Powering ideas that feed the world
The NSF Agricultural Technology (AgTech) Engine in North Dakota, led by North Dakota State University, is advancing breakthrough technology designed to protect and strengthen U.S. farming operations amid growing threats to the nation's food supply.
The NSF AgTech Engine is building an ecosystem that brings together stakeholders from across North Dakota: Global agricultural and technology companies, farmers, universities, regional and statewide economic and workforce development organizations, tribal organizations and on-farm innovation testbeds.
By combining Indigenous knowledge with innovations in technology, this growing ecosystem is developing solutions that lower costs and increase agricultural yields for farmers, strengthening food systems across the region.
Technologies of focus include:
- Advanced genomics to accelerate crop improvement and resilience.
- AI-powered weather and soil condition monitoringfor real-time precision decision making.
- Advanced sensing to detect crop stressors and nutrient levels, preventing spoilage.
- Advanced drone and unmanned aerial vehicle technology for improved crop management and data collection.
Region of service
The NSF AgTech Engine's network of partners and testbeds spans the state of North Dakota. Nearly 90% of North Dakota is farm and ranchland, and the state is the lead producer of field and pulse crops (edible dried seeds of plants in the legume family). Agriculture is the largest segment of the state's economy and is responsible for almost one-fourth of the state's employment.
Addressing challenges in a key U.S. sector
America's agriculture sector faces multiple stressors, including labor shortages, resource depletion and extreme weather events. Left unchecked, these pressures could lead to higher food prices, job losses and threats to food security.
The AgTech Engine is confronting these challenges by developing and deploying scalable technology solutions that improve grower productivity and crop resilience, strengthening the regional economy and U.S. competitiveness.
Building regional talent pipelines and strengthening the regional economy
As companies scale and new agricultural technologies move toward commercialization, the NSF AgTech Engine is working to ensure the resulting jobs and economic benefits remain rooted in North Dakota.
These efforts include:
- Training K-12 educators to integrate AgTech concepts and tools into classroom instruction.
- Funding the first full-time AgTech workforce development position at North Dakota State University to align coursework and training opportunities with in-demand industry roles.
- Convening a 44-county collaborative to align academic and industry partners around education, training and job opportunities.
These new training and career pathways are designed to increase access to high-quality job opportunities for Americans in rural and tribal farming communities across North Dakota.
Examples of recent impact
- The NSF Engine catalyzed over $73 million in private capital and research and development investments to advance use-inspired technology for improved food production.
- Four core beta projects moved closer to commercialization:
- An AI-powered moisture mapping tool.
- Advanced drone technology for invasive thistle detection.
- Heat-retaining infrastructure to extend growing seasons.
- An AI shepherding system to monitor bison herds and reduce loss.
- The "ND AgTech Community Workforce Partnerships Report" – informed by eight working sessions involving 220 people from 44 counties across North Dakota – will guide the establishment of the state's first comprehensive AgTech education and skill building center. The center will serve as North Dakota's singular coordinating platform for building a unified, local talent pipeline for high-quality agricultural jobs.
Additional information
Lead organization: North Dakota State University
Region of service: North Dakota (entire state)
NSF awards: NSF-2315315
Key technology areas
Artificial Intelligence, Communications and Wireless