By Kenny Lee, Cofounder of Aigen
When we started Aigen, our mission was simple: build a sustainable, scalable solution to one of agriculture’s toughest challenges: herbicide-resistant weeds. What we didn’t anticipate was how a growing community in North Dakota would come to play such a pivotal role in that journey.
As someone who didn’t grow up in the Upper Midwest, I’ve been amazed at how this region welcomes both new people and new ideas. That spirit of openness and collaboration became clear the moment we connected with the Grand Farm team in 2021. What started as an introduction has grown into a meaningful partnership — one that’s accelerated our tech development, expanded our footprint, and most importantly, fostered lasting relationships.
Last week, I spent 2.5 days traveling across North Dakota, guided by Grand Farm cofounder Greg Tehven. From the House floor in Bismarck to field plots outside Fargo, it was an energizing 36 hours filled with conversations, insights, and a shared sense of momentum around agricultural innovation.
Here are a few highlights from the trip:
1. Welcomed as a guest on the North Dakota House floor by State Representative Mike Nathe
They know how to keep it fun and serious at the same time.
2. Early-morning breakfast with legislators who are also farmers
Where policy and agriculture go hand in hand!
3. Productive conversations with the ND Department of Commerce around incentives and manufacturing pathways.
4. Collaboration talks with Bismarck State College President Brent Sanford on addressing educational and workforce development needs.
5. Financial sector insights from meetings with Kelvin Hullet at Bank of North Dakota and Bernie Sinner of BankNorth.
(Did you know that BND is the nation’s only state-run bank?)
6. A collaborative lunch with the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation.
7. Time spent with leaders from CHS Inc., regional cooperatives, and the North Dakota Farmers Union to better understand grower needs.
8. And (of course) plenty of opportunities to connect with incredible local leaders over shared meals and dialogue.
What stood out across every meeting was the authenticity and hospitality of the people here. This is a state that doesn’t just talk about innovation: it creates the conditions for it to thrive.
Our journey with Grand Farm has exemplified that. From being welcomed into their field plot program to building relationships with NDSU researchers and accessing funding through state-supported initiatives, the partnership has helped us go from idea to impact. Today, we’re proud to be testing our solar-powered robotic weeders in the Red River Valley: a region whose farmers face real-world challenges we’re committed to helping solve.
The innovation, hospitality, and collaborative spirit across North Dakota continues to impress our team. There’s still a long road ahead, but if this visit reaffirmed anything, it’s that North Dakota isn’t just a place for agriculture — it’s a place for possibility.
