Williston North Dakota Showcases Cutting-Edge Innovation at Tech & UAS Summit

I have to admit, I think this is just plain neat.

We've only begun to scratch the surface of what's possible with drones, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies. While these innovations may sound like something straight out of a science fiction movie, they're already being used right here in North Dakota to improve healthcare, agriculture, public safety, energy production, and much more.

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Technology Leaders Bring AI, Virtual Reality, and Innovation to Williston's Tech Summit

As part of its annual Economic Development Week celebration, Williston Economic Development (WED) has announced the lineup for the 2026 Tech & UAS Summit, set for Thursday, June 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Williston State College Healthcare Training Facility.

The free event will feature two separate tracks: a Technology Summit Track and a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Summit Track. Together, they will offer attendees a firsthand look at how technology is reshaping industries across the region.

The Tech Summit Track features companies that are pushing innovation in several sectors. CareerViewXR uses immersive 360-degree virtual tours and virtual reality experiences to help students and job seekers explore careers and workplaces. Verdethos is working to modernize supply chain collaboration through automation and sustainability-focused solutions for industries like agriculture and energy.

Healthcare innovation will also be on display through SMARTCharts, an AI-powered rehabilitation platform designed to help clinicians, patients, and families better understand therapy progress. Another featured company, Keepwith, focuses on creating more meaningful and secure human connections through technology and research-backed tools.

Read More: What We Learned At The 2026 State of The City Address In Williston

Williston ED Drones

Williston ED Drones

Meanwhile, the UAS Summit Track highlights the growing impact of drone technology in western North Dakota.

• ISight Drone Services uses drones to gather valuable data and imagery for agriculture, infrastructure inspections, wildlife management, insurance claims, and emergency services. The Williston Police Department will share how its drone program assists with search and rescue operations, SWAT deployments, and monitoring emergencies such as wildfires and structure fires.
• Drone One brings aerial imaging solutions to industries including oil and gas, construction, real estate, and workplace safety. Energy company ONEOK has incorporated drones into pipeline inspections, methane monitoring, and environmental restoration efforts.
• Master of None specializes in drone-based aerial spraying, seeding, and inspection services for agriculture, pipelines, municipal projects, and energy operations. Attendees will also hear from the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, one of only seven FAA-designated drone testing sites in the nation. The organization works alongside the Federal Aviation Administration and industry partners to safely integrate unmanned aircraft into the national airspace system.

The summit highlights how Williston continues to position itself as a regional leader in technology and innovation. Whether you're interested in healthcare, farming, energy, education, or public safety, there's something fascinating to learn.

Registration is free, and lunch will be provided. For the full agenda, speaker bios, and registration details, visit the event page at Williston Economic Development Events Page.

If the future of technology interests you even a little, this looks like an event worth checking out. After all, the innovations being discussed today may soon become tools we use every day.