Workshops & Continuing Education

Startup Weekend Bootcamp to Be Held Nov. 1–2 at NSU

Desiree Kolb — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 15:40:56 +0000

Startup Weekend Bootcamp to Be Held Nov. 1–2 at NSU

Desiree Kolb Wed, 10/22/2025 - 10:40

ABERDEEN, S.D. – The 91��Ƭ�� Innovation and Startup Center will host a CO.STARTERS Bootcamp on Nov. 1–2 at the NSU Library.

This hands-on, two-day workshop is designed for busy founders who want a fast-paced opportunity to work on their business. Over the course of 12 focused hours, participants will step away from the daily grind to explore strategy, creativity, and growth—working alongside peers, experienced facilitators, and local founders who will share their stories and insights.

“Startup Weekend is all about giving founders the time and space to actually work on a business idea they may have been thinking about for years,”said Bea Smith, director of the 91��Ƭ�� Innovation and Startup Center. “this free Bootcamp is designed to help them work on their business, dedicating 12 focused hours to strategy, creativity, and growth.”

During the bootcamp, participants will identify their customers, refine their concepts, and develop a business model that is practical and sustainable. Whether starting from scratch or improving an existing idea, the event provides useful tools, real-time feedback, and a supportive network to help founders move forward with confidence.

The workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and covers four main areas:

Part 1: Discover – Understand your business model and how to refine it.
• Cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset
• Building your business model using the Lean Canvas
• Refining your model with customer discovery
• Refining your model through starting small

Part 2: Promote – Learn how to market your business.
• Building relationships through marketing
• Crafting your message
• Choosing your marketing channels
• Developing your “pitch”

Part 3: Build – Explore the foundational steps of financial modeling.
• Distributing your product or service
• Knowing your value (before you set your price)
• Understanding your costs
• Calculating a break-even point

Part 4: Launch – Build momentum by setting clear goals and a plan for success.
• Setting priorities that align with your business vision
• Identifying 30-, 60-, and 90-day milestones
• Creating SMART goals to stay focused
• Developing a plan to track progress and maintain accountability

The CO.STARTERS Bootcamp is led by the 91��Ƭ�� Innovation and Startup Center.
For registration and additional information, visit 91��Ƭ��startupcenter.com or email startup@91��Ƭ��.edu.

Samantha Wipf Wins Aberdeen Idea Pitch Competition with Optimal Performance

Chad Hatzenbuhler — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:42:39 +0000

Samantha Wipf Wins Aberdeen Idea Pitch Competition with Optimal Performance

Chad Hatzenbuhler Wed, 07/02/2025 - 10:42

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Samantha Wipf was named the winner of the Aberdeen Idea Pitch Competition, hosted by the 91��Ƭ�� Innovation and Startup Center and Aberdeen Development Corporation.

With more than 30 business pitches submitted and five finalists presenting at the competition finals, Wipf's business, Optimal Performance, stood out for its innovative approach to physical therapy. She will receive a $10,000 cash prize, sponsored by the Aberdeen Development Corporation.

"It feels awesome. I'm very appreciative," Wipf said after the announcement. "I feel like I've worked very hard on this pitch. All the others did so well. And it's so fun.

"The prize money is going to give me a great boost to help expand and bring on another therapist and just make care more accessible in Aberdeen and in the rural communities," she said.

Optimal Performance offers one-on-one physical therapy services, specializing in orthopedics, sports and pelvic health. The business features unique manual techniques, such as cupping and dry needling, to accelerate recovery. Additionally, the clinic provides advanced recovery tools, including compression and contrast therapy, with access to an infrared sauna and cold tub.

"We're a little bit different at Optimal Performance. We are a private clinic, which means that we are working for the client and with the client, rather than that secondary insurance system dictating what we can and can't do," Wipf explained. "I get one hour — a lot of times more than one hour — directly with my clients. We can chat more, get a personalized plan of care, and cover multiple issues in one visit — whether it's knee pain, headaches or neck pain."

The other finalists who presented at the pitch competition were surprised when Tim Hanigan, CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation, announced that the other four finalists would receive $1,000 to help with their entrepreneurial journey. Those finalists include Robin Niewenhuis with Frodo, Shaun McNeely with Mattress Medic Mobile, Jonah Schmidt with TopDown Drone Services, and Samantha St. Clair and Nicholas Tucker with Sunrise Greens LLC.

"This year's finalist event surpassed any expectation we may have had," said Bea Smith, director of the 91��Ƭ�� Innovation and Startup Center. "It was inspiring to witness five finalists take the stage to pitch their innovative ideas. The community's support for the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northeast South Dakota was evident, with more than 100 attendees celebrating these visionary entrepreneurs."

Tim Hanigan, CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation, echoed the excitement: "It was an awesome experience. The judges faced a tough decision choosing among the finalists, underscoring the high caliber of ideas presented. We're committed to supporting these entrepreneurs as they navigate the next phases of their business journeys."

The competition highlights the strength of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Aberdeen, which continues to foster growth and innovation, helping local businesses like Optimal Performance expand their reach and impact.

For more information about the Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition and upcoming entrepreneurial events, visit 91��Ƭ��startupcenter.com.

91��Ƭ�� Honors student accepted to law school through collaboration program

Katherine Haas — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 17:41:55 +0000

91��Ƭ�� Honors student accepted to law school through collaboration program

Katherine Haas Fri, 01/12/2024 - 11:41

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University student Kara Sinar has been accepted to law school through the Honors Law Opportunity Program (HLOP). Sinar will graduate in May 2024 with a major in English and a double minor in theatre and philosophy. Originally from Casper, Wyoming, Sinar has been an Aberdeen resident for over a decade.

The program is a collaboration between 91��Ƭ�� and the University of South Dakota, with the intent to help grow the number of committed, talented lawyers in northeast South Dakota.
HLOP guarantees admission for up to five 91��Ƭ�� Honors Program students into the USD Knudson School of Law.

Sinar did not originally plan to have a career as a lawyer.

“I originally planned to edit professionally, and I found that contract law gave me a narrower focus to do a similar thing. Choosing the right words–expressing oneself clearly and effectively–is incredibly important for legal writings and communications, and I believe that I will be well equipped to help people and businesses navigate the realm of contracts when I become a practicing attorney,” Sinar said.

Sinar became interested in law after a semester studying abroad.

“When an English language class I had originally intended to take was cancelled, I ended up taking a class in international law at Dankook University in Yongin, South Korea. The professor was amazing; I found that I really enjoyed the material and that I had a knack for it,” Sinar said.

The partnership with USD is in its third year and seven students have been accepted in the program.

“HLOP is a great opportunity for our students who are interested in law school. Through this program, 91��Ƭ�� Honors alumni are creating a nice cohort at the USD Knudson School of Law, and we look forward to seeing more 91��Ƭ�� students utilize this program,” said Kristi Bockorny, director of the Honors program and associate professor of management.

To qualify for HLOP, 91��Ƭ�� students must:

Be admitted into the Honors Program.
Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 and ACT score in the 80th percentile (26 or above on the ACT or SAT equivalent).
Demonstrate strong academic achievement and a personal commitment to building South Dakota communities.

HLOP and Honors are just a couple of the opportunities 91��Ƭ�� provides students.

“My time at 91��Ƭ�� and with the Honors Program has given me opportunities beyond 91��Ƭ�� itself,” Sinar said. “I am incredibly grateful for the time I have spent here and for the unique ways in which it has prepared me to further my education and to pursue a career in law.”

Honors Program

The 91��Ƭ�� Honors Program began in 1983 and has risen to national recognition. To graduate In Honoribus, students are required to complete an original Honors thesis and pass an oral defense in front of faculty. 91��Ƭ�� Honors students have had success presenting their thesis research nationally, with students placing highly at the National Collegiate Honors Conference three years in a row.

For more information about the HLOP and Honors Program, contact Bockorny at Kristi.Bockorny@91��Ƭ��.edu.

First annual tech summit to feature AI trailblazers

Katherine Haas — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 14:58:36 +0000

First annual tech summit to feature AI trailblazers

Katherine Haas Wed, 10/18/2023 - 09:58

ABERDEEN, S.D. – With nearly 20 speakers from an array of industries and backgrounds, there’s something for everyone, entrepreneur or not, at the first annual Technology and Entrepreneurship Summit, hosted by 91��Ƭ�� Innovation and Startup Center and the Aberdeen Development Corporation.

“Regardless of if you are an entrepreneur or interested in technology, you should attend this summit,” said Michael Bockorny, chief executive officer of the Aberdeen Development Corporation. “The lineup of presenters and the subjects they cover will be of value to anyone, no matter where you are in your business journey.”

Bea Smith, Director of 91��Ƭ�� Innovation and Startup Center, hopes the summit will encourage the community to embrace technology and offer insight into the best ways to use new technology.

“The speakers and topics will inspire innovation, creativity, and adaptability which are important to all businesses and organizations,” said Smith.

The event is Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Johnson Fine Arts Center and will focus on the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship.

“Entrepreneurial thinking is crucial for existing businesses and organizations to remain relevant, competitive, and sustainable,” said 91��Ƭ�� State University President Neal Schnoor. “An entrepreneurial mindset is essential in today's dynamic and competitive environment. It enables organizations to identify and capitalize on opportunities, manage risks, and foster a culture of innovation and adaptability.”

The summit will feature insightful discussions, networking opportunities and engaging presentations by tech experts, as well as successful entrepreneurs.

The opening speaker will address the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity. Kyla Guru, CEO/Founder of Bits N’ Bytes Cybersecurity Education, will provide a toolkit of resources for others looking to enter the cyber field, having started in the field herself at the age of 14 and worked in threat intelligence, security operations, and red teaming. Guru will cover the pros and cons of AI, such as its potential use for threat emulation and reconnaissance, as well as disinformation campaigns and deepfake technology, which disproportionately impacts women and marginalized populations.

Throughout the day, there will be several panel discussions. The topics will include podcasts, women entrepreneurs and using technology to take a business to the next level, Smith said.

Dr. Radhika Dirks, co-founder and CEO of XLabs and Ribo AI, is the keynote speaker. Dirks has been a trailblazer in the use of AI from enhancing human cognition to discovering novel pharmaceuticals and automating scientific experiments. No one is better equipped than Radhika Dirks to answer both the big questions and the practical considerations about generative AI. She’s been a crucial voice in the AI conversation for years, was named to Deloitte’s top women in the AI world, and has been featured everywhere from Fast Company to the BBC. She founded and leads the only other moonshot factory that exists outside of Google. Radhika was also a founding member of Shell’s $1.5 billion venture capital group and was COO of Rotary Gallop, a game theory-based fintech firm. Her work on quantum computing and Artificial Intelligence has been cited hundreds of times. She holds a doctorate in quantum computing and a master's in nanotechnology from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Tickets are available online at 91��Ƭ��startupcenter.com/summit for $50 per tickets. There is a discount for groups of four or more.

About the 91��Ƭ�� Innovation and Startup Center

The 91��Ƭ�� Innovation and Startup Center was created in 2022 in partnership with the Aberdeen Development Corporation. The Center’s goal is to build a rural tech startup ecosystem by working with innovators, nonprofits, and rural communities to create more digital jobs in northeastern South Dakota and launch tech startups.

Learn more about the Center and see other upcoming events at 91��Ƭ��startupcenter.com.

About the Aberdeen Development Corporation

The Aberdeen Development Corporation is a private nonprofit corporation with the mission to advance Aberdeen and the northeast South Dakota region for all. Business retention, expansion and job growth are critical for creating a vibrant and thriving community. They leverage resources to make Aberdeen the South Dakota choice for people and businesses. Their primary areas of focus are business development, business expansion and business retention.

Schedule of Events

9 a.m. – Opening speaker
- The Role of AI in Cybersecurity
  - Kyla Guru, Bits N’ Bytes Cybersecurity Education
10 a.m. – Breakout Sessions
- She Means Business: Empowering Female Entrepreneurship
  - Grace Kramer, eqiUTI
  - Katie Washnok, Blackout Industries
  - Kelly Brandlee, Back Forty Beef & Adventure Farms
- Navigating the AI Landscape – Q&A with Dr. Radhika Dirks
  - Radhika Dirks, XLabs & Ribo AI
11 a.m. – Breakout Sessions
- Technology in Arts and Design: Applying the Entrepreneurship Toolset to an Artist’s Studio
  - Daniel Kariko, School of Art and Design at East Carolina University
- The Digital Revolution: The Power of Podcasts
  - Tommy Defea & Tanner Baird, Massenomics Podcast
  - Katie Washnok & Brodie Mueller, Micropolitan Podcast
  - Franne Sippel & Becky Kuch, Shrink Rap Podcast
Noon – Lunch / Keynote Speaker
- The Rage of AI, The Megatrends Shaping the Future of Intelligence and Business
  - Radhika Dirks, XLabs & Ribo AI
2 p.m. – Breakout Sessions
- The Golden Age of Innovation: How AI and new apps are rapidly spawning startups.
  - Mike Vetter, Wildfire Labs
- Is Building a Successful Tech Company Actually About the Technology?
  - Karla Santi, Blend Interactive
3 p.m. – Disrupting Industries: The Impact of Entrepreneurship
- Lance Tschetter, Lankota
- Annie Donaway, Modern Day Health Care
- Amos and Carly Kolb, Co-Studio Bismarck