Fender named NDSU Research Foundation executive director

Chris Fender has been named executive director of the NDSU Research Foundation. In this role, he will collaborate with campus and industry partners to develop and champion a shared vision supporting commercialization and economic development for NDSU researchers. Fender begins his new role on August 24, 2026.

Fender’s appointment was approved by the NDSU Research Foundation Board of Directors and he will be a member of the Research and Creative Activity leadership team, reporting to interim NDSU Vice President for Research and Creative Activity Heidi Grunwald.

Fender has served as senior manager for group strategy at plant breeding and seed company KWS Group; director of the Office of Technology Management & Industry Relations at the University of Missouri; and research associate at Monsanto Company. He holds a master’s degree in plant breeding and genetics from the University of Missouri.

"There is tremendous momentum at NDSU and across North Dakota's innovation ecosystem,” said Fender. “I'm excited to collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to help move their innovations from discovery to real-world impact."

“Chris brings more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of science, IP, and strategic partnerships,” said NDSU interim Vice President of Research and Creative Activity Heidi Grunwald. “He has led licensing deals, built portfolio systems, and designed frameworks that turned ideas into impact. Although his background is in plant breeding and genetics, his experience spans agriculture, food tech, life sciences, and biomedical innovation. At NDSU, he will oversee the full lifecycle of technology transfer and engage with the NDSURF Board. We are excited for him to get started and to play a major role in the ND innovation ecosystem, helping boost ND economic development.”

Established in 1989, the NDSU Research Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organization that facilitates the transfer of scientific discoveries, technologies, products and processes from NDSU to the marketplace.