The UND Center for Innovation recently celebrated a significant milestone – its 40th anniversary as North Dakota’s pioneering business incubator. Established in 1984, the Center has played a crucial role in driving economic growth in the region. The anniversary celebration on September 24th was a momentous occasion, bringing together special guests, keynote speakers, and UND student/alumni entrepreneurs to reflect on the Center’s history and envision its future impact over the next 40 years.
Amy Whitney, the Center’s director, welcomed attendees and highlighted the Center’s remarkable success in supporting startups, with 78% of the companies that began their journey at the Center still operating. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the high failure rate of startups within their first five years. Whitney emphasized the Center’s commitment to being a leading force of innovation in the Northern Plains, igniting creativity, commercializing groundbreaking ideas, and investing in entrepreneurs to drive the region’s innovation economy.
The event featured video messages from North Dakota’s congressional delegation, showcasing the broad support for the Center’s continued impact. Dave Tack, the evening’s emcee, introduced Phil Gisi, chairman and CEO of Edgewood Healthcare, who shared his entrepreneurial journey and highlighted the instrumental role of resources like the Center in launching successful startups. The keynote presentation by Shawn Riley, co-founder of BisBlox, challenged attendees to embrace innovation in the face of rapid technological advancements.
Students who have worked closely with the Center also shared their experiences. Mercedes Terry, CEO of MindMend BioTech, praised the Center for its genuine investment in the success of entrepreneurs, highlighting the passion of the CFI team in supporting startups. Liam Meyer and Bella Peterson, interns at Kirkwall and RJ Energy Solutions respectively, underscored the valuable experiences gained through working with startups in North Dakota.
As the event concluded, DeAnna Carlson Zink, CEO of the UND Alumni Association and Foundation, called on participants to actively support the Center’s legacy through mentorship and financial contributions. The evening also featured creative centerpieces designed by students from the UND Art Collections and the Chester Fritz Library, adding a touch of artistic flair to the celebration.
In closing, Amy Whitney expressed optimism for the future, stating that together, they will continue to ignite creativity, advance bold ideas, build businesses, foster applied learning, and drive innovation across the Northern Plains. The 40th anniversary celebration was a testament to the Center’s enduring impact and a promising sign of even greater achievements in the years to come.
About the author:
Haylee Bjork is the marketing outreach coordinator for the Center for Innovation at UND. Her role involves promoting the Center’s initiatives and highlighting the success stories of entrepreneurs supported by the organization.
