04.18.17

Hoeven Honors UND Center for Innovation Director Bruce Gjovig

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today joined the community in honoring Bruce Gjovig, director of the University of North Dakota’s (UND) Center for Innovation. Gjovig, who founded the Center for Innovation in 1984, is retiring in May.  

“Bruce has served UND and North Dakota with dedication, and we are grateful for the work he has accomplished,” said Hoeven. “For more than three decades, Bruce has cultivated the Center into an award-winning innovation hub that has helped more than a thousand students and entrepreneurs start their endeavors and businesses, while providing valuable collaboration and insight to help incubate tech startups.

“Bruce’s forward-thinking vision and help for entrepreneurs has gained national and international recognition and stands as a model for other similar ventures to follow. The legacy he leaves demonstrates his commitment to helping others succeed. I have greatly enjoyed working with Bruce throughout the years and most recently to promote North Dakota’s UAS industry and to stimulate our economy and create jobs. Our state, UND and so many individuals are indebted to Bruce and his work, and we wish him the best.”

Through work with Gjovig, the Center for Innovation and others, Hoeven continues to work to promote North Dakota’s unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry and worked to build the state’s UAS capabilities at places like Grand Sky Technology Park in Grand Forks. The senator has hosted numerous roundtables to showcase to companies like Raytheon North Dakota’s dynamic UAS environment.

Hoeven has also worked since his time as governor to develop North Dakota’s technology sector as the third wave of economic growth for the state. To this end, the senator works with state and local leaders with initiatives like the annual State of Technology Conference to foster innovation and collaboration in North Dakota’s technology industry as well as through his role on the Senate Appropriations Committee to build a pro-growth business climate.

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