The Technology Department recently hosted their Annual Technology Symposium on March 31st from 4:00—8:00 p.m., at the Chester Fritz Auditorium.

The 2nd Annual Technology Symposium introduced the topic of “Innovation and the Process of Turning Ideas into Marketable Successes.” The symposium was interactive and integrative with College of Business and Public Administration faculty, staff, students, and alumni participating to solve a common problem.

Three key individuals who guided participants during the Symposium were: Evan Anderson, who is a Department of Technology alumni and owner of Innovative Solutions in Bismarck, he also discussed innovation including its goals and outcomes; Bruce Gjovig, Entrepreneur Coach & Director of UND’s Center for Innovation, who talked about business startup, including business plans and finances; and, Craig Silvernagel, Entrepreneurship Director & Lecturer in UND’s Department of Entrepreneurship, who covered marketing, including brand development and product value.

During the Symposium, participants learned about innovation and the process of turning ideas into marketable successes, and where then organized into teams to compete for the “best solution to the problem".Each team had student facilitators to keep them on task, answer questions, and provide general assistance.

The Technology Symposium is sponsored by the Department of Technology, a place where students enter in the pursuit of knowledge and leave as critical thinkers, creative problem solvers, and future leaders.