In the heart of the Upper Midwest, a quiet revolution in technology is taking shape — and on 10 September, Grand Forks became its epicenter. IEEE-USA’s Innovation, Workforce, and Research Conference (IWRC) AI & Autonomy Summit brought together a vibrant mix of minds and missions, showcasing North Dakota’s growing leadership in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.
At the University of North Dakota’s (UND) Memorial Union, stakeholders from industry, government, and academia examined federal and state technology initiatives and their role in shaping innovation across airborne and ground autonomous systems. Participants also explored opportunities and challenges related to the technology workforce and small business. The event featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, and networking exchanges that underscored the region’s vibrant innovation ecosystem.
IEEE-USA’s IWRC events — which move around to rural areas of the country — aim to empower the American workforce and strengthen the nation’s innovation ecosystem through strategic engagement, discourse and knowledge sharing in key technological domains.
Fireside with DARPA and UND
One of the summit’s most compelling moments came during a fireside chat between UND President Andrew Armacost and Phillip Smith, Program Manager at Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Tactical Technology Office (DARPA TTO). Their conversation peeled back the layers of autonomy research, touching on everything from drone testing at GrandSKY to the broader implications of federal investment in emerging technologies and how individuals and businesses can engage with DARPA through DARPAConnect.
“UND is at the center of one of the most vibrant environments for the development and deployment of autonomous systems around the world,” said Dr. Scott Snyder, UND’s Vice President for Research and Economic Development. His words echoed throughout the day, as speaker after speaker pointed to North Dakota and the upper Midwest’s unique blend of infrastructure, talent, and vision.
Innovation Rooted in Community
IEEE-USA VP of Career & Member Services Amber Orr opened the summit with a message of gratitude and purpose — thanking UND, IEEE Region 4, and the many volunteers who made the event possible. “IEEE-USA started IWRC in 2023 to help innovative communities across the U.S. expand and succeed by highlighting resources and potential partnerships with government and with technologists from across the country.”
The 10 September summit featured contributions from leaders such as Mark Askelson (UND), Noel Anderson (Grand Farm), Scott Meyer (GrandSKY), Jodie Mjoen (Impact Dakota), and Seth Simonson (North Dakota State College of Science), who addressed the North Dakota Innovation Ecosystem and its potential to drive national progress. A dynamic panel on investing and venture capital in AI and autonomy drew strong interest from attendees. Moderated by Cortnee Jensen (UND), the conversation featured Kodee Furst (50 South Capitol), Scott Scofield (Northrop Grumman), and Ben Stanley (gener8tor 1889), who shared strategies, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of innovation funding
Breakout sessions covered key themes including Air & Space Autonomy, Ground Autonomy, Education & Workforce, and Small Business engagement — each designed to explore the current cutting-edge technology and foster unique ideas and potential innovative partnerships.
“These IWRC events would not be feasible without the exceptionally engaged and passionate local leaders who are dedicated to ensuring the success of this event for their local community, shared Melissa Carl, IEEE-USA Director, Business Development, Career & Member Services. Their contributions are highly valued and indispensable and we look forward to continuing this conversation.”
Student Engagement and Local Impact
Student enthusiasm was palpable throughout the day. Positioned above the bustling Student Union, the event drew curious attendees, including student press representatives and volunteers. “We had several students register and pop in,” said Kayla Henneberry, who staffed the registration desk. “I heard nothing but positive things from attendees.”
UND students also played a vital role in supporting the event, with volunteers assisting IEEE staff with all aspects of the summit and contributing to a smooth execution.
Local Voice, National Vision
The Grand Forks Herald covered the event, highlighting Mayor Brandon Bochenski’s remarks on the city’s long-standing commitment to technological advancement. “There’s 10, 20 years of work that goes into Grand Forks being put on the map,” Bochenski said. “We’re standing on the great work that’s happened before us, and just trying to enhance it and make it better.”
UND’s Office of Research & Economic Development echoed this sentiment in a LinkedIn post, celebrating the summit as a catalyst for new collaborations and policy discussions across aerospace, defense, agriculture, and beyond.
Looking Ahead
This conference, part of IEEE-USA’s commitment to catalyzing local innovation economies in rural communities nationwide, enhanced the spotlight on the North Dakota innovation landscape. As IEEE-USA continues to foster dialogue and development in emerging technologies, the partnerships and ideas sparked here will undoubtedly shape the future of autonomy in the region and across the nation. We look forward to continuing this important work at our next IWRC event in Dayton, OH in 2026.
