Emerging Prairie is excited to announce the recipients of its 2025 1 Million Thanks Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact in the startup, innovation, and technology ecosystems in our region. These awards highlight leaders whose dedication and work inspire and energize communities across North Dakota and beyond.
This year’s honorees include:
U.S. SENATOR JOHN HOEVEN
Lifetime Impact Award
This prestigious award honors individuals whose impact has left a lasting legacy in North Dakota and beyond.
Emerging Prairie is proud to present U.S. Senator John Hoeven with the Lifetime Impact Award for his enduring dedication to innovation and agriculture in North Dakota. Senator Hoeven has been a steadfast supporter of Emerging Prairie and Grand Farm, playing a pivotal role in advancing the AgTech sector and positioning North Dakota as a global leader in agricultural innovation.
From inviting Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to launch the Grand Farm Test Site in 2019 to hosting the U.S. Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee Field Hearing at the Grand Farm Innovation Shop in 2024, Senator Hoeven has championed efforts to bring national attention to North Dakota’s innovation ecosystem. His work to foster collaboration among Grand Farm, North Dakota State University, and the USDA Agricultural Research Service has accelerated groundbreaking research and development.
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Ecosystem Champion Award
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has been a steadfast advocate for Emerging Prairie and the region’s startup, innovation, and technology ecosystems. As a national leader in fostering networks that support small businesses, the SBA has played a pivotal role in advancing our community’s goals. This includes facilitating SBA Administrator Guzman’s visit in the summer of 2024, which brought national attention to the region’s innovation and entrepreneurship efforts.
AGCOUNTRY FARM CREDIT SERVICES
Innovation Champion Award
AgCountry Farm Credit Services, a member-owned cooperative headquartered in Fargo, ND, has been a key driver of agricultural innovation in the Upper Midwest. They have played a significant role in connecting regional AgTech partners to new opportunities.
JARYD KRISHNAN, JOHN DEERE
Technology Community Champion Award
Jaryd Krishnan, a software engineer and tech community advocate, has made remarkable contributions to the Fargo-Moorhead tech ecosystem. As a mentor for Emerging Digital Academy and an advisory board member, Jaryd champions technology education and community growth, helping to shape the region’s next generation of tech leaders.
AIGEN
Startup of the Year Award
Founded in 2020, Aigen has revolutionized agriculture with their solar- and wind-powered autonomous robots for weeding and crop analysis. By deploying 50 Element robots across 420 acres, Aigen has showcased how innovative technology from outside the region can drive impactful partnerships and foster local agricultural growth.
