North Dakota

The University of North Dakota Center for Innovation has awarded three companies grants of $150,000 each to explore use cases for drones in undeveloped areas of the state. The project could raise new business questions.

The state’s CIO Corey Mock comes to the role direct from the Legislature. He brings technology policy and budget knowledge with him to government IT, and the ability to speak the language of lawmakers.

The state’s House of Representatives advanced legislation this week that would create a task force dedicated to reviewing state programs and identifying areas in which officials could improve efficiency.

North Dakota's coal country is hoping that an influx of federal and private cash will make the region a hub for technology manufacturing, sparking a population boom in the historic region.

The university's new facility includes dedicated lab space for designing and building satellites, a digital engineering lab, and a nanofoundry to develop new materials for satellite construction and quantum computing.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation's STEM Outreach Solutions program will give students in grades 9-12 and hands-on introduction to transportation and civil engineering work.

Starting this fall, Dickinson State University students can enroll and take in-person courses at DSU for two years while taking online engineering courses from the University of North Dakota.

The state's new CIO has worked with the North Dakota Information Technology department for nearly 20 years. Now, the relationships he has built will support and inform the implementation of his vision for IT.

Deputy state CIO Greg Hoffman was elevated to North Dakota interim CIO after the former CIO’s departure in May. On Thursday, the veteran executive was selected to lead state IT.

A new document from the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction lists AI tools for educators as well as advice for administrators, aiming to serve as a springboard for schools to set up their own policies and programs.

After just more than 15 months in the role, the state’s technology leader will step down effective May 31. North Dakota Deputy CIO Greg Hoffman has been tapped to fill the role in an interim capacity.

CISO, North Dakota

In an effort to use remaining ESSER funds, the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction is encouraging K-12 organizations that offer cybersecurity and artificial intelligence instruction to apply for grants.

The Bowman Police Department is cautioning residents to be alert to phone calls seeking money, which may be using voice cloning. Police Chief Charles Headley highlighted the potential use of artificial intelligence in these calls.

Starting this fall, incoming students will have to take a class in digital literacy, defined as the ability to use technology to find information, evaluate sources, create content and communicate with others effectively.

Kimberly Weis, a North Dakota native, talks about her plans for data management and artificial intelligence as she digs into her new job as the state’s permanent CDO. One of her most important lessons came via COVID-19.

Kimberly Weis previously handled data analytics for North Dakota Information Technology. Her background includes experience in epidemiology and helping to oversee public health in the state.

Kuldip Mohanty, who has been serving as the state’s CIO since February, is using his substantial private-sector experience to guide how NDIT serves its agency customers and constituents.