Introducing CoSearch NDSU
Students normally get all the fun. Pitch competitions, accelerators and startup weekends encourage students to test ideas and launch businesses. But what about faculty and researchers?
Here at North Dakota State University (NDSU), we thought it was time the researchers got in on the fun. That’s why we’re excited to announce CoSearch NDSU.
On April 12 and 13th, researchers will have 30 hours to share a research idea, hone the idea with an interdisciplinary team they meet at the event and pitch the idea to a panel of judges who will fund the winners. Register now to claim your spot.
The first 30 spots are free. No team or existing idea is needed to participate. Join and you will find a team and create in idea at the event.
Why CoSearch NDSU?
CoSearch was originally launched at Texas State by NDSU-alum Michael Burns. As Burns puts it:
We believe that many of the world’s problems could be solved by universities but they just need a way to jump-start the interdisciplinary process and a creative environment do it in. We simply had to turn the research process into a research experience.
Here at NDSU, I’ve spent the first month as Director of Entrepreneurial Initiatives listening. I’ve realized there are entrepreneurial efforts and creative professors and researchers all over campus. If we can get them in the same room to share ideas, we could see some interesting outcomes.
CoSearch NDSU is one way to get our researchers from across campus together to work together. It’s also a way to connect campus and the community. The event itself will be hosted through a partnership with Emerging Prairie, the Research and Tech Park and the Office of Research and Creative Activity.
The Farm of the Future
This spring’s CoSearch NDSU will have the broad theme: The Farm of the Future. There are obvious opportunities for agriculture, engineering and UAS research.
We are also excited for researchers from areas such as law, ethics, philosophy, communications, business and more to bring their perspectives on how our communities and state look and function as farms transform in the coming decades.
The best part of CoSearch is that teams are formed the first afternoon, and will be made up of interdisciplinary teams. Come with or without an idea, but be ready to add your expertise to a research proposal. A variety of backgrounds and perspectives will help improve the proposals.
The CoSearch NDSU Schedule
CoSearch begins Friday at 1 p.m. at the NDSU Research Park as we share research ideas and break into teams. The event ends Saturday at 4 p.m. at Elevate in downtown Fargo as we pitch our research proposals to a panel of judges and audience members. Claim your spot now to join.
Here’s what you can expect:
Friday, April 12– Research Park
12:30 Doors Open/ Registration
1:00 Welcome and Kickoff
1:30 Pitches of research ideas
3:00 Teams Start
5:00 Idea Updates & Challenges
5:45 Dinner and Work with Mentors
7:50 Reminders / Clean-Up
8:00 Doors Close
Saturday, April 13 — Research Park
8:30 Coffee and pastries
9:00 Kickoff Day 2
9:30 Teams continue working on their projects
11:30 Return to main room to get lunch for Working Lunch
12:00 Begin Breakdown & Clean-Up
12:30–2:30 Presentation/Creative Coaches arrive and help groups
2:30–3:30 Final Presentation Prep
Saturday, April 13 — Elevate, 210 Broadway N, Fargo, ND 58102
4:00 Arrival at Elevate (Guests welcome — tickets here!)
4:30–6:00 Welcome and Pitches
6:00–8:00 Party continues at Elevate
Entrepreneurial Researcher and Faculty
When universities talk about innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship, they are usually talking about programs and opportunities for their students. I’m excited to challenge our faculty and researchers to also think about how they can be more innovative in their work.
CoSearch is the perfect opportunity to take a new, collaborative approach to researching important topics that impact North Dakota. Join us in April as a participant or audience member as we launch research initiatives and make new connections across the NDSU community.
