IEEE-USA IWRC AI & Autonomy
Where: University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND
When: 10 September 2025
On 10 September, the IEEE-USA Innovation, Workforce, and Research Conference (IWRC) will bring together stakeholders from industry, government, and academia for an AI and Autonomy Summit in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a community led by the University of North Dakota that is a global leader in unmanned and autonomous systems research, application and policy development. We will meet, network, learn, and discuss federal and state technology initiatives related to artificial intelligence and autonomy, and other government programs that promote innovation and small business in the upper midwest.
This event will give you an opportunity to meet potential partners from the U.S. federal agencies and learn more about how you can contribute to the North Dakota and the midwest innovation ecosystem.
Why Grand Forks?
Grand Forks is a launchpad for the future of autonomy. Home to the University of North Dakota’s Research Institute for Autonomous Systems (RIAS), the region is a national leader in unmanned systems, aerospace, and defense innovation.
North Dakota: A National Innovation Engine
- University of North Dakota’s Research Institute for Autonomous Systems (RIAS)
- FAA-designated UAS Test Site and BVLOS corridor development
- Research in swarm technology, deep learning for space, and aerodynamic modeling
- Partnerships with DoD, NASA, FAA, and tribal colleges
- Talent pipeline for NSA, NGA, and other federal agencies
“UND is shaping the future of autonomy through research, regulation, and real-world deployment.”
Who should attend?
Venue & Accommodations
Preliminary Agenda*
*Time and speakers subject to change
Meet Our Speakers & Panelists
More speakers will be added to the site in the coming days as we finalize our agenda.
Associate Vice President for Research—National Security, University of North Dakota
Academic Dean and Chair of the Science Department, Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College
Collaboration Director for the Midwest Network of the Strategic Partnership Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
Vantis Flight Operations Manager and Interim Operations Director,
Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS)
Sr. Principal UAS Analyst, Modern Technology Solutions Inc. Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Acquisition and Sustainment, UAS Portfolio
Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, North Dakota State University
Director, Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute at North Dakota State University and Director, Region 8 University Transportation Center
Registration
| Tier | Price |
|---|---|
| Full Registration - Non-Member | $250.00 |
| Full Registration - IEEE Member | $200.00 |
| Student Non-Member | $145.00 |
| Student IEEE Member | $95.00 |
| IEEE Life Member | $95.00 |
| Speaker/Panelist Registration | $200.00 |
| Exhibit Space* Exhibit Space (Includes one registration) - Includes exhibit space for the organization in the event exhibit hall, one event registration, and placement of the organization’s logo on the event website. Additional fees may be incurred for the exhibit table and features like electricity. Closer to the event, we will provide a contact at the event venue. | $500.00 |
| Additional Exhibit Registration | $250.00 |
* Exhibit Space (Includes one registration) – Includes exhibit space for the organization in the event exhibit hall, one event registration, and placement of the organization’s logo on the event website.
Additional fees may be incurred for the exhibit table and features like electricity. Closer to the event, we will provide a contact at the event venue.
