AGP Executive Report

AgTech Funding: Fargo’s 701x closed an oversubscribed $10M Series B, reaching profitability and planning global expansion, with the round backed entirely by individual investors and ranchers. Education Tech Migration: BRIDGE updates highlight ongoing North Dakota school data work, including weekly office hours and document migration planning as districts prepare to move into Infinite Campus. Higher Ed Leadership: NDSCS President Rod Flanigan announced retirement effective Dec. 31, 2026, citing major enrollment growth and new programs. Energy & Power Policy: Multiple reports track major federal coal funding boosts tied to the Defense Production Act, including modernization support that lists North Dakota among affected states. Data Center Impacts: A Quiet Communities seminar spotlights how data center noise can affect health beyond simple loudness measures. Agriculture Research: A Purdue-led Nature Communications study examines how handling nitrogen uncertainty in corn can cut environmental costs while improving profits, using trials that include North Dakota. STEM/Policy Input: North Dakota launched a statewide survey seeking public input on responsible technology use policies in classrooms. Tourism Economy: Tourism Economics data says North Dakota’s visitor economy dipped in 2025, with early signs of momentum for 2026.

Education Tech in ND: North Dakota’s Department of Public Instruction is collecting statewide input on responsible classroom technology use, with a survey open through Aug. 1 for parents, educators, students, and community members. School Data Migration: BRIDGE update details weekly office hours and support for districts moving document data into Infinite Campus ahead of PowerSchool decommissioning. AgTech Funding: Fargo’s 701x closed an oversubscribed $10M Series B (backed entirely by individuals and ranchers) and says it’s now profitable while pushing global expansion. Energy & Power: Trump announced $700M in federal support to modernize or restart coal plants, including funding that reaches North Dakota, framed around AI-driven power demand. Bakken Boom via EOR: ND officials are urging faster deployment of enhanced oil recovery to unlock more of the Bakken and Three Forks before policy momentum fades. Data Center Health: A health expert warns that data center noise can affect physical and mental well-being, not just measured loudness. Tourism Watch: ND’s tourism report shows a 2025 dip tied largely to reduced Canadian travel, with early signs of 2026 momentum. Public Safety Tech: A local emergency siren outage in Barnesville highlights the growing role of digital alert tools like Cass-Clay Alerts during severe weather. Defense Tech: Vorbeck finalized a $6.6M Defense Logistics Agency contract for PFAS-free firefighting foam development, tied to its graphene-based materials work.

Defense Tech & Drones: North Dakota Air National Guard crews joined Kansas at VAPOR 26.1 to test passive defenses against small UAS threats, using camouflage, concealment, deception, and hardening instead of shooting drones. Public Safety Tech: Minot’s Roosevelt Park pool and pickleball courts reopen with a temporary traffic plan while paving continues, and Barnesville’s siren outage shows how communities are leaning on digital alerts like Cass-Clay Alerts. Energy & Materials: Vorbeck Materials finalized a $6.6M Defense Logistics Agency contract to develop PFAS-free firefighting foam for Navy ship fires, building on its Grand Forks manufacturing push. Oil & Policy: North Dakota officials are pushing Enhanced Oil Recovery to unlock more of the Bakken’s remaining oil, arguing the next two years are a policy window. Education Tech Policy: North Dakota launched a statewide survey on responsible classroom technology use, running through Aug. 1. Space Weather: NOAA warned a strong geomagnetic storm could bring northern lights as far south as North Dakota and beyond.

Defense & Drones: Kansas and North Dakota airmen ran VAPOR 26.1 at Florida’s Avon Park range, testing passive, non-destructive defenses (camouflage, concealment, deception, and hardening) to make assets harder for small UAS to target. Military Tech Planning: Minot Air Force Base compatibility planning is underway, with public input meetings and a study aimed at balancing base operations with local growth as drones and data centers reshape the area. Aerospace Collaboration: UND and Modern Technology Solutions Inc. are set to receive three RATS aircraft for uncrewed systems training and workforce development. Energy & Water Systems: Vorbeck Materials won a $6.6M DLA contract to develop a PFAS-free, salt-water-mix foam flame retardant for Navy ships; and the Crystal Springs watershed initiative will present feasibility work on moving excess water from Stutsman County basins to reduce flooding. Agriculture & Health Tech: North Dakota’s tourism economy report shows 2025 visitation and spending down, with early 2026 momentum; and NDSU-linked research highlights specialized honeybees that build queen cells using a fever-driven wax process. Public Safety & Policy: A pilot program in state government is trying to rein in “wild west” AI use with oversight, while Minot updated tall-grass ordinance exemptions and response steps. Space Weather: A rare severe geomagnetic storm watch could bring auroras visible across up to 23 states, including North Dakota.

Northern Lights Watch: NOAA issued a strong geomagnetic storm alert for June 4–5, with aurora visibility potentially reaching as far south as 23 states, including North Dakota. Higher Ed & Research: UND is moving ahead on its 2025–26 momentum, including a campus master plan workshop (June 23–24) and a Governor’s School STEM cohort at NDSU with 50 scholars statewide. Uncrewed Aviation: UND Aerospace and Modern Technology Solutions Inc. agreed to transfer three RATS aircraft to the university, strengthening North Dakota’s drone and workforce pipeline. AI Politics: A new report maps where AI-exposed workers live and how that connects to voting patterns, adding fuel to the AI “techlash” ahead of November. Agritech Funding: Fargo’s 701x raised $10M+ to expand its cattle operating system, including GPS/satellite smart ear tags and herd management tools. Farm Tech: North Dakota farmers can start using an updated crop acreage reporting system that lets them scan maps into a computer for submissions. Cyber & Water Security: A Minot ransomware incident and broader water-system security warnings keep SCADA protection in the spotlight. Local Governance: Stark County discussed a deputy assault, storm shelter reimbursement, and a potential armory property purchase.

Enhanced Oil Recovery: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Sen. John Hoeven are pushing “Crack the Code 2.0” to slow Bakken decline, arguing North Dakota needs carbon and pipeline buildout to unlock the oil left behind. Data Centers: A legislative hearing in Grand Forks shows rising local pushback over power, water, noise, and health concerns, with officials saying misinformation is driving some opposition. AgTech Funding: Fargo’s 701x just raised $10M+ in an oversubscribed rancher-backed Series B to scale its satellite-connected cattle tracking and herd management platform. Farm Tech Modernization: North Dakota farmers can start using an upgraded crop acreage reporting system that scans maps into spreadsheets, with real-time map sharing planned next. UND Campus Planning: UND is holding community workshops for its next 10-year campus master plan, including ideas to better connect major complexes. NDSU Research Spotlight: NDSU-linked bee research finds specialized worker honeybees help build queen cells, with wax chemistry and gene patterns tied to queen development. Public Health Tech & Policy: A national push targets Medicare competitive bidding for urological and ostomy supplies, warning “lowest bid” rules could hurt access and outcomes.

Nursing Home Oversight: CMS data shows Sanford’s Good Samaritan Society – Oakes in Dickey County had a Q1 2026 overall rating of 1 (below the ND average of 3.3), with 1 fine totaling $12,740 and 1 penalty. Local Tax Policy: Grand Forks County commissioners advanced a ballot measure to consolidate mills for more budgeting flexibility, while signaling caution about how it could interact with the state’s 3% levy cap. Ag Tech Modernization: USDA’s Farm Service Agency is upgrading crop acreage reporting so maps can be computer-scanned into spreadsheets; North Dakota and Maryland are first to use the new system. Beef Industry Events: The North Dakota Beef Commission is extending Beef Month into June with Fargo events, including beef-and-beer pairing and a Girls Who Grill-style grilling experience. AI + Data Centers: Interest in AI and cryptocurrency data centers is rising in western ND, pushing debates over energy demand, water use, zoning, and whether local approvals should protect residents and utility customers. Unmanned Aviation: Vantis BVLOS expands with an FAA waiver for Frontier Precision, using aircraft-agnostic rules across more than 5,000 square miles of managed airspace. Rural Research Funding: UND’s Energy and Environmental Research Center is bringing back some furloughed staff as federal contracts restart, including major shale-related work.

AgTech Modernization: The USDA’s Farm Service Agency is upgrading crop acreage reporting so North Dakota (and Maryland) can scan farmers’ paper maps into spreadsheets instead of hand-keying, with a longer-term goal of precision-ag and real-time data as planting happens. Local Startup Funding: Fargo’s 701x, which makes satellite-connected GPS ear tags and beef-cattle management software, closed an oversubscribed $10M+ Series B funded entirely by ranchers and local investors, hitting profitability and planning expansion abroad. Space Tech in ND: NASA’s Divergent Deployable Wastewater Treatment Facility is being tested at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, aiming to turn crew wastewater into usable resources for future Moon/Mars missions. Autonomous Systems Showcase: North Dakota highlighted unmanned aircraft and autonomous tech at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2026 through the “North Dakota Row,” featuring nine companies and major international engagement. Workforce Safety: North Dakota employers and state officials promoted workplace safety culture at Get Home Safe Day in Bismarck, emphasizing everyday prevention beyond annual training. Health Coverage Watch: A Georgetown report says uninsured rates for U.S. children under 6 rose sharply from 2022 to 2024, with North Dakota among the states with the highest uninsured rates. Community + Food Tech: Grand Farm will plant and donate 7,000–10,000 ears of sweet corn from its Innovation Campus to Churches United for the Homeless, using the farm site to support both AgTech testing and local food security.

Annexation & Industry Impacts: Grand Forks City Council approved a second reading to annex a right of way near 70th Avenue North tied to planned Northern Plains Nitrogen and Epitome Energy projects, but nearby homeowners raised concerns about how annexation and industrial growth could affect their properties and costs. Workplace Safety Push: North Dakota held its third annual Get Home Safe Day in Bismarck, with state leaders urging employers to bake safety into daily decisions; WSI highlighted thousands of claims and offered training and grants. Autonomous Systems Spotlight: North Dakota showcased its unmanned aircraft and autonomous tech ecosystem at AUVSI Xponential 2026 through a “North Dakota Row” featuring multiple companies and international outreach. Space & Defense Infrastructure: The U.S. Defense Department announced a $250 million Space Force operations facility at Schriever Space Force Base, with similar resilient-ops centers planned including Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. Ag Tech Funding: The NSF AgTech Engine opened an RFP for producer-engaged agricultural technology projects, offering up to $100,000 per award with a June 11 webinar and a July 19 deadline. Health Coverage Warning: A new Georgetown report found uninsured rates for U.S. children under 6 rose sharply, with North Dakota among the states with the highest levels. Workforce Research Restart: UND’s Energy and Environmental Research Center began recalling furloughed staff after new federal DOE contracts were announced, including work tied to getting more oil from shale.

Autonomous Systems & Defense Tech: North Dakota showcased its unmanned aircraft and autonomous ecosystem at AUVSI Xponential 2026 through the “North Dakota Row,” featuring nine companies and drawing major industry and government attention. Agritech Funding: The NSF AgTech Engine opened a North Dakota-focused Request for Proposals for producer-engaged agricultural technology projects, with up to $100,000 awards and a June 11 webinar. Energy Research & Oil Tech: UND’s Energy and Environmental Research Center is recalling furloughed staff as new federal Department of Energy contracts move forward, including work tied to getting more oil from shale formations like the Bakken. Bakken Uncertainty: North Dakota leaders and oil executives are pushing enhanced oil recovery, but say there’s no guaranteed breakthrough and timing matters ahead of federal changes. Wildfire Preparedness: A North Dakota report highlights prescribed burning as a proactive tool to reduce fuel loads and limit wildfire severity. Internet Safety Policy: A bipartisan coalition of 44 attorneys general opposes the federal KIDS Act, arguing it could preempt state authority over child online safety rules. Education Tech Survey: North Dakota launched a statewide survey on classroom devices and education technology policy. STEM Talent: NDSU mechanical engineering student Turner Person earned an Astronaut Scholar award, with a summer propulsion internship tied to lunar lander work.

Federal Courts & Activism: A new court ruling and a prior Morton County jury verdict keep spotlight on Greenpeace’s role in the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, with the group’s reputation taking another hit after allegations of sabotage and defamatory claims. Bee Research & Food Security: The USDA plans to close the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center’s bee research and disease diagnosis lab, a move that lands right as beekeepers are battling pesticide-resistant varroa mites and virus-driven losses. Education Technology Policy: North Dakota’s Department of Public Instruction launched a statewide survey on classroom devices and the “bell to bell” cellphone ban’s next steps, asking about device-use limits, take-home rules, and whether districts should use monitoring software. Rural Health Tech Funding: North Dakota HHS announced a $40M grant opportunity for rural hospitals to upgrade clinical equipment, including imaging, emergency stabilization, surgical/obstetric/oncology tech, aimed at keeping more care local. AI & Public Safety Risks: A republished report highlights how AI misidentifications and overreliance on “probabilities” can lead to wrongful arrests and jail time, underscoring the need for guardrails in surveillance and policing. Local STEM-Adjacent Community Builds: South of Fargo, a newlywed couple is creating Rope & Oak Children’s Nature Park—part outdoor play space, part hands-on science learning—built largely by hand. Agriculture Markets: North Dakota corn growers met with the FTC chair over fertilizer pricing practices, pushing for investigation into supply disruptions and distorted costs.

Education Tech Policy: North Dakota’s Department of Public Instruction launched a statewide survey on classroom device rules, asking families and educators about limits on device hours, whether students should take devices home, and whether districts should use monitoring software—input runs through Aug. 1 and is meant to shape 2027 policy. Rural Health Funding: North Dakota HHS announced a $40 million grant opportunity for rural hospitals to upgrade clinical equipment and expand emergency and specialty care, with awards expected to be split into about 20 grants. School Safety + AI Risks: A republished analysis highlights how AI misidentification and overreliance on “probabilities” can lead to wrongful arrests, including cases tied to facial recognition errors. Agriculture + Pricing Pressure: The North Dakota Corn Growers Association met with the FTC to push for an investigation into fertilizer pricing practices it says distort costs for farmers and consumers. Community Tech Access: The ND Small Business Development Center-Southwest plans to reopen a Dickinson satellite office in early-to-mid June to restore face-to-face support. Local Outdoors: ND Game and Fish urges people to leave baby wildlife alone, warning that “abandoned” animals are often protected by nearby parents.

Education Tech Policy: North Dakota’s Department of Public Instruction launched a statewide survey on classroom device rules, asking families, educators, and students about limits on device hours, whether devices should go home, and whether districts should use monitoring software; it runs through Aug. 1 and is meant to shape 2027 policy. Rural Health Funding: North Dakota HHS is rolling out a $40 million grant opportunity for rural hospitals to upgrade clinical equipment and expand emergency and specialty care, with awards expected to be split into about 20 grants. AI & Justice Risks: A new report from The Conversation highlights cases where AI systems helped trigger wrongful arrests or mistaken identity, arguing that people can treat AI probabilities like certainties. Agritech & Markets: North Dakota Corn Growers Association met with FTC leadership over fertilizer pricing practices, pushing for a formal investigation into supply disruptions and distorted prices. STEM Talent: NDSU mechanical engineering and physics student Turner Person earned the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation’s Astronaut Scholar award and is heading to an Intuitive Machines internship. Wildlife Guidance: ND Game and Fish urges people to leave baby wildlife alone, saying parents are often nearby and human handling can cause harm.

Education Tech Policy: North Dakota education leaders launched a statewide survey on classroom device use, running through Aug. 1, asking families and educators about limits on device hours, whether devices should go home, district rules for tech use, and how many built-in make-up days should come before virtual instruction. School Tech Context: The state’s “bell to bell” cellphone ban is now in its first year, and officials say feedback will shape recommendations for the 2027 legislative session. Rural Health Funding: North Dakota HHS announced a $40 million grant opportunity to help rural hospitals upgrade clinical equipment—aimed at faster emergency and specialty care close to home. AI & Public Safety: A republished analysis warns that AI misidentifications and over-trust in “objective” systems can lead to false arrests and wrongful convictions. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Drew Wrigley warned residents about asphalt paving scams that pressure homeowners into same-day deals and upfront payments. Agribusiness & Competition: North Dakota corn growers met with the FTC chair over fertilizer pricing practices, with the FTC announcing a formal investigation. STEM/Research: NDSU research finds bank consolidation can boost incremental innovation but may reduce more radical technological breakthroughs when markets become dominated by a few large institutions.

Education Tech Policy: North Dakota’s Department of Public Instruction has launched a statewide survey asking parents, educators, students, and community members how classroom technology should be used—covering limits on device time, whether school devices should go home, rules for monitoring software, and whether districts should build in makeup days before any shift to virtual learning; the survey runs through Aug. 1 and is meant to shape recommendations for the 2027 legislative session. School Systems Support: In parallel, BRIDGE project partners are holding weekly office hours and data migration/validation sessions for districts, including updated student immunization data exports aligned to Infinite Campus standards, with NDIIS remaining the source of truth. Cyber Safety: Attorney General Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken child online protections by shifting responsibility to tech companies and creating loopholes around age verification and AI chatbots. Drone Integration: Vantis Fly Day at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site showcased how drones can be used safely in the national airspace, with a focus on replacing noncompliant systems that can’t be approved for U.S. airspace. Agronomy Research: Purdue research suggests corn growers may cut nitrogen fertilizer use without sacrificing yields, aiming for a “triple win” of better profits plus air and water quality gains. Trade Impact on ND Agriculture: An NDSU analysis cited by AgDaily estimates China’s retaliatory tariffs wiped out about $14.9B in U.S. agricultural export sales over a year, with soybeans taking roughly half the hit. Space Force Ground Buildout: Space Force leaders say the next phase of space dominance depends not just on satellites, but on resilient ground infrastructure to operate them during conflict.

Education Tech Policy: North Dakota’s Department of Public Instruction launched a statewide survey asking parents, educators, and students how school-issued devices should be used, including whether to limit device hours, restrict taking devices home, and add built-in make-up days after the state’s cellphone ban. UAS Integration: At the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, Vantis “Fly Day” showcased drone tech and radar services for safely integrating drones into the national airspace, with a focus on replacing non-NDAA-compliant systems. AI & Connectivity for ND: DCN, Range, and WIN Technology are building the Heartland Fiber Project, a $700M, 2,000-mile fiber expansion across seven states including North Dakota, aimed at hyperscaler AI traffic. Space Force Ground Systems: Space Force budget planning highlights not just satellites and constellations, but major ground infrastructure buildout to keep space capabilities resilient in conflict. Agronomy for Youth: NDSU Extension announced Junior Crop Scout School dates across ND for hands-on crop scouting and agronomy skills. Cyber Safety: Attorney General Jay Jones joined opposition to the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken child online safety guardrails. Climate Science: Johns Hopkins researchers report a spike in fungal activity in rock layers from the Chicxulub era, including samples from Colorado and North Dakota’s Williston Basin.