UND kicks off Summer Accelerator for Innovation Moonshot Initiative

July 7, 2026

Published in: Center for Innovation, Service

Two-day workshop launches summer of innovation and commercialization efforts

Group photo of Summer Workshop participants — Summer Accelerator participants, shown here in a group photo, met in early June for a two-day workshop on commercializing UND-developed technologies. Photo by Haylee Bjork/UND Center for Innovation

UND launched its Summer Accelerator for the Innovation Moonshot Initiative with a two-day, in-person workshop, held June 29–30 and hosted by the UND Center for Innovation (CFI).

The kickoff brought together 12 faculty teams working to transform UND-developed technologies into real-world solutions. The accelerator is designed to move participants from research to commercialization through hands-on learning, mentorship and structured customer discovery.

Building a foundation for innovation

The program opened with an overview of the innovation process and the goals of the accelerator, followed by short presentations from each team outlining their technologies.

Throughout Day 1, participants explored key concepts including primary and secondary research, business model development and identifying “beachhead” markets. Additional sessions focused on understanding industry ecosystems, defining customer segments and creating compelling value propositions.

The day concluded with a networking reception, giving teams the opportunity to connect with peers, mentors and innovation leaders.

Woman leading a workshop in tech commercialization — Julie Collins, a tech innovation expert and strategist, talks participants in the Summer Accelerator for the Innovation Moonshot Initiative. Photo by Haylee Bjork/UND Center for Innovation.

Turning ideas into market insights

Day 2 focused on market validation and customer discovery. Teams presented initial market assumptions about their solutions, customer needs and use cases, then refined those ideas through guided workshops.

Participants learned how to identify interview targets, develop outreach strategies and structure effective customer interviews. A live mock interview and hands-on exercises helped teams sharpen their approach, ending with the creation of individualized customer discovery plans.

Man sitting at a table works on a poster, with a laptop open nearby. — Bappa Ghosh, a postdoctoral research fellow in Biomedical Engineering, works on his business model for his venture, DETECTOLOGY, a medtech startup. Photo by Haylee Bjork/UND Center for Innovation.

Expert guidance and strong partnerships

The sessions were led by Julie Collins, a technology-development expert who’s known for blending evidence-based strategies with practical application for innovation teams and emerging businesses.

The accelerator was hosted by the Center for Innovation, with support from mentors at the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers and the CFI team, offering participants valuable expertise and regional insight.

Looking ahead to the Lift-Off Showcase

Following the kickoff, teams will continue working virtually throughout the summer to validate their technologies and refine their business strategies. Their work will culminate at the Lift-Off Showcase on Aug. 20, where teams will present their final pitches and progress.

Group of people pose at a social event in a local bar & grill. — Summer Accelerator participants attend a networking social with UND President Andy Armacost (at left, wearing tie) and Scott Snyder, vice president for Research and Economic Development (not pictured), after their workshop. Photo by Haylee Bjork/UND Center for Innovation.

Advancing the Innovation Moonshot

The Summer Accelerator is a key component of UND’s Innovation Moonshot Initiative, inspired by President Andrew Armacost’s vision outlined in his 2025 State of the University Address. The initiative supports a campus-wide culture of innovation and entrepreneurship while accelerating the path from discovery to commercialization.

With a goal of launching four companies based on UND intellectual property within a year, the initiative aims to create real-world impact and drive economic growth across North Dakota.