NSF-backed AgTech Engine aims to make ND agricultural innovation hub

Competitive edge
Attendees watch the 360 Rain autonomous irrigation applicator in action in SE North Dakota as part of the North Dakota Water Education Foundation 2025 Water Tour series. Photo provided by ND AgTech Engine.
Attendees watch the 360 Rain autonomous irrigation applicator in action in SE North Dakota as part of the North Dakota Water Education Foundation 2025 Water Tour series. Photo provided by ND AgTech Engine.

Goals of local development for a global competitive edge

Florida got semiconductors, New York energy storage, North Carolina advanced textiles, Louisiana alternative fuels, Texas got defense and aerospace, among a few.

North Dakota, beating out 179 other proposals from around the country, got advanced agriculture.

On farms across North Dakota, researchers and startups are testing autonomous equipment…