UND Center for Innovation September 2014 Newsletter

National Innovation Award page 2

30 year Anniversary Celebration page 4 - 5

AgriData recognized

by ITCND page 6

Sept 2014

Grand Forks Launches 1 Million Cups To Educate, Connect Local Entrepreneurs Free, weekly program developed by the Kauffman Foundation helps build startup communities nationwide

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rand Forks is the 54th community to host a national program to engage, educate and connect local entrepreneurs. 1 Million Cups — based on the notion that entrepreneurs network and discover solutions over a million cups of coffee — is a free, weekly gathering that helps build startup communities on a grassroots level.

Entrepreneurs, innovators, funders and other interested community members are invited each Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. at Third Street Gallery, located at 310 Kittson Avenue.

The inaugural 1 Million Cups featured presentations by Rhombus Guys, a successful pizza

restaurant, and Brand Logic – Her Voice, Her Brand, a professional consulting firm whose primary focus is to help independent business women experience entrepreneurial success.

Grand Forks becomes the 54th location for 1 Million Cups, which began in 2012 at the Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City, MO. The program’s model is consistent in each city. Every Wednesday morning, two early-stage startups present their companies to an audience of mentors, advisers and other entrepreneurs. Each founder presents for six minutes, followed by a 20-minute questionand-answer session with the audience.

continued on page 2

Gjovig’s Jargon “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled” - Plutarch, Greek historian

1 Million Cups continued from page 1

In each city, local entrepreneurs drive the program as community organizers. Volunteering for leadership roles in Grand Forks are: Tyler Okerlund SBIR Program Director UND Center for Innovation; Corey Mock, Executive Director Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals Nick Jensen Business Development Manager Commercial Event Services Daniel Schott Founder DosHost.net Ashley Rae Owner/Consultant Brand Logic For more information: www.1millioncups.com http://grandforks.sites.1millioncups.com/

1 Million Cups

9:00 a.m. Wednesdays

Third Street Gallery 310 Kittson Avenue

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Sept 2014

Elinor Specialty Coatings Wins National Innovation Award North Dakota SBIR/STTR News

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linor Specialty Coatings of Fargo has been selected as a 2014 TechConnect National Innovation Awardee. Elinor’s Aluma45 primer was selected from early-stage innovations from around the world through an industry-review process of the top 20% of annually submitted technologies into the TechConnect National Innovation Summit.

Elinor Specialty Coatings presented the in-

novation on-site and exhibited both Aluma45 and Bronze Shield, a selectively removable protective coating for bronze art and architecture, at the TechConnect World Innovation Showcase and Conference, June 17-18, 2014, in National Harbor, Maryland. The event is the world’s largest showcase and accelerator for industry-vetted emerging technologies ready for commercialization with more than 200 emerging technologies, federal labs, universities and federal funding agencies on the showcase floor.

Elinor’s Aluma45 is a chromium-free magnesium-rich primer for use on aluminumalloys and composites in ship, automotive and construction materials manufacturing. This coating can be used directly on bare metal, eliminating chromium-based pre-treatments, which reduces weight, manufacturing time and

costs and eliminates toxic chromium coating procedures and disposal.

The core technologies behind both Aluma45 and Bronze Shield were initially developed by researchers at North Dakota State University’s Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, which together with the North Dakota Center of Excellence in Surface Protection forms the only corrosion and coatings research center in North America.

Both technologies were licensed to the company through the NDSU Research Foundation.

Elinor Specialty Coatings is owned and operated by Holly and Dante Battocchi, a husband and wife team. They both have been working with Tyler Okerlund, SBIR program director at the UND Center for Innovation, to pursue federal funding that is available through the SBIR and STTR programs offered by several federal agencies. These two competitive programs ensure that the nation’s small, high-tech, innovative businesses are a significant part of the federal government’s research and development efforts.

Tyler Okerlund SBIR Program Director sbir@innovators.net 701.777.6623

Entrepreneur Helps Others Succeed

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ncubator tenant Ashley Rae returned to Grand Forks in 2012, relocating her company Brand Logic from California.

After 10 years in marketing, Rae wanted to do more than web design and branding to help entrepreneurs – especially entrepreneurial women – reach their potential.

Rae has quickly reached her goal. In addition to offering comprehensive marketing and branding services, Brand Logic has expanded to include a mentoring program. Her Brand Development Group is a web-based support

network where members can find training, information, support and encouragement.

The 2002 University of North Dakota communications graduate has earned the title of serial entrepreneur not only through the reinvention of her business but also through the founding of a nonprofit organization and her recent purchase of a retail store. After her own treatment for Melanoma, Rae saw a need for emotional recovery support for survivors. As a result, she founded the Cope Well Foundation, an organization that connects patients and families with counselors and hosts events. Rae also recently purchased the MODE store in Grand Forks. The store sells women’s clothing and accessories at discount prices.

For more information: www.hervoiceherbrand.com www.copewell.org 701.738.4897

“Ashley and her team are so inspiring. You can tell from the moment you meet them that they have your best interest in mind and will do everything in their power to help you succeed. I would recommend any woman I know to them!” – Liz S.

Kevin Lunke joins Center for Innovation Staff

Entrepreneur Trailblazer

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evin Lunke has joined the Center for Innovation as an entrepreneur consultant. A native of Thief River Falls, MN, Lunke earned his B.B.A. in Entrepreneurship from the University of North Dakota.

While he was a student at UND, Lunke was active with the student-run investment fund, Dakota Venture Group (DVG), holding the positions of managing director of business development, lead portfolio manager, secretary, exit strategist.

Lunke assists early-stage companies with venture development initiatives, including strategic planning and access to capital through angel investing. In addition to working at the center, he is pursuing an M.B.A. by taking night classes at UND. He will remain involved with Dakota Venture Group, an opportunity that Lunke says is one of the best learning opportunities available for a student.

Kevin Lunke Entrepreneur Trailblazer kevin@innovators.net 701.777.6734

Sept 2014

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Celebrating

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n entrepreneur social was the kick-off event for the organization’s anniversary celebration, on August 15, over 100 entrepreneurs, alumni, Center for Innovation Foundation trustees and UND staff attended the event hosted by Dick and Mili McConn at their lake home on Lake Melissa near Detroit Lakes, MN.

Dale Morrison Foundation Chair

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Sept 2014

Mickalya Zinsli EB-5 Regional Director

Tommy Kenville Rain Maker

Tommy Leikas

Emily Entrepre

Of Entrepreneurship O

n August 1, 1984, the Center for Innovation and Business Development was launched in a small office in Harrington Hall at the University of North Dakota (UND). One of the first of its kind in the nation, the center’s focus was innovation, entrepreneurship and investment. As new programs, incubator facilities and other resources evolved over the next three decades, the organization’s focus remained the same.

Thirty years later, the UND Center for Innovation is nationally recognized for leadership in rural technology-based entrepreneurship. The center manages two incubators in the UND Tech Park, provides SBIR/STTR services to help fund research and development by small enterprises, supports startup ventures in technology and other sectors, leads the formation of new resources for ventures seeking capital, and provides experiential learning opportunities for students at UND. The UND Center for Innovation’s 30th anniversary is more than just a time to celebrate accomplishments. As we reflect on the past, we also look to the future. Working with the recently-established UND School of Entrepreneurship, Center for Innovation programs will guide the next generation of entrepreneurs who will develop the economic opportunities of the future – a future that holds promise for many more years of entrepreneurship, innovation and investment.

y O’Brien eneur Intern

Margaret Williams Dean of College of Business

Preston Page Oil Entrepreneur

Bruce Gjovig Founder & CEO

Sept 2014

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AgriData Recognized by Information Technology Council of North Dakota

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griData, Inc., anchor tenant in the UND Center for Innovation’s incubator, has received the Premier IT Business Award from the Information Technology Council of North Dakota. The award recognizes AgriData’s outstanding success in developing and/or providing IT business solutions.

“This year’s winners have made significant contributions to North Dakota’s IT industry through their development of IT solutions and use of innovative technology to serve North Dakota citizens,” says Gary Inman, ITCND president.

AgriData has developed technology products and services for agribusiness since the early 90s, continually introducing new products in response to customer needs and industry changes. The North Dakota company has become nationally-known as its products

stand out for their unique functions, level of detail, industry leader- Left to Right. Gary Inman, David Hagert, John Sistad, Chad Ringenberg, ship and systems Dan Kramer designed to work with others. Following the was recognized for outstanding service to agimplementation of web-based mapping ser- riculture aviation in 2009 when the National vices, AgriData’s net income growth has been Agriculture Aviation Association (NAAA) steady, ranging from 14 percent to 60 percent presented AgriData with its Related Industry annually since 2004.

Service Award. A chapter about AgriData AgriData’s mapping services have evolved as was included in a recently-released book, On precision agriculture technology has advanced. Golden Plains, which tells the story of agriThe company’s products save time and money culture in the Northern Plains through the for producers and other ag-related businesses stories of those who have shaped the industry. ranging from property appraisal to ground and air application of crop protection products For more information: and fertilizer. www.agridatainc.com The 2014 ITCND award is just one of the www.itcnd.org Click here to watch video awards AgriData has received. The company 701.746.8580 http://tinyurl.com/ll9cx3o

2014 - 2015 Mueller Entrepreneur Interns

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ince 1997, The UND Center for Innovation has awarded 131 internships made possible by Kurt Mueller, a 1962 alumnus of the University of North Dakota and past president of the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership in Kansas City, MO. Mueller served as a trustee at the UND Center for Innovation Foundation from 1997 to 2003 and has been a member of the advisory board of the Center. He received an Honorary Degree from UND in 2004 and now serves as director of three early-stage growth companies in the Kansas City area.

The Mueller Internship provides the students with the opportunity and encouragement to work on their own ventures in the entrepreneurial environment of the center’s tech incubators.

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Sept 2014

Mueller Intern Profiles Yuliya Kartoshkina Yuliya aims to create an online learning tool for cross-cultural learning using brainbased pedagogy -- using the brain’s natural ability to foster and enrich intercultural learning when studying or traveling abroad.

During her internship, Kartoshkina will learn how to create a business model and market her product while creating exercises and activities for brain-based learning and building a network of developers to create content.

Emily O’Brien Emily O’Brien is exploring the legal and operations aspects of running a women’s clothing boutique, She will learn more about taxes and financing and will evaluate the future integration of a men’s collection.

Luke Upgren Luke’s business venture, Rock the Book, includes the online resale of textbooks and class notes to college students. His internship will be spent researching current competitors, quantifying the market size both locally and nationally, and working with developers to create an e-commerce website.

Abigail Johnston Abigail Johnston wants to make it easier for Canadian companies to do business in the U.S. and for U.S. companies to do business in Canada. She is researching the legalities of cross-border commerce, hoping to make the integration of business across borders more feasible and clear.

Red River Valley Education Coop

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he Red River Valley Education Cooperative (RRVEC) is one of the newest additions to the UND Center for Innovation’s incubator. The cooperative serves 21 schools in northeast North Dakota, reaching as far north as the Canadian border and as far south as Hillsboro.

The RRVEC is implementing Succeed 2020, a statewide initiative to enable successful transition from school to college and careers for North Dakota students. Funded by

a three-year grant from the Hess Corporation, Succeed 202 seeks to improve education and workforce development systems and increase students’ achievement in middle grades and high school, access to and success in postsecondary education, and preparation for 21st century careers.

As part of the program, the RRVEC plans to implement a wide range of activities that include on-going training and mentoring for school counselors and career advisors; support-

ing schools with the development of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs; and providing teachers with on-site coaching.

DOSHOST.NET also operates websites that provide guidance to those seeking to learn more about and participate in the developing digital currency economy. The company looks forward to establishing a nonprofit organization to facilitate education and assistance to nonprofits and businesses which would like to accept digital currency as a payment option including POS systems.

DOSHOST.net is a member of the Bitcoin

Foundation and is an integrator with BitPay. com. The company successfully crowdfunded a two-way digital currency kiosk (bitcoin ATM) for North Dakota with partners BitLendingClub.com and CoinOutlet.io.

For more information: www.rrvecnd.org www.ndsucceed2020.org 701.738.4805

Welcome Daniel Schott

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he UND Center for Innovation’s incubator welcomes Daniel Schott, founder and CEO of DOSHOST. NET, a North Dakota company specializing in technology consulting for organizations of all sizes. The company provides hosting services, custom software development and consultation on a wide range of technologies including; Microsoft, SAP business objects, mobile apps, and digital currency.

Oliver Evans and Alex Abernathy Evans and Abernathy have formed Lake Street Apparel, an apparel design and retail company with a product mix including hats, t-shirts and sweatshirts.

Midwest lifestyles and the interests of the millennial generation inspire the designs of their products, with interests including action sports, alternative music and “quirky” artists.

Their accomplishments include incorporating an LLC in North Dakota, exploring wholesale and retail pricing strategies and creating designs to reflect their target market.

Philip Ragan Philip Ragan has identified a current void in high school science classrooms. As a solution, he aims to incorporate quantum mechanics into high school science. Ragan feels this subject can be introduced at a basic and fundamental level. He will be creating lecture materials, class activities and lab exercises to build upon previously covered topics in the classroom. During his internship he will travel to two rural North Dakota high schools in Minto and Fort Totten to test his products.

For more information: www.doshost.net www.digitalkiosksystems.com www.digitalmerchantconsulting.org

Brittney Close Brittney is exploring the sale of products made with locally sourced and locally grown produce. Specifically, she is canning salsas and selling to the public. Close has established a network of vendors and suppliers as well as mentors from local health departments to help ensure compliance with regulations. She is currently considering branding options for her business and her vision.

Sept 2014

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NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID Ina Mae Rude Entrepreneur Center Norm Skalicky Tech Incubator 4200 James Ray Drive Grand Forks, ND 58203

GRAND FORKS ND PERMIT #10

Address Service Requested Phone: 701.777.3132 www.innovators.net E-mail: newsletter@innovators.net The UND Center for Innovation helps entrepreneurs, innovators, students and researchers launch new technologies, products and ventures, develop business and marketing plans, access UND talent and secure venture financing.

We are a division of the UND College of Business & Public Administration.

Support Students and Entrepreneurs The success of the UND Center for Innovation is made possible by previous investors in our quality programs resulting in national recognition for excellence and quality. Our programs favorably impact future and existing entrepreneurs who will innovate, grow our economy, solve problems and make this a better world. For more information on how to help pay it forward in our entrepreneur community please contact Bruce Gjovig or Tom Kenville.

Opportunities to Invest in the Future UND Center for Innovation Foundation - Priority Needs

• Entrepreneur Coaching

• EB-5 Program/ Foreign Direct Investment

• Angel Investor Education/ Networks

• International Entrepreneurship

• Entrepreneurs-in-Residence School of Entrepreneurship - Priority Needs

• Student Entrepreneurs - Entrepreneur Internships

• Sponsorship of Entrepreneur Speakers and Forums

• Dakota Venture Group (Student Venture Fund)

• Experiential Learning Experiences

• Professors of Entrepreneur Practice

• Professional Practice of Entrepreneurship

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Sept 2014

Bruce Gjovig Entrepreneur Coach & CEO UND Center for Innovation Foundation 701.777.3134 | bruce@innovators.net

Tommy Kenville VP Development UND Center for Innovation Foundation 218.779.9950 | tom@innovators.net

* Contributions to the UND Center for Innovation Foundation are tax deductible and included in your UND Foundation giving record. *Donors may qualify for up to a 40% income tax credit with an endowment. Contact Kim Woods at kimw@undfoundation.org or 701.777.4106 for more information.