Legendary Leaders In Innovation

Abstract

The Legendary Leaders in Innovation (LLII) program strategically support the goals and objectives of the University Center for Autonomous Systems Innovation Grant awarded to the University of North Dakota Center for Innovation in October 2018. The grant supports expansion in the autonomous systems innovation cluster in North Dakota, assist with the commercialization of autonomous systems innovation and workforce development for the sector through internships and other experiential learning activities. In addition, the Legendary Leaders in Innovation program unlocks the best-kept secrets in North Dakota, builds awareness of the autonomous and UAS experience, expertise, and leading-edge research and innovation by promoting the “Why North Dakota” message on a local, regional, and national basis in real-time.

The LLII communication platform and app(s) are the vehicles utilized to build awareness and drive customers to news and information about the autonomous and UAS industry in North Dakota and worldwide. The platform provides customers a place to research, learn about the robust ecosystem that can support the commercialization journey, and link to partner organizations to assist with business needs. The LLII platform provides the Center tools and resources to help with the overall management of the customer experience. LLII, in collaboration with strong local and state ecosystem partners, has assisted innovation and entrepreneur customers who have created 46 jobs, 20 internships, raised over $11.7 million in start-up funds, and have $1.5 million in revenue to date.