IWRC AI & Autonomy

Grand Forks, ND  |  10 September 2025

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

University of North Dakota

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. 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.

Who should attend?

Industry

Owners, C-Level, VP Level, Engineers, Legal Staff, R&D, Patent/Small Business Attorneys, Finance and VC

Gain access to potential partners in the federal government, as well as learn about federal technology initiatives like technology transfer, AI & Autonomy, and SBIR.

Government officials from the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Energy (DOE), National Science Foundation (NSF) and other agencies are coming to Grand Forks looking for partners – like you! Learn about government programs to promote innovation and small business. Meet potential partners at North Dakota Universities. Learn more about the CHIPS Act and how it relates to North Dakota. If you think all the resources are all going to Texas and California, you are wrong.

Academia

Presidents, Chancellors, Tech Transfer & Patent Offices, VPRs, Researchers

Gain access to federal grant program officials, information on grant processes, connections with potential business partners, and education on federal technology initiatives.

Come learn about potential government funding! Government grant officials from the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Energy (DOE), National Science Foundation (NSF) and other agencies are coming to North Dakota to meet with the North Dakota tech sector and engineers/ entrepreneurs like you! CHIPS Act requires more resources to flow into states like North Dakota — government needs partners to make that happen. Learn how to partner with local small businesses.

Government

Policymakers, Federal, State, and Local Program Officers, Economic Development Professionals, Incentive Managers, Entrepreneurial Support Organizations

Access to local engineers/ entrepreneurs who are interested in learning more about federal government technology initiatives and becoming a part of the North Dakota innovation economy. Help you to promote government programs in the northeast while fulfilling Congressional mandates.

Venue & Preliminary Agenda

Wednesday, 10 September

Conference Venue

University of North Dakota Memorial Union

2901 University Drive
Grand Forks, ND

Wednesday, 10 September 2025

University of North Dakota Memorial Union
2901 University Drive
Grand Forks, ND

Time (CT)Session
8:30 AMRegistration
9:00 AMWelcome & Kickoff
9:15 AMAI and Autonomy: North Dakota’s Next Wave of Innovation
10:00 AM How North Dakota Can Contribute to Innovation Ecosystem
10:30 AMNetworking Break
11:00 AMBreakout Sessions
1) Ground and Air Autonomy
2) Counterautonomy
3) Space
12:00 PMNetworking Lunch
1:00 PMRare Earth Metals and Autonomy
1:30 PMBreakout Sessions
1) Education and Workforce
2) Policy Implications
2:30 PMBreak
3:00 PMAfternoon Speaker
4:00 PMWrap-Up and Adjourn

Meet Our Speakers & Panelists

Coming Soon!

Registration

TierPrice
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.