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.
Thanks in part to funding by UND’s Center for Innovation, CareerViewXR will develop virtual-reality experiences to introduce students to autonomous-systems careers
In this UND archival photo, students hone their flying skills in the Virtual Reality Lab in the University’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences.
GRAND FORKS – The University of North Dakota Center for Innovation has awarded funding to CareerViewX to develop an autonomous career library using virtual reality. This initiative aims to strengthen North Dakota’s talent pipeline by providing immersive career exploration opportunities within the state’s growing autonomous systems industry.
“Authentic career awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have to connect student potential with real-world industry needs,” said Karen Berntson, chief operating officer at CareerViewXR. “When students can virtually step into high-demand workplaces — especially in cutting-edge fields such as autonomous systems — they begin to see themselves in those roles. That shift builds not only clarity and purpose, but also confidence.
“Our partnership with the UND Center for Innovation is more than just about sparking interest. It’s about creating a stronger, more informed talent pipeline for North Dakota’s high-tech, high-opportunity industries.”
Funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s University Center program, the project will create an interactive, web-based career platform featuring VR experiences. These virtual career tours will let students, job seekers and entrepreneurs engage with industry opportunities in a fully immersive environment, offering a firsthand look at key roles within the autonomous sector.
Over the next three years, CareerViewXR will produce 11 unique, 360-degree VR career experience videos showcasing North Dakota’s autonomous systems industry. Each video will provide an in-depth perspective on various career paths, enabling users to explore industry roles and connect with potential employers in a dynamic, interactive way.
The project is scheduled for completion in 2028.
“The Center for Innovation is looking forward to partnering with CareerViewXR to help bridge an outreach gap between emerging industries and the workforce of tomorrow,” said Amy Whitney, the center’s director.
About The University of North Dakota Center for Innovation
The mission of the Center for Innovation is to advance the creation and development of innovative ideas, services and businesses. The UND Center for Innovation focuses on commercialization of new ventures, operates an entrepreneurial incubator that provides space for innovators, entrepreneurs and researchers, and helps founders secure access to capital to ultimately encourage economic development in the state of North Dakota and the Northern Plains.
About CareerViewXR
CareerViewXR is an immersive career exploration platform that brings field trips to the classroom through 360-degree web-based tours and companion virtual reality videos. Students and adult job seekers alike can explore engaging tours highlighting in-demand industries such as skilled trades, health care, energy and more. Best of all, VR headsets are completely optional; the content is accessible on devices you already own – including laptops, cell phones, and tablets. Explore more at careerviewxr.com.
Summer interns are invited to apply for an immersive program to explore the Grand Forks region as a cooler place to work, live, and play
Thirty-three interns representing 21 employers took part in the 2024 InternGF Summer Cohort Series; the group is shown here at their graduation ceremony in August. Before the summer program, just over half of the students said they could see themselves staying in Grand Forks permanently; after the program, 77% said they could see themselves doing so. Photo courtesy of Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corp.
This free program invites college students interning at companies in the Grand Forks area to connect with fellow interns, build relationships with young professionals and discover the vibrant culture of the region. Funded by a grant from the Knight Foundation’s Donor Advised Fund at the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks and Region, along with support from the UND Center for Innovation, the series aims to help students envision a future in Greater Grand Forks.
“Our partnership with the EDC has been instrumental in connecting students with regional startups and employers,” said Amy Whitney, director of the UND Center for Innovation. “The InternGF Summer Cohort Program builds on this foundation, offering students a deeper, more immersive understanding of life and opportunities in Grand Forks.”
The series is structured into six sessions that will be held biweekly through the summer of 2025. Through this experience, interns will explore Grand Forks and have a firsthand look into the region’s workforce, primary sector industries and assets that contribute to an excellent quality of life.
Participants also will tour prominent regional companies and network with local leadership, peers and industry leaders.
Each session is designed to introduce interns to experiences they may not have otherwise encountered and help them become more connected to the community. Aside from industry tours, session experiences will include downtown walking tours, a volunteering day alongside the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals, art classes and sports and recreation activities.
“Helping connect students to the Grand Forks community while they are here for college is paramount to increasing retention rates,” said EDC Director of Workforce Development Becca Cruger. “We want them to stay in the region after graduation, and creating a network of students who know about our local employers and have experienced the great things Grand Forks has to offer will help as they make career choices after college.”
Employers are encouraged to have interested summer interns fill out the registration form provided on the grandforks.org/interngf-summer website. Registration is open now and will close on May 15.
The InternGF program, under the EDC and UND Center for Innovation, seeks to boost the availability of local internships by providing companies with up to $3,500 to offset the cost of an intern’s salary. This cohort series is separate from the InternGF funding program, and participants do not have to have received InternGF funding to be eligible for the summer cohort series.
The mission of the Center for Innovation is to advance the creation and development of innovative ideas, services, and businesses. The UND Center for Innovation focuses on commercialization of new ventures, operates an entrepreneurial incubator that provides space for innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers, and helps founders secure access to capital to ultimately encourage economic development in the state of North Dakota and the Northern Plains.
About the UND Experiential Learning Center
The UND Experiential Learning Center (ELC) is a location for students to learn about all of the work integrated learning opportunities available to them. These opportunities will prepare students for current and emerging careers. ELC works to foster a welcoming and inclusive university community on-campus and online so all learners have the opportunity and support to realize their full potential.
About Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation
The Grand Forks Region EDC works collaboratively to foster an environment that attracts innovative people and business investment to Grand Forks County and the surrounding region, enhancing economic vitality for long-term prosperity and growth.
Contact Information
Becca Cruger, director of Workforce Development Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation Beccac@grandforks.org | O: 701.738.0009 | C: 701.739.9895
Join us on April 29, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM at the UND Memorial Union for LAUNCH, a high-energy demo day where startups showcase their products and progress to investors, mentors, and industry experts. Experience dynamic pitches, live demos, networking over appetizers, and connect with a vibrant mix of venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Whether discovering the next big idea or making valuable connections, LAUNCH is a spark for innovation and growth. Don’t miss the chance to witness the future of startups in action!
Come and celebrate the Grand Forks region’s entrepreneurs on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 at the Grand Awards!
The Grand Awards is an evening dedicated to celebrating local entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to our community.
Hosted by Evolve GF and the Grand Forks Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, this event showcases the innovation, resilience, and success defining our business landscape. From groundbreaking startups to established businesses, we’re committed to recognizing outstanding achievements that make our community grand.
Come together with business leaders, community supporters, and entrepreneurs for an inspiring evening honoring those shaping the future of business in our community.
Adrian serves as our Process Improvement Specialist at CFI. Whether he’s managing events, helping members and guests, or brainstorming with the team, he’s always on the go. His contributions are vital to the smooth operation of CFI, and we’re incredibly grateful to have him on board! Read on to learn more about Adrian!
Adrian Luevano
1. What do you typically do during a day at work?
On a typical day at work, I help manage events in our meeting rooms, assist with creating policies and processes, and help visitors at the Center for Innovation.
2. What college did you attend and what was your major?
I studied International Relations at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León in Monterrey, Mexico, and after that, I earned my Master’s degree in Prospective and Strategic Studies at Tecnológico de Monterrey.
3. What is your favorite book or movie?
My favorite book I would say is Cloud Atlas
4. If you could drop everything and go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
My favorite city is Kyoto, but right now I would love to go to the beach.
5. What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
My favorite thing to do in my free time is spend time with my wife and play with my dog.
6. What is your favorite part of living in Grand Forks?
My favorite part of living in Grand Forks is that it has the best of both worlds – it has the advantages of a big city, like having plenty to do, but also the perks of a small town, like no traffic, low pollution, and a really peaceful atmosphere.
7. What is your favorite part about working at CFI?
My favorite part about working at CFI is the positive and supportive work environment. I really enjoy how everyone is always willing to collaborate and help each other.
