andy Armacost unveiled in his State of the University Address on Aug. 21: Create four new companies – each one based on research done at UND – within the next year.
This initiative is meant to underscore the University’s determination to move ideas from discovery to market while, at the same time, fueling North Dakota’s economy.
The second initiative seeks to infuse a spirit of innovation across campus by developing collaborative spaces, high-impact programming and storytelling that celebrates creativity in every discipline.
Supported by coordinated leadership, strong external partnerships, and robust cross-campus engagement, these initiatives will empower the UND community to turn curiosity into creation.
In doing so, UND is not only strengthening its research and economic contributions but also defining itself as a university where innovation is a shared value and a lasting hallmark of its identity and impact.
