The North Dakota Department of Commerce has opened applications for the state’s Legacy Investment for Technology, or LIFT, loan program, with submissions due April 23.
State officials said the program continues to play a key role in helping North Dakota companies commercialize intellectual property and expand innovation-driven businesses across the state.
“We are grateful to the committee members serving on the LIFT board offering their time and expertise for North Dakota companies commercializing IP,” said Shayden Akason, head of investments and innovation at Commerce. “LIFT continues to support companies driving innovation-led economic development diversification and strengthening North Dakota’s job creation and retention across the state.”
The LIFT program is designed to support technology advancement by providing financing for companies working to commercialize intellectual property in North Dakota. Loan funds can be used to build capacity and, when possible, leverage additional state, federal, and private investment.
Commerce administers the program in partnership with the Bank of North Dakota. Loan terms include 0% interest for the first three years, 2% interest for the following two years, and then a standard Bank of North Dakota loan rate in subsequent years.
Since the program began, LIFT has recommended $47.5 million in funding for North Dakota companies working to bring new technologies and products to market.
Among the companies recommended for LIFT awards in October 2025 were Levridge, a Fargo-based agriculture technology company that develops agronomy, grain, and patronage software, which was recommended for a $400,000 award; Muskox, a Grand Forks company that developed a skid-steer attachment with four-axis flexibility, recommended for $1 million; and Protosthetics, a Fargo medical device company producing custom 3D-printed orthotics and prosthetics, recommended for $250,000.
In March 2026, Tactical Brands, a LaMoure-based company commercializing a product for the apiary industry, was recommended for a $100,000 LIFT award.
The program is open to North Dakota companies in a range of sectors, including advanced computing and data management, agriculture technology, autonomous and unmanned systems, energy, health care, value-added agriculture, value-added energy, and other areas identified as helping diversify the state’s economy.
By BSBH Staff