NDSU has an impressive array of highly qualified and skilled researchers, conducting basic and applied research in a wide variety of disciplines. Their discoveries over the years have advanced scientific knowledge, helped industry and companies succeed in the marketplace, and benefited the citizens of our state and society as a whole.
If you want to learn more or are interested in partnering with NDSU please reach out to our team - we're happy to help.

The NDSU Research Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organization established to support North Dakota State University in achieving its instructional, research, public service, and academic goals. 

NDSURF is responsible for the protection, marketing and licensing of technologies and plant varieties developed by NDSU and North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. 

The current Intellectual Property Portfolio includes licensing and startup opportunities in agriculture, biology and medicine, chemistry and materials, electronics and sensors, mechanical innovations, nanotechnology, paints and coatings, software and algorithms, and green technologies. If you are interested in any technology, or if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Taking early stage technologies to market can be a time consuming and expensive proposition.  North Dakota and the federal government have resources available that may help achieve the goal of commercialization.

State Programs

North Dakota and other states often have programs that provide funding and resources to help advance a new technology into a profitable business venture. These programs offer resources such as business plan creation, prototype devlopment, technical and business consulting and even marketing assistance.
Information on current programs may be available on the North Dakota Department of Commerce and NDSU Research and Technology Park websites.

Federal Funding Programs

Administered by the Small Business Administration in partnership with 11 other Federal Agencies, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide funding for small businesses conduct R&D with a goal of commercialization. The STTR program does require that the small business collaborate with a non-profit research institution, such as a university. 

These programs were developed to stimulate technological innovation; increase the use of small businesses for Federal R&D needs; increase private-sector commercialization of technologies derived for Federal R&D funding; and to encourage participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by socially and economically disadvantage small businesses.