Ndsu Research & Technology Park Inc

Programs: For charitable, scientific & educational purposes primarily promoting public/private partnership, advancing research and technology development, including entrepreneurship. The following were ndsu research & technology park's unique programs in 2014: since 2010, the rtp has partnered with the ndsu to host educational events and networking opportunities for ndsu students focused on innovation and entrepreneurship. The purpose is to increase student awareness for entrepreneurship, encourage students to consider entrepreneurship as a career choice, educate students on resources available for entrepreneurs and engage the current entrepreneur and business communities with students. This was the fourth year of the innovation challenge. Students prepared posters and oral presentations for judging. Criteria for the poster and presentation focused on all aspects of innovation. The competition was open to all students enrolled at ndsu. The students competed in three tracks; corn track, product track and service track. Each track winner received a prize of $5,000 along with prizes for 2nd and 3rd place. There was also a $1,000 people's choice award where the winner was selected by popular vote during the poster competition. The rtp partnered with the nd corn growers association to be a sponsor the corn track. The goal was to encourage students to think of innovative ways to use corn. At the technology incubator, the organization worked hard to create an entrepreneurial culture that fosters innovation and encourages ingenuity. This was accomplished by providing coaching and mentoring services and networking events. In 2014, the organization became an administrator for the state of north dakota department of commerce innovate nd program. The rtp is responsible for assisting the companies with developing a business plan, creating and executing a budget for innovate nd funds and providing the company with coaching and mentoring. Approximately 25 companies were provided with services through this program. In june of 2008, the organization invested in ndsu research park ventures, llc. The partnership was incorporated for the purpose of operating a renaissance fund corporation for the city of fargo. The purpose of the fund is to raise funds to be used to make investments in zone and research park projects and to assist in financing of renaissance zone projects in a manner that will encourage capital and real estate investment in the city of fargo which, in return, will encourage the expansion of technology based entrepreneurial business development. The project zones are located in downtown fargo and in the ndsu research & technology park at north dakota state university.