NDSU has been selected as the host conference site in summer 2025 for a national convening of companies, universities and other key stakeholders with the goal of bolstering research, innovation, talent and economic development outside of major metropolitan areas.
UIDP Xurban forums are held biannually by the non-profit University-Industry Demonstration Partnership at the site of a member university. UIDP provides its members – including many of the world's most innovative companies and world-class research universities – with an opportunity to increase the success of university-industry (U-I) collaborations and research projects. As a member of UIDP, NDSU faculty, staff and students may register to access valuable resources on best practices to support initiatives and efforts to advance industry and corporate partnerships.
NDSU and Fargo were chosen to host the event based upon the high level of collaborations between the university’s researchers and the strength of the area’s various established and start up industries.
“NDSU and Fargo will be a great location for Xurban 2025,” said UIDP President and CEO Anthony Boccanfuso. “We were impressed by the many great industry, government, and community partnerships in the area and NDSU’s reputation as a trusted source for innovation and commercialization.”
NDSU’s recent successes in national research initiatives include being classified as a Carnegie R1 institution, leading the eight university Great Plains I-Corps Hub and the recent performance of the competitive $160 million NSF Engines FARMS proposal (in collaboration with Grand Farm, the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber and the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation) all helped drive the decision. The Chamber and the Chamber Foundation partnered with NDSU on the application.
“NDSU is poised to continue bringing national exposure to Fargo and the state and we are excited to be hosting an event with a reach like Xurban Fargo,” said NDSU Vice President of Research Colleen Fitzgerald. “It’s a real validation of the important research we’re doing at NDSU in the areas of AgTech, cybersecurity, food and water security, life sciences and beyond, and of our partnerships with the incredible industry partners in the state. Many thanks to NDSU Associate Vice President for Strategic Research Initiatives Sheri Anderson who drilled down into our regional ecosystem strengths and shared the story of NDSU and Fargo with the UIDP selection committee.”
Source: ndsu.edu
Photo Credit: North Dakota State University
Categories: North Dakota, Education