UND, Vorbeck sign memorandum of understanding

Eric Hylden / Grand Forks Herald By Delaney Otto Today at 1:14 PM Listen Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? GRAND FORKS — An official partnership between the University of North Dakota and a Maryland-based company known for producing signal technologies and firefighting foam free of so-called "forever chemicals" is more than just a transactional business deal, said Sen. Kevin Cramer. The relationship between UND and Vorbeck Materials is synergistic, said Cramer, R-N.D. ADVERTISEMENT “There are lots of places that can do the science, there are lots of places that have the academic rigor and the interest and facilities and access to all the stuff, and there are a lot of companies that can produce these things," he said. “But the relationship is more than those two things. That’s what’s so cool about the University of North Dakota. That’s what’s cool about the culture at Vorbeck. That’s what I think brings us together today.” UND and Vorbeck signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday, Nov. 4, during the UND Space Operations Summit. Scott Snyder, vice president for research and economic development, said the relationship between UND and Vorbeck started about two years ago. The MOU is an agreement for the two to work together to share resources with one another and find common projects in material science. “These projects can apply to space, they may apply to the great UAS work that we’ve really built our organization on, it may apply to other areas of national security and things that are just good for everyday life,” he said. Vorbeck opened a new facility in Grand Forks in May after looking for a place to manufacture its firefighting foam. In June, it finalized a multimillion-dollar contract with the Defense Logistics Agency supporting the development and adoption of Vorbeck’s PFAS-free firefighting foam technology. PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are harmful chemicals used in materials like firefighting foam, carpet treatments and non-stick cookware. John Lettow, president and CEO of Vorbeck, said the company has had relationships with universities before. It was founded with technology licensed from Princeton University, which Vorbeck shares “dozens” of patents with. He said UND was “a wonderful sort of revelation coming to Grand Forks.” “When you find a university that combines that sort of academic excellence with the practical, then you know that’s someone you want to work with,” he said. “We knew the university. We didn’t know how strong it was, and so that has been a terrific upside for businesses in this area.” ADVERTISEMENT Cramer said one of UND’s strengths is an innovation culture and entrepreneurial spirit. What UND and Vorbeck do is impressive, he said, and he predicts that they’re going to each figure out something else that’s more impressive from this partnership. “To have relationships like we have here with this company and this university … it’s problem solving before the next problem,” he said. “And what excites me is a synergy that sees around the corner, that sees the next problem before it’s a problem, and starts solving for that. That’s a little bit of my dream for this relationship.” Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA BUSINESS By Delaney Otto Otto is the University of North Dakota reporter for the Grand Forks Herald. Listen to this article Conversation ADVERTISEMENT What To Read Next Local Teen Dungeons and Dragons clubs in Greater Grand Forks promoting socialization and teamwork 1d ago · By Jordan Rusche Local Future of air warfare includes merger of manned and unmanned aircraft 1d ago · By Delaney Otto Local Nielsville man dies in rural Polk County crash 2d ago ADVERTISEMENT Get Local Must Reads Minnesota Crookston library to host weather workshop 7h ago · By Staff reports Arts and Entertainment UND to present ‘Barefoot in the Park’ at Burtness Theatre 7h ago · By Pamela Knudson Community Today in History: Nov. 9, 2001 - Class A state girls baskeball tourney shows off 'new world' 13h ago · By Staff reports Prep Sunday's local scoreboard for Nov. 8 17h ago · By Tom Miller