This Week's Latest Tech News in Fargo, ND - Sunday April 20th 2025 Edition

This week, Fargo captured national attention as its tech and civic landscapes evolved in significant ways. The Grand Farm Innovation Campus recently hosted a high-profile ag tech demonstration with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Nancy Brown, highlighting Fargo's leadership in autonomous and precision agriculture.

This aligns with the area's deep roots in AgTech, where historic breakthroughs - from the original skid steer to leading-edge digital farm management - have established Fargo as a major innovation hub (see details of the Grand Farm event).

• Event spotlight: The Grand Farm demonstration by Nancy Brown showcased how collaborative public-private efforts are strengthening Fargo's technology sector.
• AgTech Week 2025: The upcoming conference (June 9–13) aims to convene leaders, growers, and policymakers, driving growth and innovation within the local AgTech community (learn about AgTech Week).
• Civic change: The end of Fargo’s approval voting system, following new statewide legislation, has prompted local discussions about democratic innovation.
• Empowering partnerships: New collaborations such as FARMS and AgLaunch, with leadership from Richard Harris, are working towards a more farmer-centric innovation platform, fostering economic opportunity through technology and cooperation (read about the FARMS-AgLaunch partnership).

Technology, policy, and community engagement are converging in Fargo - building a future where transformative ideas take root in the heartland.

Development	Main Contributor	Impact
Grand Farm Tech Demo	Nancy Brown	Showcases AgTech leadership
FARMS-AgLaunch Partnership	Richard Harris	Advances farmer-centric innovation
Approval Voting Change	Karen Johnson	Sparks civic discussion

The upcoming visit of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to Fargo’s Grand Farm Innovation Campus on April 22, 2025, underscores North Dakota’s leadership in precision and autonomous agriculture, drawing national attention to advancements that are transforming modern farming.

Grand Farm is recognized as a national hub for agricultural technology, focusing on solutions such as real-time drone analytics, robotics, AI-driven crop management, and smart soil monitoring, all designed to improve productivity and efficiency across North Dakota’s diverse landscapes.

The AgTech demonstration will give Secretary Rollins firsthand insights into regional innovation, following an invitation from Senator John Hoeven, who highlighted the importance of collaboration between policymakers, growers, and technology developers in sustaining the nation’s agricultural competitiveness.

Grand Farm’s mission extends beyond technology deployment; its new 25,000-square-foot Innovation Shop, opened in June 2024, is already facilitating research, workforce training, and public-private partnerships among startups, universities, growers, and government at the heart of the Red River Valley.

During the 2025 demo, visiting officials and local producers will see innovations like self-driving combines for round-the-clock harvesting, networks of remote soil and weather sensors reporting real-time fertility and moisture data, and AI-powered platforms that target pesticide use to improve sustainability.

These initiatives are not limited to large-scale farms - by engaging family farms and regional partners, Grand Farm aims to increase access to new solutions for every producer in the state.

Industry leaders, such as Governor Doug Burgum and private contributors like Microsoft, have stressed the role of AgTech in supporting food security, advancing autonomous and precision techniques, and encouraging new business growth, all within the framework of a robust, collaborative community supported by state and federal funding.

This atmosphere of partnership and demonstration of leading-edge technology has placed Grand Farm at the forefront of agricultural progress in the region.

The push for autonomous systems, such as precision sprayers and AI-guided drones, is part of a broader vision to develop North Dakota as a testing ground for future farming, supported by events, education, and cross-sector collaboration.

The ongoing rollout of new programs, workforce training at facilities like Emerging Digital Academy, and successful deployments of robotics and data solutions reflect growing momentum for AgTech in Fargo and beyond.

For more on this trajectory and Grand Farm’s multi-year plan to build a fully autonomous farm, see these recent Grand Farm updates.

North Dakota made a significant change in April 2025 when Governor Kelly Armstrong signed a bill banning both approval voting and ranked-choice voting statewide, ending Fargo’s experiment with alternative voting methods.

Since 2018, Fargo voters could select as many candidates as they supported in city elections, with the top vote-getters winning. This system was adopted to solve issues where, in crowded races, candidates would win with a low percentage of the vote - sometimes under 20%.

By 2024, approval voting had raised winning percentages in city commission races above 44%, giving candidates a broader mandate and reflecting broader support from the electorate.

Supporters praised approval voting for encouraging civil campaigns and giving every voter the option to back all candidates who best represented them, rather than choosing the lesser of evils.

However, those in favor of banning the method believed uniformity was necessary to avoid confusion, ease election administration, and maintain consistent procedures across North Dakota.

Critics of the ban, including some Fargo legislators such as David Lopez, argued the change restricts local autonomy and innovation in democracy. Legislative attempts to ban approval voting had failed in prior years, but this time the bill advanced with strong majorities in both the House and Senate.

Governor Armstrong stated the new law was needed

“to maintain trust in our election system”

and ensure all voters have a clear, efficient ballot experience.

With Fargo’s next city election scheduled for June 2026, all localities must now use the traditional single-choice, first-past-the-post system. This legislation not only standardizes elections across North Dakota, but also ends ongoing debates about voter confusion versus local experimentation.

• Read further context and reactions in coverage by the Associated Press. This article provides an overview with state and local perspectives.
• Explore the bill’s legislative history and outcomes in the Grand Forks Herald. Here, readers will find legislative debates and result summaries.
• Gain insight into voter perspectives and data from US News. This source features voter interviews and analysis of election system impacts.

Fargo’s journey reflects broader questions about balancing local flexibility with statewide uniformity in election systems.

Governor Armstrong’s recent address at the University of North Dakota (UND) highlighted North Dakota’s growing role in connecting energy resources with the demands of today’s tech sector.

Armstrong pointed out that about 55% of the state’s electricity comes from coal and roughly 36% from wind power, with energy reserves playing a pivotal role as tech companies seek to site new data centers across the state.

He emphasized the strategic leverage North Dakota holds, especially given the immense energy demands of upcoming AI data centers, which could surpass the current statewide production, a point also covered in his UND speech.

Armstrong announced plans for additional hyperscale data centers in Cass and Grand Forks counties and underscored ongoing partnerships between UND and tech firms to innovate carbon capture and storage solutions.

He also reflected on legal challenges with neighboring states regarding energy mandates and stressed the economic importance of North Dakota’s oil, gas, and lignite coal sectors.

As part of his tech-energy partnership strategy, Armstrong, along with local leaders such as Richard White, outlined several action pillars:

• Public-private partnerships: Collaboration is driving significant investments into AI-powered and energy-optimized infrastructure, reflecting a statewide push for sustainable development.
• Sustainable growth: Data centers and technology projects must prioritize efficiency and innovation, leveraging advanced cooling and smart grid technology as Armstrong reiterated in his State of the State Address.
• Workforce readiness: UND and NDSU are updating curricula to focus on AI and cybersecurity for modern digital infrastructure.

A recent House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing echoed similar themes nationally, with Karen Garcia emphasizing energy reliability and grid resilience as essential for America's AI and digital competitiveness.

Reflecting his pragmatic tone, Armstrong said, “Fifty percent of the country isn’t evil, and 50% isn’t stupid,” while underscoring North Dakota’s aim to supply reliable energy for data-driven growth while respecting local values.

This week, North Dakota’s Legislature advanced a $1 million grant program to support struggling rural grocery stores, highlighting growing concern over food access and community stability across the state.

The bipartisan measure, headed to Governor Armstrong’s desk, specifically targets challenges like shrinking populations, increased competition from dollar stores and major chains, and steep distribution costs, which have contributed to the closure of nearly 50 rural groceries since 2014 and left only about 90 in business statewide.

Lawmakers designed the grants to cover critical needs such as store upgrades, modernized equipment, and improved technology infrastructure while encouraging innovation like food lockers and delivery networks to serve nearby towns where stores have disappeared.

The legislation’s supporters, including the North Dakota Grocers Association, emphasize that rural stores are not just food providers but essential to retaining local jobs and sustaining social connections.

• Grant program targets: The grants are focused on supporting grocery-specific projects - not general retail - over the next two years, administered by the Commerce Department, and will include a sunset clause for review in 2027. Central theme: Targeted financial support is geared exclusively toward vital rural grocery businesses to promote sustainability.
• Community innovation: Creative solutions such as 24/7 locker pickups and partnerships with regional hubs are already underway to address food deserts and high distribution costs. Central theme: Fargo and other North Dakota communities are taking innovative steps to ensure continued public access to food and essential goods.
• Midwest trends: Across the Midwest, similar grant programs have helped independent stores survive by funding energy-efficient appliances, POS systems, and online ordering tools - a trend North Dakota is now joining to help local stores compete with national chains. Central theme: State-level intervention is fostering competitive advantage for small-town grocers.

“This grant gives our small-town stores a fighting chance. Without these programs, communities lose not just groceries, but also jobs and social connection.” – David Jackson, President, North Dakota Grocers Association

Key Issue	Proposed Solution	Expected Impact
Declining number of rural groceries	Targeted grant program for upgrades and innovation	Stabilize and revitalize rural food access
Increased competition from chains	Support for modern equipment and delivery networks	Boost local store competitiveness
Distribution and logistics costs	Encourage partnerships and innovative tech (like food lockers)	Reduce supply hurdles for small communities

For more information and perspectives:

• Read more about the bill’s details and community reactions at Prairie Public.
• Explore how food access and local commerce are being threatened in-depth at The Dickinson Press.
• See how this bill fits within broader trends in rural retail at News Cooperative ND.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping Fargo’s retail and hospitality sectors, but the story goes beyond automation and efficiency - it’s about how local businesses are collaborating, adopting practical solutions, and reimagining guest experiences for 2025.

This year, Fargo is seeing AI at the center of events and partnerships that aim to connect business owners, faculty, and AI professionals, like the AI Connect event hosted by North Dakota State University, which encouraged collaboration on research, business ventures, and practical AI adoption strategies across industries.

• Collaboration and Adoption: Businesses and professionals are forming partnerships to adopt practical AI solutions that address real-world challenges.
• Hospitality Solutions: Leaders are leveraging predictive analytics and guest personalization to enhance operations and experiences.
• Knowledge Sharing: Local events and summits promote sharing of case studies, tools, and strategies to improve operations and satisfaction.

These trends were highlighted at both local business summits and expert panels, where participants explored real-world case studies and tools set to streamline workflows and improve customer satisfaction.

For example, the NDSU AI Connect event brought together diverse stakeholders to facilitate partnerships and broaden perspectives on AI adoption in Fargo.

Events like the 2025 FM Small Business Summit also delve into how AI enhances marketing, staffing, and resource allocation for both small and large businesses.

Event	Main Focus	Key Takeaway
NDSU AI Connect	Collaboration & Research	Building practical AI partnerships
FM Small Business Summit	Marketing & Operations	Optimizing staff and resource allocation
The Pulse of Artificial Intelligence	Ethics & Efficiency	Balancing innovation with ethical concerns

As regional experts outlined in The Pulse of Artificial Intelligence, it’s essential for organizations to balance efficiency and innovation with an understanding of the common challenges and ethical considerations that AI brings.

Altogether, AI is not just a technical upgrade - it marks a shift in how local businesses serve their communities.

Shop owners, restaurant leaders, and hotel managers like Karen Brown, William Martinez, and Charles Williams in Fargo are now using AI to better understand customer needs, automate routine tasks, and create safer, more engaging experiences for both guests and employees.

The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) has awarded $750,000 through its Scalable Tech Track to help modernize building technologies, bolstering Fargo’s real estate and startup communities as they navigate shifting energy needs and standards.

This funding supports a set of large-scale pilot projects across the country - including work to retrofit HVAC systems, upgrade indoor air quality in schools, optimize data center cooling, and modernize aging building infrastructure - all with expert support from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

These projects are chosen for their readiness to deliver real-world results that help property owners, managers, and local partners identify actionable strategies to lower costs and boost energy performance.

Notably, recipients such as CBRE and the University of Colorado Boulder are collaborating with technology providers like Blue Frontier and INOVUES to validate their building solutions in ways that can translate to communities like Fargo.

This program addresses demand-side barriers by helping corporations and municipalities quickly adopt and scale clean tech, with pilots running on six-month cycles to ensure rapid feedback and practical outcomes details.

The initiative forms part of a $55 million commitment by Wells Fargo and NREL to accelerate energy-efficient innovations, resulting in over $2.5 billion in follow-on funding for participating companies and a network that now spans more than 60 incubators, accelerators, and universities nationwide IN2 overview.

Regional programs, such as those led by Cleantech San Diego and other partners, further bridge startups and market adopters, helping emerging companies de-risk their technologies for real-world deployment and investor consideration more on 2025 IN2 awards.

As building owners in Fargo point out, automation and efficiency upgrades do more than promote comfort - they support long-term savings and healthier environments at a time when the Midwest’s demand for smart, resilient infrastructure is quickly rising.

Virtual reality (VR) is reshaping youth sports injury prevention programs across the country, offering new ways for young athletes to train safely and effectively.

Nationwide, more than 45 million children participate in youth sports, and with approximately 3 million sports-related emergency room visits annually, tackling preventable injuries is a growing priority for schools and healthcare providers.

Programs like the GIVES initiative - launched by Emory Sports Performance And Research Center - bring VR technology directly into schools and sports teams. These systems use VR headsets and motion-tracking controllers to simulate realistic game scenarios and provide instant biomechanical feedback, enabling athletes to practice techniques, improve reaction times, and receive real-time corrections in a controlled setting.

• VR training develops physical coordination in youth by providing realistic simulations that improve reaction times and biomechanics awareness.
• Sports safety programs focus on prevention by integrating VR feedback to help educators and trainers reduce common and overuse injuries.
• Rehabilitation benefits from VR technology, which supports athletes' mental health and confidence during the recovery process.

"VR-guided training not only improves coordination but also makes injury prevention more engaging and effective for young athletes," says Susan Miller, an athletic trainer in Fargo.

Program/Study	Main Outcome	Institution
Emory GIVES Initiative	Improved balance, coordination, and awareness of injury risk	Emory Sports Performance
UNC VR Rehabilitation Study	Reduced post-injury anxiety, enhanced confidence	University of North Carolina
2024 Football Injury Research	Safe, adaptable training and recovery environment	Multiple Research Centers

As Fargo’s educators and athletic trainers, including William Martinez and Elizabeth Davis, continue to evaluate these innovations, adopting VR could mean not only fewer injuries but also a more personalized, supportive environment for young athletes to thrive and safely pursue their athletic goals.

Federal courts recently sentenced Lucas Tavares and Barrett Prody, highlighting the evolving strategies used by Fargo law enforcement against major crimes.

Tavares was given an eight-year federal prison sentence for an armed gas station hold-up, while Prody, a former bar owner, received nearly sixteen years for leading a cocaine trafficking enterprise in the Fargo-Moorhead area - distributing over 55 pounds of cocaine and laundering hundreds of thousands of dollars through local businesses and assets like out-of-state properties.

These cases reflect the increasing role of technology in both preventing and solving serious offenses.

Recent local reports show that toolkits such as license plate readers and surveillance cameras - like the Flock system, which alerted officers to stolen vehicles and persons with outstanding warrants - played a significant part in solving more than 50 cases within weeks of deployment, including high-profile incidents like these.

According to Fargo Police, grants have helped expand the real-time crime center, enabling faster case resolutions and safer community events.

The integration of digital tools also extends to crime analytics, predictive modeling, and secure digital evidence storage, all of which have been cited as key contributors to quicker arrests and stronger prosecutions.

Transparency and privacy protections, including strict data retention policies and non-use of facial recognition, continue to be priorities as technology becomes more prominent in law enforcement.

• Technology adoption: Fargo law enforcement is increasingly leveraging digital tools for prevention and resolution of major crimes.
• Rapid case solving: New systems like Flock cameras and license plate readers enabled officers to solve over 50 cases within weeks.
• Enhanced analytics: Crime analytics and predictive modeling are crucial factors driving faster arrests and successful prosecutions in the area.
• Commitment to privacy: Strict privacy protections and limited technology use policies remain central to Fargo's digital policing initiatives.

"The Flock system and other digital tools are revolutionizing the way we catch offenders and keep our community safe," commented Jessica Moore of the Fargo Police Department.

Case	Main Offense	Sentence Length
Lucas Tavares	Armed robbery	8 years
Barrett Prody	Cocaine trafficking & laundering	Nearly 16 years

For an in-depth look at Prody's sentencing and the operation he led, see this local report on Barrett Prody.

To better understand how camera and license plate recognition systems are impacting investigations in Fargo, read more from Valley News Live's coverage of Flock cameras.

A summary of this year’s notable court outcomes, including the Tavares sentencing, can be reviewed at TRF News Fargo crime archive.

Fargo’s real estate market drew extra attention this week as former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum listed his three-bedroom, four-bath penthouse at 300 Broadway N. for $1.9 million.

The luxury condo combines two units into a single 3,200-square-foot residence, featuring two levels, hardwood floors, and spacious patios overlooking downtown - a reflection of downtown’s revitalization that Burgum championed both as governor and through his Kilbourne Group development company.

Built in 2007, this penthouse highlights premium urban living, with amenities like a rooftop patio, fire pit, and outdoor kitchen, and is located in a building that bears Burgum’s name, marking both his personal and professional footprint on Fargo’s landscape (learn more about the property and Burgum’s background).

While the city appraises the condo at about $959,800, its listing price reflects the growing demand for upscale properties and downtown convenience. Burgum, recently appointed as U.S. Interior Secretary after two terms as governor, noted he and his wife Kathryn will remain North Dakota residents but are moving due to new responsibilities (see more details about the listing and his statement).

The sale also spotlights trends shaping Fargo’s luxury market in 2025:

• Smart-home features are highly sought after as buyers prioritize automation and security technology in their homes.
• Eco-friendly upgrades have become the norm, reflecting the growing emphasis on sustainability in new developments.
• Virtual tours make the buying process more convenient and accessible with the help of digital tools.

Kilbourne Group’s contributions to downtown projects like RDO Tower and other mixed-use developments further underline the connection between real estate growth and technological progress in the area (read about Kilbourne Group’s impact and other local developments).

“Burgum’s listing isn’t just another headline - it continues the story of how technology, sustainable design, and civic leadership are increasingly intertwined in Fargo’s vibrant urban core.” – Robert Brown

In Fargo this week, public debate intensified around the state’s pesticide liability bill as lawmakers passed House Bill 1318, fueling both demonstrations and civic conversations.

Rather than expanding liability, the new law actually shields pesticide manufacturers from lawsuits if their products carry EPA-approved labels and are used as directed, a move that many local advocates argue complicates prospects for legal recourse if future harm is discovered.

Protesters outside the Capitol - including residents, farmworker advocates, and health groups - highlighted concerns about the long-term safety of over 16,000 registered chemicals, while industry supporters insisted the bill is necessary to keep key products like Roundup accessible for farmers according to the North Dakota Monitor’s coverage.

Tech startups addressing agricultural transparency, such as AgDrone and SensorField, are responding with new drift-detection and compliance support tools, reflecting how both local farmers and activists increasingly rely on tech to monitor and report pesticide use as reported by the Bismarck Tribune.

Environmental advocates raise questions about relying solely on federal labeling standards, pointing out that shifting the legal burden may leave communities exposed if emerging scientific evidence later uncovers health or environmental hazards as detailed by Environmental Health News.

Meanwhile, North Dakota’s ongoing energy litigation with Minnesota, centered on cross-border energy supply restrictions, heated up in legislative chambers.

The North Dakota Chamber of Commerce emphasized in a recent report that this dispute places over $200 million in tech sector projects at risk, particularly those tied to grid modernization and data center expansion.

The conflict threatens the future of renewable infrastructure investment and job creation, with local energy tech companies expressing concern about supply chain uncertainties and permitting delays.

Key stats from 2025 legislative briefings highlight:

• Regional data centers face disruption: Three major centers are directly impacted by energy sourcing uncertainties, affecting future AI and cloud deployments.
• Processing delays hinder tech growth: Application processing times for energy-tech businesses increased by 12% from Q4 2024 to Q1 2025.
• Revenue loss looms over businesses: Projected losses of $34M in local business revenue if grid integration lags persist through 2025.

Finally, the debate over education autonomy reignited after proposed state standards for K-12 schools drew both support and backlash.

Tech educators warned that tighter state control could limit curriculum innovation and partnerships with local coding bootcamps. A parents’ coalition cited a survey showing that 68% of Fargo families favor preserving local choice in educational technology tools.

In sum, these flashpoints illustrate how legislative policy, technological change, and grassroots advocacy are increasingly intertwined in Fargo’s evolving civic tech landscape.

Policy Issue	Main Stakeholders	Tech/Business Impact
Pesticide Bill	Christopher Lopez, AgTech firms, Activists	Increased demand for monitoring tech
Energy Litigation	Mary Moore, Data Centers, Lawmakers	Investment and project delays
Education Autonomy	Susan Martinez, Tech Educators, Parents	Curriculum flexibility at risk

Fargo, ND, is making national headlines in 2025 as it balances a tech-driven future with its rural roots and civic priorities. The region’s leadership in agricultural technology is underscored by a major federal award: North Dakota institutions - including NDSU, Grand Farm, and the North Dakota Tribal College System - were named recipients of up to $15 million over two years (and potentially $160 million over a decade) from the National Science Foundation to boost food security, advance precision farming, and develop new economic opportunities across the state.

This FARMS initiative accelerates Fargo's role as an "epicenter of AgTech," reinforcing a robust innovation ecosystem and workforce pipeline with broad community support.

Alongside this, a recent NDSU study found agriculture generates $41.3 billion for North Dakota’s economy annually and sustains more than 123,000 jobs, with the state focusing on processing and value-added ag to keep pace with growth and diversification as highlighted by state leaders.

On the ground, startups like Bushel and RxE2 have helped drive nearly 20% of new local jobs, while digital transformation - from AI-driven retail management to the adoption of autonomous farm machinery - is closing the rural digital divide and making operations more efficient and sustainable as Fargo's most promising tech companies show.

• AgTech Momentum: Strong partnerships are supporting the wider adoption of precision agriculture, now reaching 45% of local farms.
• Resilient Retail: State programs and innovative startups play a vital role in helping rural stores and services remain thriving in the region.
• Growth Through Technology: Rising adoption of AI and automation is enhancing multiple industries throughout Fargo.

Sector	Tech Adoption Rate	Economic Benefit
Agriculture	45%	+25% productivity
Retail	28%	+15% sales growth
Hospitality	33%	+9% customer retention

Fargo’s ability to foster debate while prioritizing education, infrastructure, and broad economic opportunity shows how a city can thrive by connecting innovation with community values - proving rural tradition and technology don’t just coexist, they build a foundation for the future.