Tag: growth

Member Spotlight: RJ Energy Solutions

Posted on March 24, 2026 by - News

RJES Team

Bella Peterson & Russell Schell

RJ Energy Solutions (RJES) was founded with a clear mission: reduce energy waste, lower cost, improve comfort, and bring practical, innovative efficiency solutions to businesses and homeowners. After several years of experience in the corporate world, founder Russell Schell, felt called back to entrepreneurship and to his passion for advancing energy-efficient technologies.

Turning Innovation into Business

In the early stages, RJ Energy Solutions focused on executing energy-efficient solutions across a variety of sectors. Russell’s technical expertise and drive to innovate laid the groundwork for a pivotal moment in 2024, when he was connected with Bella Peterson, a UND entrepreneurship student.

As a driven and growth-focused professional, Bella helped shift the business from pure innovation to structured business execution. What had been primarily about inventing and refining solutions became a focused effort to bring those solutions to market in a scalable way. Together, Russell and Bella have built a partnership that they describe as a great crossover to execute great solutions.

Russell Schell & Bella Peterson

Solving Energy Waste with Purpose

RJES was created to address one core problem: energy waste and inefficiency. From commercial facilities to residential properties, the company works to identify where systems are underperforming and how to improve them in practical, cost-effective ways.

RJES continues to evolve, leading to the launch of a new venture, Dart Solutions. Dart Solutions is focused on providing predictive maintenance to cut down on energy waste and maintenance dollars.

Business offices represent eco-conscious and sustainable practices.

Maximizing Growth & Expansion

Growth for RJES has come through intentional development. Some of the key milestones thus far include expanding the team, investing in product and solution development, and conducting deep market research to find a niche and innovative approach to where there was a need in the market.

RJES has focused on building a strong foundation, leading to the development of an ecosystem of partnerships, refining approach, and ensuring each step taken is strategic. The launch of Dart Solutions is a great example of the thoughtful growth that takes place.

A hand holding lightbulb symbolizes sustainability and energy-efficiency.

CFI’s Impact: Strengthening the Ecosystem

Joining the UND Center For Innovation was a strategic decision for RJ Energy Solutions. The primary goal was to become more integrated with the entrepreneurial ecosystem while contributing to strong business execution.

The Center for Innovation has played an essential role in business development for RJES’s particularly by connecting the team to NSF I-Corps Hub Great Plains for in-depth market research. I-Corps also helped RJES validate assumptions, refine target markets, and strengthen the company’s value. In addition, CFI supported business planning, pitch practice and development.

Business meeting discussing sustainability and lowering environmental footprint.

Looking Ahead

As RJ Energy Solutions looks to the future, its goals are ambitious yet focused. The long-term vision is to expand across the country, delivering energy efficiency solutions to a broader market.

Through continued innovation, strategic partnerships, and disciplined execution, RJES aims to scale its impact while staying true to its purpose of helping homeowners and businesses operate more efficiently, sustainably, and cost-effectively.

Learn More

To learn more about RJ Energy Solutions, visit rjenergysolutions.com and connect with the RJES team.

Member Spotlight: Sharp Biomedical

Posted on February 24, 2026 by - News

Dan Newman

Founded in 2024, Sharp Biomedical is redefining minimally invasive pain care with expertly redesigned solutions built specifically for interventional pain specialists. Founded by Dan Newman, a doctoral student in UND’s Biomedical Engineering Department, the company is driven by innovation at the intersection of engineering and patient-centered care. 

About Sharp Biomedical

Sharp Biomedical focuses on addressing the unmet needs of individuals living with chronic pain by developing an innovative, minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery. The company aims to support specialists in delivering effective pain relief while reducing the need for more invasive surgical interventions.  

While Sharp Biomedical’s current primary focus is on advancing product development, the company intends to shift toward building strong relationships with UND and other local institutions in the future.  

Dan Newman holding prototype
Dan Newman holding prototype. Photo by Mark Maliskey of Mark Maliskey Photography, Grand Forks.

Turning Ideas into Impact

Sharp Biomedical translated an identified gap in interventional pain care into a focused solution designed to meet specialist and patient needs. Since identifying the need, Sharp Biomedical has moved to validate the concept through development milestones and strategic team growth.  

The company has attracted expertise, respected physicians and a high-impact spine CEO, highlighting the credibility of Sharp Biomedical, along with the company’s long-term potential.  

CFI’s Impact

The Runway Accelerator program at UND’s Center for Innovation (CFI) is a two-phase program designed to provide mentorship, start-up training, and access to funding to support UND student ventures.  

Following an introduction from Dr. Kouhyar Tavakolian, Sharp Biomedical connected with the UND Center for Innovation and enrolled in the Runway Accelerator program. “The timing proved to be perfect for the stage Sharp Biomedical was in,” Newman shared. Through Runway, the team received critical support—most notably guidance through the customer discovery process, which helped refine and strengthen their core concept. 

After completing the Runway Accelerator program at CFI, Newman continued building momentum by joining the gBeta program in Grand Forks. Designed for high-potential startups with local roots, gBeta is a pre-accelerator that provides intensive one-on-one mentorship, focused growth strategy, and preparation for raising capital. The program also connects founders to a powerful network of mentors, investors, and prospective customers. 

With strategic support from Runway and initial grant funding, Sharp Biomedical strengthened its foundation and positioned itself for rapid growth. Through a recommendation and introduction to gBeta, CFI helped further expand Sharp Biomedical’s network—“providing additional connections and accelerating the company’s growth,” Newman shared. The continued progression through these programs played a key role in securing additional investment and increasing the company’s valuation. 

Newman presenting at the LAUNCH: Demo Day event at the UND Memorial Union.
Newman presenting at the LAUNCH: Demo Day event at the UND Memorial Union. Photo by Mark Maliskey of Mark Maliskey Photography, Grand Forks.

Looking Ahead

Funding is a top priority for Sharp Biomedical, supporting ongoing product development, testing, and efforts to bring the technology to market. At the same time, the team is preparing to file a non-provisional patent to protect its intellectual property.  

They are also refining the device through cadaver testing with physician partners, ensuring it performs effectively across the variety of anatomies found in real-world patients. 

Learn More

To learn more about Sharp Biomedical and their mission to make interventional procedures more accessible, visit sharpbiomedical.com.  

What Legos Can Teach Us About the Importance of Process Documentation

Posted on February 19, 2026 by - News

By Adrian Luevano

We all want consistent results, whether we’re building Legos or completing tasks at work. The problem is that when processes aren’t documented (or we don’t have clear instructions) everyone interprets things differently; consistency is lost, and efforts are often duplicated and consequences can be significant: wasted time, frustration, and results that don’t meet expectations. 

Alt text: Colorful pile of green LEGO bricks
Colorful pile of green LEGO bricks 

A Simple Classroom Exercise with a Big Lesson

I remember an interesting exercise from a class. Our professor divided us into two teams and gave us a variety of Lego pieces, simply saying, “Build a house.” We could make any house we wanted, there were no restrictions. Once we finished, he asked us to write instructions so someone else could replicate our house, and to take a photo before disassembling it. At first, it seemed like a very simple task, build a house and write down how we built it. 

The next step was to exchange instructions and try to follow them as accurately as possible. When we compared the final result to the photo, we couldn’t stop laughing… it looked nothing like what we had intended to build! Some walls were upside down, colors didn’t match, pieces were missing and towers ended up on the wrong side.  

The lesson was clear; we wrote the instructions thinking about ourselves and didn’t consider that others might not interpret them the same way. We assumed that what was obvious to us would be obvious to everyone else, but it wasn’t. 

Business process management and automation concept with person moving wooden pieces on flowchart diagram.
Business process management and automation concept with person moving wooden pieces on flowchart diagram.

How This Shows Up in the Workplace 

The same principle applies in the workplace: clear processes allow us to replicate successful outcomes. Without them, team members may approach the same task in completely different ways, causing confusion, mistakes, and duplicated efforts. Even a small miscommunication can escalate when multiple people are involved or when the same task is repeated over time. Documenting processes doesn’t just make life easier—it makes teams more efficient and reliable. 

Writing manuals isn’t just about listing steps; we need to consider how someone else might interpret them and strive to be as clear as possible. The goal is for the process to be followed by different people in the same way, without having to provide additional explanations each time. Think of it as creating your own Lego instruction booklet: if it’s well-designed, anyone can achieve the intended result, even if they have never built that model before. 

AI-generated image of the Center for Innovation made of Legos

AI-generated image of the Center for Innovation made of Legos

Why Well-Designed Processes Matter 

Personally, my favorite Legos are the pre-designed sets; they come with all the pieces and instructions needed to build the figure on the box. I love them because simply following the instructions gives me the expected result every time. 

Processes are like Lego instructions: they allow anyone to replicate successful outcomes. That’s why having well-documented processes in place is essential to maintain consistency and efficiency. It might take extra time upfront, but it saves countless hours of frustration, reduces errors, and ensures that the results are exactly what we intended. Plus, well-documented processes can serve as a training tool for new team members, a reference for future projects, and a safeguard against forgetting important steps.

AI-Generated image of Adrian Luevano

AI-Generated image of Adrian Luevano

The Final Takeaway

Investing time in properly documenting processes ensures that the final result is exactly what we expect. So now you know, document your processes, or risk ending up like me, staring at a pile of Legos, wondering what went wrong!!

Clear processes don’t happen by accident—they’re designed. If you’re interested in improving documentation, efficiency, or team alignment, email info@innovators.net to learn how the Center for Innovation can help.

New Year, New Opportunities: Why Your Story Matters in 2026

Posted on January 30, 2026 by - News

Written by Haylee Bjork

As we move into 2026 and reflect on 2025, it’s worth recognizing the twists and turns that have shaped where we are today. I try to do this daily, through showing gratitude or by doing one good deed a day (advice from my Grandma Sandy). Reflection like this doesn’t just belong in our personal lives; it’s just as valuable professionally.

Sharing your story in a professional setting is a powerful tool for growth and confidence. While working with entrepreneurs, my favorite questions are always, “How did you start your business?” or “Where did the idea come from?” The answers are often where the real impact lies.

Below are three simple ways entrepreneurs and professionals can tell their story, and why it matters more than you might think.

1. Go to Events

Attending events provides the perfect opportunity to share your story face-to-face with like-minded individuals, which is one of the most effective ways to expand your network. I know, this is easier said than done, especially if you’re a homebody or new to networking. Putting yourself in unfamiliar spaces can feel intimidating. However, Grand Forks offers welcoming events that are perfect for professionals at any stage of their journey.

People seated at long wooden tables indoors, assembling items together under string lights in a casual community event setting.
Community members gather at GGFYP, working alongside eachother doing hands-on volunteer work.

The Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals hosts events designed to connect people across industries and experience levels (and despite the name, all ages are welcome!). From broomball nights to community volunteer opportunities, these events create relaxed environments where conversations and stories happen naturally.

Audience members seated and listening to a panel of four speakers on stage during an indoor discussion event with large windows and a branded banner visible.
A panel of speakers at UpNext, engaging in a discussion in front of an audience during an event.

Another great series of events to look out for is UpNext, which highlights local business owners while creating meaningful networking opportunities. Events like these allow individuals to practice telling their story organically, whether that’s about their business, career path, or what led them to where they are today.

Person holding phone and coffee, looking at social media
Hands holding coffee cup and mobile phone while using social media.

2. Post on Social Media

Social media can feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the most accessible ways to tell your story on your own terms. Your story doesn’t have to be perfectly written or highly produced; it just has to be authentic.

Sharing milestones, lessons learned, challenges, or even behind-the-scenes moments on social media platforms such as LinkedIn helps humanize your work and builds trust with your audience. For entrepreneurs, especially, people are often just as interested in the why behind the business as they are in the product or service itself.

Posting consistently, even something small, can help you clarify your own narrative, build confidence in sharing it, and create connections you may not expect. You never know who is reading, resonating, or quietly rooting for your journey!

People networking at a professional event
People networking at CFI’s Innovation Symposium

3. Connect with organizations that support entrepreneurs

Telling your story becomes even more impactful when you share it with people and organizations that are invested in your growth. Connecting with groups like UND’s CFI, the Grand Forks Region EDC, Evolve Grand Forks, the Chamber, ND SBDC, and other ecosystem partners opens doors to resources, mentorship, and opportunities you may not find on your own.

These organizations want to understand your story, where you’ve been, what you’re building, and where you hope to go. The more you share, the more they can tailor support, make introductions, and help amplify your work.

Beyond the tangible benefits, these connections remind entrepreneurs that they’re not building alone. Sharing your story within a supportive ecosystem can be validating, motivating, and a powerful reminder of how far you’ve already come.

Your Story Matters

Telling your story, whether in a conversation, a post, or through community connections, allows others to see the person behind the work. When you reflect on where you’ve been and share it openly, you build trust, confidence, and meaningful relationships along the way. Your journey is still unfolding, and sharing it can be the first step toward what comes next.

Do you need support on how to start your storytelling journey? Feel free to reach out to me at haylee.b@innovators.net, and see how CFI can help you start!

InternGF: A powerful tool for workforce retention

Posted on January 22, 2026 by - News

UND students who intern with InternGF stay in Grand Forks at remarkably high rates, speakers noted at the program’s recent 2026 launch

Sona Lesmeister (left), UND Center for Innovation’s Startup Specialist, and Kinley Anderson, the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corp.’s workforce development specialist, welcome guests to the InternGF launch event on Jan. 13. The event was held at the Center for Innovation’s Idea Lab in Grand Forks. Photo by Mark Maliskey, Marketing & Communications manager, Grand Forks Region EDC.

By Haylee Bjork

On Jan. 13, UND’s Center for Innovation and the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corp. celebrated the launch of the InternGF program for the upcoming year, hosting a breakfast and presentation that showcased the program’s progress to the UND and Grand Forks community.

Local internships are doing more than filling short-term roles in Grand Forks, speakers at the event noted. They’re shaping career paths, strengthening regional employers and keeping UND talent in the region.

That message was at the center of the event’s presentation of the InternGF program, a nationally recognized funding model designed to help organizations launch new, meaningful internship opportunities while supporting student workforce development.

A funding model built for impact

The InternGF program helps employers offset the cost of hiring interns by reimbursing a portion of intern wages. Startup organizations (within seven years of launch) are eligible for up to 50% wage reimbursement, while established EDC member companies may receive 33% reimbursement.

By lowering financial barriers, the program enables organizations to create new internship roles.

Eight years of measurable results

Since its launch, the InternGF program has funded 172 internships, awarding more than $330,000 in reimbursements. Those funds have translated into nearly $750,000 in real wages paid to UND students who receive InternGF internships.

The reach of the program spans both startups and established companies:

  • 56% of funded internships supported startups
  • 60% supported EDC member companies
  • Many organizations fell into both categories, demonstrating balanced, equitable support across the region

Internships supported by the program span a wide range of disciplines, ranging from engineering and aviation to marketing, finance and creative roles, highlighting both traditional and nontraditional career pathways available locally.

Madelynn Meek, a UND student and former marketing intern for 3 Farm Daughters in Grand Forks, talks at the InternGF launch event about her internship experience. Photo by Mark Maliskey, Marketing & Communications Manager, Grand Forks Region EDC.

Strong outcomes for students

Student feedback consistently reflects the program’s impact. On a 10-point scale:

  • Students rated internships 8.5 for applying classroom learning to real-world work
  • Students rated 8.4 for growth in professional skills and confidence

Perhaps most notably, internships influence where graduates choose to live and work. Nearly half (46%) of students from the 2018–19 cohorts are still living in Grand Forks five years later, compared to just 12% of UND alumni overall during the same period.

At the two-year mark, 71% of InternGF participants remained in the region, more than triple the general alumni average.

Employer and student voices

Robbie Lunnie, assistant professor of Aviation at UND and the founder of Vertical Works, said that while strong ideas and work ethic are important, community support is often what makes the difference.

“You can have a great idea and work incredibly hard, but that’s not always enough,” he said. “Having mentors and a support system matters.

“InternGF isn’t just about funding an intern; it connects you to people who want to help you succeed,” he continued. “That support made a real difference for me as a startup founder and helps keep talented students in Grand Forks.”

Students echoed the program’s value through personal experiences. Recent graduate and Vertical Works intern, Mateo Garcia, shared how structured reflection and mentorship set his internship apart, helping him see long-term opportunities in Grand Forks that hadn’t previously been on his radar.

Madelynn Meek, a UND student and former marketing intern for the Grand Forks-based 3 Farm Daughters pasta company, described how her internship reshaped her career goals by exposing her to multiple facets of a growing business — from supply chains to retail partnerships — while giving her real responsibility and trust. “It didn’t just prepare me for the real world,” she said. “It helped me better understand where I want to go in it.”

The 2026 InternGF Launch Event took place at the Idea Lab at the Center for Innovation in Grand Forks. Photo by Mark Maliskey, Marketing & Communications Manager, Grand Forks Region EDC.

Building the future workforce

To wrap up the event, Chelsea Mellenthin, director of Career Engagement at UND’s Experiential Learning Center, highlighted key resources available to employers, including using Handshake to share internships and open positions. She emphasized the platform as a one-stop shop for connecting with and recruiting UND talent.

As InternGF continues to align funding cycles with UND and employer hiring rhythms, the goal remains clear: create meaningful internships that benefit students, employers, and the Grand Forks community alike.

By investing in local experiences, the program is proving that internships aren’t just temporary positions; they’re a powerful tool for workforce retention, business growth, and long-term regional impact.

To learn more about InternGF, visit the program’s website.

Member Spotlight: Black Ridge Construction

Posted on December 29, 2025 by - News

Black Ridge Construction Founders
Will Klinke & Casey Schumacher

Black Ridge Construction (BRC) is a construction management firm founded in 2023 by Will Klinke and Casey Schumacher. From the beginning, BRC set out to do things differently, focusing on select niche sectors while bringing renewed emphasis on open communication, transparency, and collaboration to every project. What started as a long-standing vision has quickly grown into a purpose-driven business with a strong foundation and an exciting future ahead!

Turning Experience into Intention

Black Ridge Construction officially launched in May 2023, but the idea had been taking shape long before that. After years of working in the construction industry, Will and Casey shared a common goal of building a firm rooted in their values and experience.

Starting BRC allowed them to take what they had learned and apply it intentionally, creating a company that serves clients with clarity, purpose, and trust. While the region has no shortage of construction firms, they recognized an opportunity to focus on niche markets and elevate the overall client experience.

In the early days, that meant starting smaller than the large commercial projects they were used to managing. Those first projects were instrumental. They reinforced the importance of hands-on execution, strengthened client relationships, and helped BRC grow deliberately and sustainably, earning trust one project at a time.

Architectural floor plan on a desk with a yellow hard hat, measuring tape, calculator, level, and drafting tools used for construction planning.
Top view of architectural blueprints on the worktable desk.

Building Momentum the Right Way

In a short time, BRC has reached several meaningful milestones. Taking the leap from traditional working roles into entrepreneurship was the first step. From there came hiring their first employee and then moving into their very own office with more room to expand.

Each year has brought visible progress, and the team makes a point to reflect on how far they’ve come. Growth hasn’t always been straightforward, though. One of the biggest challenges was determining when to hire additional team members, balancing the reality of wearing many hats while ensuring there was enough work to support expansion.

Through disciplined planning and a strategic approach to scaling, BRC navigated those decisions thoughtfully. At every stage, their core values have remained unchanged: open communication, transparency, and strong, long-term relationships. These principles continue to guide how they manage projects and serve clients and have become a defining part of BRC’s reputation.

CFI’s Impact: A Foundation for Early Growth

The UND Center for Innovation played a pivotal role during BRC’s early years. Will and Casey had previously worked out of the Center nearly a decade ago with another employer and stayed connected with Travis Fretheim and the CFI team over the years. When it came time to launch BRC, returning to CFI felt like a natural fit.

Being part of the Center for Innovation during those first couple of years was monumental. CFI provided a professional working environment that aligned perfectly with the needs of a small but ambitious business, along with accessible resources and a strong entrepreneurial network.

Just as valuable was the community. Working alongside other founders and startups created opportunities to share challenges, exchange ideas, and learn from others navigating similar paths. The relationships formed at CFI have become an ongoing resource, one BRC hopes to maintain for years to come.

Graduation & the Next Chapter

Graduating from CFI marks an important transition for Black Ridge Construction. Since moving into their new space, the company has already hired an additional team member with extensive construction experience, adding depth to their capabilities and momentum to their growth trajectory.

The move itself is an exciting step forward. With dedicated space for materials, tools, and equipment, BRC now has the flexibility to operate more efficiently and better serve clients. For a construction company, having room to grow physically is just as important as growing strategically.

A hand moves a chess pawn across a network-style board, symbolizing strategy and connected decision-making.

Looking Ahead

BRC understands that growth is rarely a straight line. There will be curves, changes, and moments that require adaptation. Their long-term goal is simple but meaningful: to remain a successful construction management firm in North Dakota and the broader Midwest for years to come.

By staying lean, tight-knit, and values-driven, Black Ridge Construction aims to support not only its team but also the communities they’re fortunate to work in, building projects, relationships, and trust that last.

Learn More

To learn more about Black Ridge Construction or to discuss an upcoming project, visit BrConst.com and connect with the BRC team.

De-Risking Innovation: The Power of SBIR/STTR Grants for Startups 

Posted on December 1, 2025 by - News

Written by Jeff Barta

The world is full of innovative ideas, but moving those ideas to an impactful solution is no easy task for any entrepreneur. One of the biggest hurdles innovators and start-ups face is having enough capital to support their product development efforts. That is where the SBIR/STTR program enters. The SBIR/STTR program is two federal initiatives that offer grant funding on a competitive basis to small businesses looking to move their Research and Development (R&D) into commercialization.  

Administered by the Small Business Administration, the goal of the program is not only to stimulate technological innovation, but to bring it to life and into an impactful societal use. 

A close-up photo of a computer screen displaying a webpage from an official U.S. government site. At the top of the browser window, a small American flag icon appears next to the text “An official website of the United States government.” Below it is a bright yellow banner, and further down, part of a blue section is visible featuring the National Science Foundation (NSF) logo and the text “America’s SEED FUND SBIR/STTR.
Computer screen showing the NSF America’s Seed Fund webpage with the U.S. government site header. 

SBIR: Small Business Innovation Research 

Eleven federal agencies participate in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program by listing topics specific to research and development they wish to explore and that align with the mission of their agency. Businesses are not required to collaborate with research institutions, but partnerships are allowed and encouraged.  

STTR: Small Business Technology Transfer 

The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program differs slightly from SBIRs in that it requires collaboration between small businesses and a non-profit research institution, such as a university. It focuses on technology transfer and commercialization through the collaboration of those partners. Only five federal agencies participate in the STTR program: Department of War (DOW), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). 

America’s Seed Fund 

Labeled as “America’s Seed Fund”, SBIR/STTR is a three-phased process that moves research from concept to commercialization. Applications to the program are scored and awarded based on two things: scientific merit and the potential for commercialization. Winning an award can be a giant step forward for small businesses and academic researchers, as investors and industry partners look favorably on this process because of its progressive de-risking nature.  

Stacks of coins with growing plants on top, symbolizing financial growth. 

Typical Funding Ranges 

Phase I: Provides the smallest award for funding. The goal of Phase I is to establish feasibility, scientific and technical merit, and proof of concept. The length of the award is approximately 6-12 months. 

Phase II: Provides significantly larger awards intended to support continued R&D and creation of prototypes. The length of the award is up to 2 years. 

Phase III: No funds provided by either SBIR or STTR, and companies are expected to continue their commercialization efforts either through private investment or follow-on federal contracts.  

Range of SBIR/STTR Funding Awards by Phase 
Program Phase I Phase II Phase III 
 SBIR ~ $50,000 – $300,000 (depending on agency) $400,000 – $1,800,000 (depending on agency) No direct funding. Focus is on commercialization through private or non-SBIR federal contracts. 
 STTR ~ $50,000 – $300,000 (depending on agency) $400,000 – $1,800,000 (depending on agency) No direct funding.  Same as, SBIR commercialization support only. 

Benefits for Small Businesses and Researchers 

The benefits small businesses or academic researchers gain by participating in the SBIR/STTR program can be significant. They, 

  1. could receive non-dilutive capital to support early-stage R&D in the form of grants or contracts, without losing equity. This is ideal for high-risk, high-reward innovations that many investors shy away from. 
  1. gain access to federal agencies and their expertise. The ability to work directly with a federal agency allows their innovation to gain credibility and technical validation, both which are appealing to potential investors. 
  1. will retain the rights to their intellectual property. This ability to protect IP can be a critical factor for future commercialization. 

To learn more about the SBIR/STTR programs, visit https://www.innovators.net/sbir-sttr/ 

Member Spotlight: Midwest Planning, LLC

Posted on November 18, 2025 by - News

Zach Bopp, founder of Midwest Planning LLC.

When Zach Bopp founded Midwest Planning in 2019, he wasn’t simply starting a business, he was building the kind of consulting firm he wished existed throughout his career, one that combined technical strength with practical usability. After more than a decade in municipal design, master planning, and construction engineering, Zach saw a persistent gap between regulatory expectations and the practical realities of field implementation.

“I wanted to create a firm that was technically strong, but also grounded in real-world application,” he explained. “Infrastructure has to work for the people who build it and maintain it.”

Growing up in an agricultural environment shaped Zach’s values: work hard, focus on the details, and solve problems with practicality and purpose. Those principles became the foundation of Midwest Planning, LLC, a firm defined by responsiveness, clarity, and commitment from project conception to completion.

About Midwest Planning

Midwest Planning specializes in civil and environmental consulting with a focus on:

  • Municipal utility design
  • Land and site development
  • Stormwater and wastewater engineering
  • Water resources planning

Their projects span everything from parking lot layouts to hydraulic modeling, erosion control, and large-scale infrastructure planning. What makes Midwest Planning stand out is the way field experience is integrated into every phase of the design process.

“Our goal is always constructability and long-term usability,” Zach said. “Plans have to be more than compliant; they need to function.”

The firm’s modular, logic-driven design approach supports clearer communication and smoother approvals across agencies, contractors, and community partners.

Impact on the Community

From stormwater systems to wastewater treatment solutions, Midwest Planning plays a quiet but critical role in building resilient communities. Their work helps clients navigate complex regulatory environments while ensuring infrastructure is practical, maintainable, and built to last.

“Our work is meant to support communities for decades,” Zach shared. “By combining technical precision with a deep understanding of local needs, we contribute to safer, more sustainable environments for the people who live and work there.”

Two engineers working on a project and discussing together looking at blueprint paperwork.

Project Highlights

Midwest Planning has built strong regional partnerships, including work with:

These projects highlight the firm’s commitment to technical excellence and regional resilience.

Challenges and Opportunities

One ongoing industry challenge is balancing regulatory expectations with the needs of field teams, who must implement the work in real-world conditions.

“To us, that’s an opportunity,” Zach said. “We focus on bridging that gap, so documentation satisfies agencies and still makes sense to the crews on the ground.”

Connection to the Center for Innovation

Zach’s connection to the UND Center for Innovation began through a colleague who encouraged him to explore CFI’s resources and network. One conversation led to another, and before long, the relationship became a natural fit.

“CFI opened doors to collaboration and helped us connect with other entrepreneurs and innovators,” Zach shared.

Support from CFI

Through the Center for Innovation, Midwest Planning has gained visibility within the regional business community, deepened its network, and connected with resources that support long-term business development.

“CFI has given us a platform to share our story and explore new opportunities,” Zach said. “It’s been invaluable.”

Looking Ahead

Midwest Planning is focused on steady, sustainable growth, continuing to build strong client relationships while expanding regional partnerships.

“We want to grow without ever compromising the quality of our work or the trust we’ve built,” Zach emphasized.

For Midwest Planning, the path forward is rooted in responsiveness, high standards, and a commitment to serving the communities that rely on resilient infrastructure.

To learn more about Midwest Planning, reach out to Zach at Zach@mwplanning.com

MEDIA ADVISORY: Demonstration to show how drones can boost rural resilience

Posted on September 4, 2025 by - News, RuralReach

Gorman Field


Censys Technologies to lead live UAS demonstration for Project RuralReach at UND’s Gorman Field UAS Test Range

The UND Aerospace UAS Test Range at Gorman Field in Emerado, N.D., is a facility designed to test and train new UAS technology. At the Range, the building pictured offers office, work and hanger space for UAV testing and development. Center for Innovation photo.

What:

Project RuralReach will launch a critical use case test with advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), demonstrating the systems’ potential to enhance disaster response, situational awareness and resource mobilization in rural communities.

The live demonstration will feature multiple flight missions, including search and rescue, transmission line inspection, and data collection using RGB and LiDAR sensors, all operated by Censys Technologies. (RGB or Red, Green and Blue sensors are especially useful for creating high-resolution, color-accurate images from aerial perspectives.  LiDAR or Light Detection and Ranging sensors generate precise, three-dimensional information that can be used to develop digital and highly detailed maps.)

Flights will take place over the English Coulee Diversion area, launching from the Gorman Field UAS Test Range.

When:

Wednesday, September 10, 2025
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (weather permitting)

Where:

Gorman Field UAS Test Range
1209 24th St NE, Emerado, N.D. 58228

Flight Details:

  • Multiple flight missions throughout the day:
    • Launch #1: Search & Rescue Mission (9:15 a.m.)
    • Launch #2: Transmission Line Flyover (~11:15 a.m., 30 minutes)
    • Launch #3: Data Collection (RGB & LiDAR) (1:30 p.m.)
  • Payload swaps and Q&A sessions after missions
  • Demonstration of real-time situational awareness, data collection and resource mobilization in rural scenarios

Why It Matters:

This demonstration highlights the growing role of UAS technology in strengthening rural resilience and supporting emergency response. Project RuralReach showcases real-world drone applications that help first responders and communities respond more efficiently to emergencies, gather critical data and improve overall safety and connectivity in sparsely populated areas.

Visual Opportunities:

  • Live drone launches and landings
  • Payload swaps and real-time data demonstrations
  • Interviews with flight operators and project stakeholders
  • Behind-the-scenes look at UAS prep and operations

Image:

Gorman Field building, 1.4MB: The UND Aerospace UAS Test Range at Gorman Field in Emerado, N.D., is a facility designed to test and train new UAS technology. At the Range, the building pictured offers office, work and hanger space for UAV testing and development. Center for Innovation photo.

Media Contact:

Haylee Bjork, Marketing Outreach Coordinator
Organization: UND Center for Innovation

Email: haylee.bjork@und.edu
Phone: 701.777.3281