UND, Vorbeck Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Work Closely on National Security and Space Research

***Click here for media resources.*** GRAND FORKS, N.D. – North Dakota’s growing role in space research and defense technology took another step forward today, when U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined leaders from the University of North Dakota (UND) and Vorbeck to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing a framework to accelerate advanced defense technologies while broadening educational opportunities for students and growing the high-tech workforce. Cramer brought together leaders from Vorbeck, a U.S. manufacturer serving the defense, aerospace, and first responder industries, and UND as part of his efforts to connect promising private sector businesses with the intellectual and educational capital in Grand Forks. Vorbeck opened its new Grand Forks manufacturing facility in May, creating hands-on learning opportunities for UND students while adding to the region’s growing economy. The company also provides internship and employment opportunities and sponsors UND’s Advanced Rocketry Club, giving students a chance to design, build, and test rockets. The new agreement builds on this momentum, connecting UND’s research capabilities and student talent with Vorbeck’s work developing advanced materials and technologies for critical industries. Cramer spoke about the speed and synergy that come with the relationship. “I’ve always felt like when you have friends who don't know each other, you should do as much as you can to help them get to know each other,” said Cramer. “And in this position, I was able to make that happen. We're living in a moment when we don't even know what solutions are necessary—but when a solution comes forward, you have to go fast because a week later, there will be something else that needs solving. And we're in a very fast-moving technological moment, where we have problem solving happening before the next problem arises. The synergy which comes along with this allows us to see around the corner, or see the next problem before it's a problem, and start solving for it. And so that's a little bit of my dream, you guys, for this relationship we’re creating today.” “Having strong partnerships with industry supports the development of new technologies,” said Scott Snyder, UND’s vice president for Research and Economic Development. “Vorbeck’s expertise and manufacturing capabilities complement the research happening across UND. Through this agreement, we can move promising technologies from discovery to deployment.” "This partnership is about more than advancing technology,” said Tyler Sletten, Site Leader for Vorbeck's North Dakota operations. “It’s about recognizing what we have here in North Dakota: extraordinary talent, a spirit of innovation, and the determination to do things that matter. Together, UND and Vorbeck have an opportunity to strengthen our national defense and show that the future of American innovation isn't just happening somewhere else. It's happening right here in North Dakota." Twenty years after its founding in Maryland in 2006, Vorbeck chose to relocate to Grand Forks last year, taking advantage of the region’s growing defense industry and its strengths in aerospace, autonomous systems, unmanned aircraft, cybersecurity, and space research. This combination is putting Grand Forks on the map as a place for defense contractors and technology companies looking to grow, innovate, and build partnerships. With access to university research, a skilled workforce, proximity to Grand Forks Air Force Base and strong collaboration among industry, government and academia, the region offers a compelling environment for companies working on the next generation of national security capabilities. One of Vorbeck’s latest creations is its patented graphene-based firefighting foam, now being manufactured at its Grand Forks facility. The technology is designed to outperform traditional firefighting agents without using the chemicals in PFAS which are associated with environmental and health concerns. It’s a product with potential benefits for firefighters and first responders. For UND, the agreement creates more opportunities to connect students and research with industry. For Vorbeck, it strengthens its North Dakota footprint. And for Grand Forks, it’s another example of how the region is building a defense and technology ecosystem capable of attracting new companies, talent, and investment.