54-17-43. Research technology park grant program - North Dakota state university - Report

54-17-43. Research technology park grant program - North Dakota state university - Report. 1. The industrial commission shall administer the research technology park grant program. Subject to legislative appropriations, the industrial commission shall distribute grant funding to the research technology park at North Dakota state university. The research technology park shall use the funds in accordance with this section. 2. The research technology park at North Dakota state university is created to conduct exploratory, transformational, and innovative research and product development activities that advance intelligent autonomous mobile equipment opportunities and benefit the state's economy and environment through: a. Exploratory research and development of technologies and methodologies that facilitate the prudent development and efficient use of the state's autonomous agriculture resources and defense capabilities; b. Access to advanced robotics and artificial intelligence expertise for timely scientific and engineering activities to support the state's interests; and c. Education and outreach related to the state's advanced technology resources, including the advancement of engineering and technical readiness. 3. Each biennium, the research technology park shall develop a plan for the use of funds received under this section, including industry matching requirements. The plan must be approved by the industrial commission. 4. The research technology park may: a. Select research topics and projects; b. Enter contracts or agreements with other institutions of higher education to support the selected research topics and projects; c. Enter contracts or agreements with federal, private, and nonprofit organizations to carry out the selected research topics and projects; and d. Accept donations, grants, contributions, and gifts from any source to finance the selected research topics and projects. 5. Annually, the research technology park shall report all research activities, product development, and accomplishments to the industrial commission and the legislative management. Upon request, the research technology park shall report to the appropriations committees of the legislative assembly on the use of funding under this section.