Media share from NSF AGTECH ENGINE on March 23, 2026
FARGO, N.D. — The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) today announced continued funding for the North Dakota-based NSF AgTech Engine, reinforcing its commitment to investing in agricultural technology innovation and workforce development. Now in its third year of operation, the Engine will build upon its existing efforts with an additional $45 million to invest in and support growers, producers, and entrepreneurs over the next three years.
“This confirmation by the NSF directly reflects the work and successes our team has had over the past two years in advancing AgTech innovation and building a workforce,” said Hollie Mackey, CEO and Principal Investigator of the NSF AgTech Engine in North Dakota. “It validates the commitment of North Dakota State University and the ecosystem partners to generating innovative solutions that meet the current and future demands of growers and producers to drive rural economic development.”
The NSF AgTech Engine in North Dakota is a collaborative initiative focused on innovation at the intersection of agriculture, technology, and community. Its mission is to address food security challenges while strengthening rural economies through practical, scalable solutions that connect research, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
“Everything we develop begins with agricultural producers,” Mackey said. “Our work centers on the belief that producers and farmers are essential to ensuring our solutions are use-inspired and practical, so they’re involved from the earliest research and development stages. On-farm test beds provide real-world conditions to trial new technology for effectiveness and durability by the people who will be using it.”
Heidi Grunwald, NDSU interim vice president for research and creative activity, said the NSF’s continued support highlights the effectiveness of this approach. “Working with growers from the onset, on their land, instead of trying to sell them products afterward, provides researchers and entrepreneurs a direct feedback loop, increasing efficiency and applicability, which results in a need-to-have, instead of a nice-to-have product. The Engine is able to invest financial resources and assist in building capital stacks for these technologies,” she said.
The Engine’s growing portfolio includes projects such as Project Whitewater, which leverages artificial intelligence and satellite technology to generate daily soil moisture maps for precision irrigation, and Bison Guard, a community-based initiative located at WOZU on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, that applies AI to bison herd management and health. The Engine invests critical seed money necessary to accelerate economic development. It has catalyzed over $73 millionin private capital and R&D investments to advance use-inspired technology for improved food production in the region and beyond.
While headquartered in North Dakota, the AgTech Engine’s ecosystem spans the region, engaging researchers from North Dakota State University, the University of North Dakota, Montana State University, and the University of Nebraska. Industry and ecosystem partners include Aperture, a Boston-based earth observation company collaborating on precision irrigation technology; NDeavor in Fargo, which supports the commercialization of research; and AgLaunch, a Tennessee-based farmer consortium that enables producers to earn equity in startups through services such as farm trials and data sharing.
“The AgTech Engine is comprised of more than 20 ecosystem partners and growing,” Grunwald added. “Each partner is committed to advancing AgTech innovation and workforce development. Cross-sector collaboration accelerates the development of impactful solutions.”
A key component of the Engine’s mission is workforce development, particularly in areas not traditionally associated with agriculture. Through partnerships with the North Dakota Tribal College System, the Engine is helping create career pathways in AgTech, including stackable credentials and community-responsive curriculum. Additionally, the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber and NDSU Extension collaborate to develop K–12 AgTech curriculum, equip educators with training and tools, and support upskilling opportunities for the current workforce.
“NDSU has been deeply involved in the AgTech Engine from the very beginning, and this continued support from the National Science Foundation is tremendous news for our state,” said NDSU Interim President Rick Berg. “It strengthens our ability to bring practical research, real-world innovation and workforce solutions directly to the producers and communities we serve. As a land-grant university, this is exactly the kind of work we are built to do, and we’re proud to help advance solutions that will shape the future of agriculture.”
North Dakota’s Congressional Delegation was instrumental in securing the continuation of the cooperative agreement. Senator John Hoeven, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and champion for North Dakota’s agriculture industry said, “The North Dakota AgTech Engine has proven its potential in the first two years of its operations, leveraging more than $73 million from private sector partners using $15 million in initial federal support. That’s why we were able to secure this $45 million award, which will support three more years of technology and workforce development,” said Senator Hoeven. “Our farmers and ranchers provide the highest-quality, lowest-cost food supply in the world. By bringing new innovations to market, we can help them reduce their input costs, increase their yields and retain their competitive edge in the global economy. That’s what the AgTech Engine is all about.”
Senator Kevin Cramer, an advocate for policy directly impacting agriculture producers’ bottom line and lower food costs for consumers, responded to the announcement by saying, “For decades, NDSU has been a powerhouse for agricultural innovation, developing critical technologies for farmers and ranchers not only in North Dakota, but across the country. This funding for the North Dakota AgTech Engine, housed at NDSU, will supercharge its producer-centric research efforts and build upon NDSU’s long legacy of agricultural excellence. Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak replied when hearing the announcement, “This National Science Foundation grant helps North Dakota continue leading in the development of new precision ag technologies. These innovations help our producers grow more food with fewer inputs and improve soil management. What I love about the AgTech Engine model is that it partners research directly with the real experts—our farmers and ranchers. This results in farm-ready solutions that have been tested in the field.”
Governor Kelly Armstrong recognized the impact the funding will have on agriculture production in North Dakota. He responded to the news by saying, “North Dakotans have long been trailblazers in agriculture, and this latest round of NSF funding recognizes the success and economic impact of the North Dakota AgTech Engine based at NDSU. This $45 million investment will help keep our farmers and ranchers at the forefront of ag technology, innovation and production as North Dakota continues to feed and fuel the world.”
The NSF Engines: AgTech Engine in North Dakota is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation under Award #2315315.
To learn more about ongoing projects or explore partnership opportunities through the AgTech Engine, visit farmsfeedstheworld.com or connect with the team to discuss how your organization can contribute to advancing practical, producer‑driven innovation.