Learn how to pitch your innovation and compete for up to $2M in NSF seed funding.
Discover how to turn your innovative idea into a compelling grant proposal in this interactive session on America’s Seed Fund, powered by the U.S. National Science Foundation. Learn how to craft an effective Project Pitch—the crucial first step toward securing up to $2 million in non-dilutive funding for your startup. This session will guide you through defining a significant problem, presenting a unique solution, and highlighting the potential impact of your innovation. Come prepared to share your idea, receive practical insights, and gain the confidence to take your innovation to the next level.
We’re excited to host Elizabeth (Ela) Mirowski, NSF SBIR/STTR Program Director, who will share insights on how to:
Define the problem your innovation solves
Present your unique solution
Showcase your potential impact
📅 Date: September 10, 2025, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
📍 Location: Grand Farm Classroom (In-person & Virtual)
Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM Location:Gorman Field UAS Test Range, 1209 24th St NE, Emerado, ND 58228
As part of Project RuralReach, Censys Technologies has been selected to lead a critical use case test focused on improving disaster response, real-time situational awareness, and resource mobilization through advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
This live demonstration will highlight how UAS technology can be deployed in emergency scenarios to support first responders and rural communities.
Flight Timeline:
9:00 AM – Welcome & overview of Censys Technologies and Project Rural Reach
9:15 AM – Launch #1: Search & Rescue Mission
11:00 AM – Land & open Q&A session (payload swap)
11:15 AM – Launch #2: Transmission Line Flyover (~30 min)
1:00 PM – Land & payload swap
1:30 PM – Launch #3: Data Collection (RGB & LiDAR)
3:00 PM – Final landing & event conclusion
📢 Who’s Invited: Media representatives, community members, and anyone interested in seeing cutting-edge UAS technology in action.
This is a unique opportunity to experience Project RuralReach in motion — testing real-world drone solutions designed to strengthen rural resilience and emergency response capabilities.
Bringing the healing heat of sauna and the benefits of contrast therapy to the community, Arctic Lava blends wellness, hospitality, and local connection in Grand Forks’ first mobile sauna.
Oren Long and Madison McCue at the UND Center for Innovation, Photo by Haylee Bjork
Meet Madison McCue and Oren Long, co-founders of Arctic Lava, the first mobile sauna and contrast therapy business in Grand Forks. Their eight-person, wood-fired sauna is more than just a wellness trend; it’s a science-backed, community-driven experience designed to meet people where they are, both literally and figuratively.
Whether parked outside a workplace, community event, or local gym, Arctic Lava is creating spaces where people can slow down, reconnect, and recharge.
From Hawaii to the Heart of the Midwest
After relocating to Grand Forks to be closer to family, Madison and Oren set out to build something meaningful in their new home. Arctic Lava was born from their shared passion for wellness, hospitality, and the Hawaiian value of Aloha, bringing warmth, connection, and care into everything they do.
Oren’s background is rooted in health, fitness, and sauna traditions. Madison spent over a decade in hospitality and partnerships, helping businesses craft memorable guest experiences. Together, they’ve created a startup that blends cultural care with practical wellness.
Building with Purpose and a Plan
Their entrepreneurial journey began with a deep “why.” With support from ILT Academy’s Lean Startup program, Madison and Oren refined and tested their concept step by step. The process gave them confidence and a roadmap for launching a brand-new service in an unfamiliar market.
That roadmap has been critical, especially when facing challenges like educating the community about contrast therapy or navigating permitting and local regulations. Rather than seeing these as setbacks, they used them as learning moments, reaching out to mentors and local partners for support.
“We’ve overcome challenges by staying adaptable, asking questions, and building relationships,” they said. “Support from the UND Center for Innovation and the local business community helped us turn unknowns into action.”
Community Support That Makes a Difference
The Grand Forks community has played a vital role in supporting Arctic Lava, from local gyms and markets to small business owners eager to collaborate.
The team especially credits partners and friends within the local wellness and small business scene, like Simon at the Ski & Bike Shop, Naas Customs, and Matt from Rhombus Guys Pizza, the resident sauna expert, for believing in their mission and offering everything from referrals to hands-on advice.
Arctic Lava Promotional Materials, Photo by Haylee Bjork
Some recent wins they’re proud of:
Official public launch in July 2025, bringing their vision to life.
Completing their first rental and receiving glowing feedback from clients.
Seeing their business featured and embraced by the community.
Most of all, witnessing people step out of the sauna feeling lighter, calmer, and more connected.
“That’s what it’s all about,” they shared. “Helping people feel better in their bodies and more present in their lives.”
Why Sauna? The Science Behind the Steam
Photo of the inside of the Mobile Sauna, Photo courtesy of Arctic Lava
Sauna and contrast therapy aren’t just relaxing; they’re backed by decades of research.
Regular sauna use has been shown to:
Lower stress and anxiety by activating the parasympathetic nervous system
Improve cardiovascular health and circulation
Speed up muscle recovery and enhance athletic performance
Improve sleep and mental clarity
Support emotional regulation and resilience
Reduce long-term risk of heart disease and dementia
Studies out of the University of Eastern Finland have even found that frequent sauna use can reduce all-cause mortality by over 50%. Arctic Lava’s mission is to bring those benefits, plus the mood-lifting, community-building joy of shared wellness, right to the people of Grand Forks.
Words of Wisdom for Fellow Founders
What advice do they have for other entrepreneurs just starting out?
Lead with your “why.” Purpose gives you staying power.
Talk to real people. Conversations reveal more than spreadsheets ever will.
Lean into local resources. From mentors to programs, North Dakota has your back.
Celebrate the small wins. They’re the building blocks of real momentum.
A Startup Rooted in Community
To Madison and Oren, the Grand Forks small business community is the perfect place to grow something special. It’s supportive, accessible, and full of opportunities for those willing to show up and build relationships.
“You’re not just another startup here, you’re part of a community that wants to see you succeed.”
Ready to experience the heat for yourself?
Madison and Oren standing in front of their Mobile Sauna,Photo courtesy of Arctic Lava
You can find Arctic Lava at the Town Square Farmers Market on select weekends. Stop by, say hello, and learn more about the benefits of sauna and contrast therapy. They’ll also be at the Downtown Street Fair on August 22nd & 23rd, offering a chance to experience the mobile sauna up close.
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Learn more about Arctic Lava and their mission to make wellness more accessible across Grand Forks by following them on Instagram or visiting their website.
Project Rural Reach flight carries medical supplies from Williston, N.D., to Watford City, N.D., in just over 35 minutes
Dr. Ben Kazim of McKenzie Health, a hospital and clinic in Watford City, N.D., receives medical supplies at the hospital from the drone. Photo courtesy of Absolute Studios.
In a notable step toward improving health care access in rural communities, Project Rural Reach successfully launched its first long-range drone delivery flight on July 24. The mission showed how unmanned aircraft systems can bridge critical gaps in medical logistics across North Dakota’s rural landscape.
“The 80-mile flight carried medical supplies over the western North Dakota prairie, from Williston to Watford City,” reported AirMed&Rescue, a publication dedicated to the international air medical and search-and-rescue community.
“The trial demonstrates the real-world potential of Beyond Visual Line of Sight or BVLOS drone deliveries in rural areas,” the story continued. “Unlike previous deliveries, which were conducted in tightly controlled urban environments, this mission aimed to demonstrate the ability of drones to navigate a ‘dynamic, uncontrolled airspace, populated by low-flying, non-cooperative aircraft.’”
Jeff Barta, project manager for UND’s Center for Innovation, noted that the successful delivery took only a little over a half hour. That’s important: “Instead of a delivery taking 60 to 90 minutes from start to finish, UAS technology can complete emergency medication deliveries in 35 minutes,” he said.
“Those saved minutes could mean the difference between life and death, especially in underserved rural areas.”
Project RuralReach is a federally funded initiative initiative led by the Center for Innovation in partnership with the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, Vantis, iSight Drone Services and McKenzie Health, a hospital and clinic in Watford City, N.D. It was funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) through its ARPA Economic Adjustment Assistance Program.
This first use case initiative showcases the power of UAS to improve access to rural health care supplies, while testing the capabilities of North Dakota’s statewide Vantis network, the nation’s first UAS system for beyond visual line of sight flights.
“The use of drones has the potential to enhance the delivery of health care by rapidly transporting crucial lab samples, medications and supplies to and from remote clinics and locations,” said Peter Edis, CEO of McKenzie Health. “This technology can reduce delays caused by geographic isolation, harsh weather or staffing shortages. By improving logistics, drones can help ensure timely care, continuity of services and better patient outcomes — especially when time is of the essence.”
In this screenshot from a KFYR-TV news report, the Supervolo drone operated by iFlight Drone Services is shown arriving at its destination in Watford City, N.D.
The Supervolo drone, measuring just over 6 feet long and with a wingspan of nearly 10 feet, was operated by iSight Drone Services of Grand Forks, N.D.
The successful launch marks the beginning of a series of flight tests aimed at evaluating how UAS technology can be integrated into health care infrastructure to serve remote communities more efficiently. Future flights will expand to additional rural areas and include further use cases to examine power needs and partnerships with emergency responders.
“Rural communities don’t have the luxury of cooperative-only airspace,” said Erin Roesler, deputy executive director of the Northern Plains UAS Test Site. “What makes this operation so impactful is that it proves BVLOS can be done safely, even in complex, real-world rural environments, and that it can bring real value to North Dakota communities.”
In a few weeks, the next flight will use Censys Technologies’ drones to evaluate the resources, technology and infrastructure needed to deploy drones in partnership with emergency responders as part of disaster response, real-time situational awareness and crisis resource mobilization. This data will build on this first use case for rural medical care supply delivery.
For UND and its partners, Project Rural Reach is more than a tech demonstration, Barta said. It’s part of a bold vision for transforming rural health care through innovation and collaboration.
Join us for a BBQ at the UND Center for Innovation!
📅 Friday, September 12
🕚 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 CFI Lawn, 4200 James Ray Dr, Grand Forks ND 58202
The UND Center for Innovation is bringing together students, faculty, staff, and community partners to connect around impactful work, explore bold ideas, and expand professional networks, all while enjoying good food and summer activities.
RSVP by September 3rd to enjoy lunch, yard games, and meaningful conversations with fellow innovators and changemakers!
Open to all UND students, faculty, and community partners.
What: Project RuralReach will launch its first use-case test with a long-range drone flight, demonstrating the potential of unmanned aircraft to connect rural communities with medical goods using the Vantis system.
The flight will feature a Supervolo drone operated by iSight Drone Services and showcase a 34-mile Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) journey between Williston and Watford City, N.D.
When: Thursday, July 24, 2025 9 a.m. (weather permitting)
Where: Launch from Williston TrainND Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) park, located at 1500 E. Dakota Parkway, Williston, N.D.
Landing at Watford City Municipal Airport, 200 12th Street Southeast, Watford City, N.D. (One-hour drive between locations)
Flight Details:
34-mile flight path
Up to 4,000 feet in altitude
iSight drone operated on the Vantis statewide UAS network
Estimated flight duration: ~1 hour
Why It Matters: The flight will mark a key milestone in North Dakota’s commitment to advancing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for public benefit, improving connectivity, delivery, and emergency response across rural regions. Project RuralReach aims to demonstrate real-world drone applications in sparsely populated areas.
Visual Opportunities:
Drone launch and landing
Interviews with flight operators and project stakeholders
Behind-the-scenes look at UAS flight prep and live tracking
Media Contact:
Haylee Bjork, Marketing Outreach Coordinator Organization: UND Center for Innovation
The UND Center for Innovation is thrilled to announce a major milestone for Project RuralReach, a $1 million initiative funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and led by the University of North Dakota. This groundbreaking project is entering the skies with a bold mission: to develop a statewide UAS (Uncrewed Aircraft Systems) commercialization strategy and conduct an in-depth economic impact study.
Now in the implementation phase, Project RuralReach is partnering with three innovative vendors to launch UAS demonstration projects across the state. Each company will conduct Use Case Tests to explore real-world applications of drone technology that could transform industries and strengthen rural communities.
Focus: Utilizing drones for disaster response and situational awareness
Test Flights Begin: Mid-August 2025
These pilot projects are more than test flights; they’re bold steps toward a smarter, more connected, and more resilient North Dakota.
Supporting Rural & Coal-Impacted Communities
Project RuralReach is funded through the EDA’s American Rescue Plan and Coal Communities Commitment, a federal effort to invest in economic transformation for regions historically dependent on coal and other energy industries. North Dakota is uniquely positioned to lead this charge, thanks to Vantis, the nation’s first and only statewide BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) network for drones.
By tapping into North Dakota’s UAS infrastructure and innovation ecosystem, Project RuralReach is working to:
Accelerate UAS commercialization across key industries
Foster job creation and economic resilience
Expand access to advanced technologies in rural communities
Powered by Collaboration
This project wouldn’t be possible without the support of our exceptional partners:
Behind-the-scenes looks at the upcoming UAS flight demonstrations
Initial findings from the economic impact study
Opportunities to engage with the future of unmanned systems in North Dakota
Whether you’re a policymaker, entrepreneur, or tech enthusiast, Project RuralReach invites you to be part of the journey to revolutionize how rural America connects, responds, and thrives.
Early-stage entrepreneurs step up in Memorial Union, pitch products developed with UND programs’ support
Carson Running, assistant professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and co-founder of RH Technologies, presents at the LAUNCH: Demo Day event in the UND Memorial Union on April 29. Photo by Mark Maliskey of Mark Maliskey Photography, Grand Forks.
By Haylee Bjork
The entrepreneurial spirit took center stage on April 29 at LAUNCH: Demo Day, UND’s first multi-program startup pitch event, held at the Memorial Union’s Social Stairs. The event was powered by the Runway Accelerator and hosted by the UND Center for Innovation.
LAUNCH brought together nine emerging founders from three innovative programs — Runway, I-Corps and SBIR/STTR, or Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer — to present their ventures to a crowd of students, faculty, industry mentors and potential investors.
The event marked a first-of-its-kind collaboration, connecting UND talent across academic disciplines with the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem, organizers say. With entrepreneurs from fields ranging from engineering to biomedicine to aerospace, the lineup highlighted the university’s growing role as a launchpad for diverse, high-impact ventures.
Mercedes Terry, a doctoral student in Biomedical Engineering, presents on MindMend Biotech at the LAUNCH: Demo Day event on April 29. Photo by Mark Maliskey of Mark Maliskey Photography, Grand Forks.
Pressure wound mattresses, electric motorcycles and more
Each founder delivered a fast-paced pitch, sharing the breakthroughs behind their startups:
Dan Newman, doctoral student in Biomedical Engineering, introduced SHARP Biomedical, a minimally invasive solution for back pain.
Carson Running, an assistant professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, presented RH Technologies, offering high-precision fluid imaging using NASA-based tech.
Kristi Jean highlighted ThinAir Surfaces, a UND partner company focused on hospital-grade air mattresses that help prevent patient injury.
Mercedes Terry, a Biomedical Engineering doctoral student, presented MindMend Biotech, developing wearables for real-time Parkinson’s monitoring.
Damien Parrello, UND’s Genomics core manager, shared GenomEX, a platform leveraging big data that reduces the time and cost of DNA sequencing for faster breakthroughs in personalized medicine.
Anakin Bosek, an Engineering student, presented Bosek Industries, a snowmobile performance consultancy for racing teams.
Spencer Milanowski, a Rotorcraft Aviation student, introduced PRC Electric, building compact electric motorcycles for sustainable transport.
Heather McNevin, an Aerospace doctoral student, showcased Aeroboox, an affordable and interactive training material designed to enhance pilot education and improve safety outcomes in flight training.
Matt Malusky, a Mechanical Engineering student, shared his venture, MMLongboards, custom-designed boards combining engineering and artistry.
Spencer Milanowski, a Rotorcraft Aviation student, rides up to his presentation at the LAUNCH event on his compact electric motorcycle, which he built by himself. Photo by Mark Maliskey of Mark Maliskey Photography, Grand Forks.
Following the pitches, attendees engaged directly with the founders through Q&A and product demonstrations, gaining hands-on experience with technologies in development.
Hooked on innovation
While networking and refreshments helped foster community connections, the true focus of the night was celebrating student and faculty founders as innovators and changemakers. LAUNCH wasn’t just about showcasing ventures, organizers said; it was about inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs who will shape North Dakota’s future. As one attendee put it:
Matt Malusky, a Mechanical Engineering student at UND, presents at the LAUNCH event alongside the longboard he designed. Photo by Mark Maliskey of Mark Maliskey Photography, Grand Forks.
“There was great energy, fantastic idea generation and meaningful networking among participants and the crowd. I loved how it was such a public and exciting way to spread the innovation bug to UND students, staff, and faculty alike.”
LAUNCH exemplified how UND’s programs are converging to support innovation and drive collaboration across departments and industries, organizers said. By combining funding, mentorship, and training from initiatives like Runway, I-Corps, and SBIR/STTR, UND is striving to create fertile ground for discovery.
To learn more about the Runway Accelerator, NSF I-Corps, and/or SBIR/STTR Funding, reach out to the UND Center for Innovation at info@innovators.net
(From left): Sona Lesmeister, emcee of the LAUNCH event and entrepreneur coach and startup specialist with the UND Center for Innovation, stands with innovators Damien Parrello, Kristi Jean, Heather McNevin, Spencer Milanowski, Anakin Bosek, Matt Malusky, Dan Newman and Mercedes Terry. Photo by Mark Maliskey of Mark Maliskey Photography, Grand Forks.
As we gear up for LAUNCH on April 29th, we’re excited to highlight one of our Runway participants: Anakin Bosek, a mechanical engineering student at the University of North Dakota and the founder of Bosek Industries.
Bosek Industries brings together Anakin’s technical background and passion for motorsports to serve a niche but passionate market. His goal is to provide racing teams and enthusiasts with the engineering insight and marketing strategies they need to compete at higher levels and grow their presence in the sport.
“My biggest challenge when developing the startup was shifting from an engineering mindset into a business mindset,” he explained in a recent interview.
Transition was one of the many key lessons he learned during his time in the Runway accelerator. The early phase of the program, in particular, played a pivotal role in shaping his approach, “One of the moments that stood out to me was during the first initial pre-accelerator phase, where we did a lot of customer discovery,” he recalls.
“I kind of learned how close knit of an industry it is and how my business can navigate and find its place within it.”
For Anakin, the value of Runway extended beyond business planning. The relationships he built during the program left a lasting impression.
“The connections that I was able to establish while being part of Runway are going to be lifetime connections that help me, not only in my startup business, but also in all areas of my life.” As Anakin prepares to pitch at LAUNCH, his passion, technical expertise, and drive to learn are setting him up to make an impact, not just in motorsports, but in the broader world of engineering and innovation.
