Who We Are
WHAT WE DO
Center for Innovation (CFI) helps businesses by providing resources such as coaching, mentorship, networking opportunities, funding, and office space to support its growth and development during the early stages of a company’s life.
Our expert staff have knowledge to help support:
- Entrepreneurs who need ready access to UND talent
- Startup companies looking for a place to develop their business
- Entrepreneurial branch offices located in the region that need time to make key hires before choosing commercial space
- Technology-intensive companies that need short-term arrangements while other space is under development/construction
- Service providers with specialized expertise to entrepreneurs in the ecosystem
About the UND Center for Innovation
At the Center for Innovation, we have a longstanding history. 1984 was a great year for inventions: the Apple Macintosh, CD-ROMs, Tetris, and us. Even though we have earned a history of success, we don’t rest on our laurels. We know that today is what matters.
We act as the front door to innovation, guiding entrepreneurs through various stages, finding a perfect space for their business, aiding in the journey of commercialization, and discovering sources of capital.
Work is changing and we can help. In addition to resources, our Center offers a flexible space for innovators to scale their business. With high-tech office spaces, room for meetings and events, and virtual tenancy options, we’ve got something for everyone.
Our Team
We are problem solvers and experts in all the things entrepreneurs and early-stage companies need to grow. Our team works together to be responsive, reliable and trusted. We are advocates for your success and will offer up resources, strategies, and honesty. When you’re ready to explore new ideas and grow your company, we’ll be holding the door open for you.
Developing Ideas. Driving Innovation.
We work every day to advance the creation and development of innovative and entrepreneurial ideas, services, and businesses.
As an entrepreneurial incubator, we seek to be the principal leader guiding innovation in the Northern Plains. We work as a collaborative partner in the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Grand Forks, across North Dakota, and as part of the LEADS UND Strategic Plan.
The Center for Innovation Foundation
The Center for Innovation Foundation works to maintain national leadership in entrepreneur outreach and education, and become the leader in tech entrepreneurship in rural America.
The Foundation focuses on economic development, growing entrepreneurial ventures, and providing secure access to capital for entrepreneurs. Over the past 30 years, the Foundation has fostered over 770 startups, which employ more than 7,000 people. All in all, that’s a combined total of $140 million in investment.
The Foundation received the designation for the North Dakota/Minnesota EB-5 Regional Center and can now work to build EB-5 investments opportunities.
15 national awards for excellence in innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development have been given to the Center for Innovation Foundation, including four National Business Incubator Association “Soft Landings International Incubator” designations. We’re proud to say we are one of only 25 incubators worldwide continuously proven to help companies expand internationally.