UND, Vorbeck Materials Sign Research Partnership

The University of North Dakota and Vorbeck Materials agreed to share resources and pursue joint projects in material science.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Chemistry

UND, Vorbeck Materials Sign Research Partnership

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The University of North Dakota and Vorbeck Materials signed a memorandum of understanding on November 4 during the UND Space Operations Summit. The agreement aims to share resources and identify common projects in material science.

Why it matters

The partnership builds on a relationship of about two years and follows Vorbeck's May opening of a Grand Forks facility to manufacture its firefighting foam. For Grand Forks, it ties a local university more closely to a materials company with a growing local footprint.

The available information is a signed memorandum of understanding, which sets out intent rather than measured results. No funding amounts or project deliverables were disclosed, and the specific research areas remain to be defined.

The players

University of North Dakota

A public research university in Grand Forks, North Dakota, known for its aerospace and space-related programs.

Vorbeck Materials

A Maryland-headquartered materials company that licenses technology originally developed at Princeton University and produces PFAS-free firefighting foam.

Kevin Cramer

A United States senator from North Dakota who presided over the signing at the UND Space Operations Summit.

The details

U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer presided over the signing at the UND Space Operations Summit. Vorbeck Materials, headquartered in Maryland and founded with technology licensed from Princeton University, separately finalized a multimillion-dollar Defense Logistics Agency contract in June supporting its PFAS-free firefighting foam.

About two years before the signing, UND and Vorbeck Materials began their relationship.
In May, Vorbeck Materials opened its new Grand Forks facility.
In June, Vorbeck finalized its Defense Logistics Agency contract.
On Wednesday, November 4, the memorandum of understanding was signed.

Big Picture

Vorbeck's PFAS-free firefighting foam, backed by a Defense Logistics Agency contract, anchors the company's expansion. The memorandum with UND extends that technology base into material science and possible space and unmanned aircraft work.

For Grand Forks residents, a deeper research tie between UND and a local materials manufacturer could bring new jobs and training pathways. Any resulting firefighting or space-related technology would reach the public only after development and adoption.

The takeaway

Academic and industry partnerships like this one can turn a university's research strengths into local manufacturing and national security work. Readers following the story should watch for announced project details and funding terms that would show how the agreement moves forward.