Knowledge on Tap with Professor Chad Ulven

Tales of Bringing Innovation to Market

Join The Study for an evening of conversation, local craft beer, and an inside look at how groundbreaking ideas become real-world innovations.

What does it take to transform research into products and technologies that improve lives? How is artificial intelligence changing the innovation process? What opportunities exist for entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses to bring new ideas to market in our region?

In this Knowledge on Tap conversation, Professor Chad Ulven, University Distinguished Professor and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Engineering at North Dakota State University, will explore the journey from discovery to commercialization. Drawing on decades of experience in engineering research, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer, Ulven will discuss how universities, businesses, and innovators work together to move promising ideas from the laboratory into industry.

Professor Ulven has spent his career researching advanced materials while helping train university researchers to think entrepreneurially. As Director of the Great Plains NSF I-Corps Hub, he has worked with hundreds of innovators to identify market opportunities, develop new technologies, and launch successful ventures. His research has generated more than $36 million in external funding, resulted in multiple patents, and led to the creation of several startup companies.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, student, researcher, or simply curious about innovation, this conversation offers an engaging look at the challenges and opportunities of bringing new ideas to life. Audience members will also explore how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are changing the way innovation happens and what North Dakota can do to strengthen its innovation ecosystem.

The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Shari R. Veil, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at North Dakota State University. An internationally recognized scholar in risk and crisis communication, Dr. Veil brings extensive experience in higher education leadership and public engagement, creating an engaging conversation that welcomes audience participation.

Knowledge on Tap brings university scholarship into the community, creating opportunities to learn from leading experts in a relaxed setting where questions and conversation are encouraged.