Venture Grant Program
Mr. John F. Schneider
Director
North Dakota Department of Commerce
Economic Development & Finance Division
1600 E. Century Ave., Suite 2
Bismarck, ND 58503
(701) 328-5350
jfschneider@nd.gov
Purpose of Initiative
The Venture Grant program provides support through seed grants and matching funds to help university-developed technology make it to market through start-up or spin-out companies. The program consists of Phase I and Phase II grants: Phase I Venture Grants are intended to determine the feasibility of building a business around university technology. Acceptable uses of Venture Grant funds include: market analysis, technology readiness assessment, technology advancement, and intellectual property costs. Phase II Venture Grants provide matching funds to the research university to continue the commercialization process in combination with an identified private sector partner.
Eligibility
For Phase II Venture Grant applications, only individuals/groups that have successfully completed a Phase I award may apply.
Application Process
Due to the limited funds available, no Phase I grants will be awarded in the 2017-19 Biennium.
Award Details
Phase I awards of up to $100,000 per project and Phase II awards of up to $150,000 per project are available under the program.
Research ND
Mr. John F. Schneider
Director
North Dakota Department of Commerce
Economic Development & Finance Division
1600 E. Century Ave., Suite 2
Bismarck, ND 58503
(701) 328-5350
jfschneider@nd.gov
Purpose of Initiative
Research ND provides matching funds for the development and commercialization of products and processes through industry/research university collaborative projects. Research ND funds may be used to commercialize new technologies; research and develop new products; or to improve current products or processes. Two subprograms have been developed: Research ND BIO and Fast Track. Research ND BIO is for the development and commercialization of vaccines and antibodies for the prevention of, treatment of, or cure of cancer; virtually infection disease; or other pathogens. Fast Track is designed to allow companies with unforeseen circumstances or time-sensitive projects to use the expertise at North Dakota research universities. Fast Track funds can be used for projects that have a project duration of less than one year; a compelling reason to start immediately; and a private sector partner with a substantial presence in North Dakota or active collaboration with a North Dakota manufacturer.
Eligibility
N/A
Application Process
Research ND and Research ND BIO applications must be submitted by 8/18/17, 11/17/17, 2/16/18, and 5/18/18. Fast Track applications can be submitted at any time.
Award Details
N/A
Agricultural Products Utilization Commission (APUC) Grant
Mr. John F. Schneider
Director
North Dakota Department of Commerce
Economic Development & Finance Division
1600 E. Century Ave., Suite 2
Bismarck, ND 58503
(701) 328-5350
jfschneider@nd.gov
Purpose of Initiative
Agricultural Products Utilization Commission (APUC) creates new wealth and employment opportunities through the development of new and expanded uses of North Dakota’s agricultural products through a grant program. A maximum of 15 qualifying applicants present funding proposals on a quarterly basis for the following grant categories: basic and applied research; marketing and utilization; farm diversification; technical assistance; natural based agri-tourism; and prototype development and technology.
Eligibility
Qualifying APUC grants are for North Dakota companies that add value to North Dakota agriculture.
Application Process
Application deadlines are quarterly. Final grants must be mailed. The Commission typically holds its funding review meetings within one month following the submission deadline. A maximum of 15 qualifying applicants are invited to present their proposals to the Commission on a quarterly basis. An agenda is forwarded to each qualifying applicant shortly after the submission of the proposal. Thirty minutes are allowed for each presentation, to include a question and answer period.
Award Details
N/A
Oil and Gas Research Program (OGRP)
Ms. Karlene Fine
Executive Director
North Dakota Industrial Commission
State Capitol – 14th Floor
600 East Boulevard Ave., Dept. 405
Bismarck, ND 58505
kfine@nd.gov
Purpose of Initiative
North Dakota’s Oil and Gas Research Program (OGRP), established by the Legislature in 2003, is a state/industry program designed to demonstrate to the general public the importance of the state oil and gas exploration and production industry, to encourage and promote the wise and efficient use of energy, to promote environmentally sound exploration and production methods and technologies, to develop the state’s oil and gas resources, and to support research and educational activities concerning the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry. The Program is funded from the state’s share of the oil and gas production tax and oil extraction tax. Two percent of the state’s share of the oil and gas gross production tax and oil extraction tax revenues, up to $10 million, is available to the OGRP each biennium.
Eligibility
An application may be submitted by any person, corporation, partnership, cooperative, association, or consortium of such parties. The OGRC Policies provide that applications must be delivered to the Industrial Commission or postmarked on or before June 1 or November 1 of each year.
Application Process
The grant application process is outlined in OGRC Policies, and in Chapter 54-17.6 of the North Dakota Century Code.
Award Details
Grants may not exceed the legislative appropriation. All projects must generate matching funds. A higher priority will be given to those applications having private industry investment.
Updated in April 2018 by Rachel Werth