FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Update, October 2026: This release originally named ReSpark Innovations as the program participant. The company selected for gBETA Grand Forks was Chemi-Sense Systems Corporation, which was discovered and de-risked at ReSpark Innovations and spun out of ReSpark in May 2026.
Fargo, North Dakota, March 28, 2026. Chemi-Sense Systems Corporation, a field chemical test kit company that was discovered and de-risked at ReSpark Innovations LLC, today announced its acceptance into the gener8tor gBETA Grand Forks accelerator program, a startup program designed to accelerate early-stage company growth and investor readiness.
Chemi-Sense Systems was selected as one of a limited number of startups to participate in the gBETA Grand Forks cohort, which admits up to five companies per program from a competitive applicant pool, resulting in less than 3% of applicants accepted. The seven-week, no-cost accelerator provides intensive mentorship, business development support, and access to a national network of investors, corporate partners, and experienced entrepreneurs.
“We are honored to be selected for gBETA Grand Forks and to join the gener8tor network,” said Rick Sugden, CEO of Chemi-Sense Systems. “This program represents a powerful opportunity to accelerate customer traction and pilot conversion, strengthen our go-to-market strategy and positioning, while improving investor readiness and scale planning.”
Chemi-Sense came out of ReSpark Innovations, which was founded to bridge the gap between research and real-world application and focuses on identifying, developing, and commercializing emerging technologies in the oil, gas, and water infrastructure sectors. The company’s mission is to ensure promising innovations do not stall due to lack of industry access, but instead are transformed into practical, field-ready solutions that improve operational efficiency and infrastructure reliability.
ReSpark’s platform connects researchers, operators, and industry stakeholders to bring advanced technologies out of the lab and into active deployment. Its first technology, Chemi-Sense, is a set of field sensors that screen corrosion-related water chemistry and inhibitor residuals, enabling faster and more cost-effective decision-making in the field.
Participation in gBETA will provide Chemi-Sense Systems with individualized coaching and mentorship from gener8tor’s nationally ranked accelerator team, along with structured programming such as “Lunch & Learns,” mentor sessions, and investor pitch opportunities. The program also offers access to more than $1 million in perks and deals from major technology providers, as well as ongoing post-program support.
The gBETA program is part of gener8tor’s broader effort to support high-growth startups and strengthen regional innovation ecosystems. With operations in dozens of communities and a track record of helping startups secure billions in follow-on funding, gener8tor provides founders with the tools, connections, and resources needed to scale their businesses.
“Being part of gBETA aligns perfectly with our vision of accelerating innovation in asset integrity,” said Ryan Sikes, Chief Commercial Officer of Chemi-Sense Systems. “We are building a repeatable commercialization engine that transforms overlooked or early-stage research into scalable technologies that operators can rely on. The beginning of demonstrating our unique approach is the launching of the Chemi-Sense System. This program will help us move faster and further in achieving that goal.”
Chemi-Sense Systems joins a growing network of startups supported by gener8tor programs across North Dakota, including initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, creating jobs, and driving economic growth in the region.
The gBETA Grand Forks program will culminate in a public pitch event, where participating companies present their progress to investors, community leaders, and industry stakeholders.
About Chemi-Sense Systems
Chemi-Sense Systems Corporation makes field chemical test kits for oil and gas asset integrity. It was discovered and de-risked at ReSpark Innovations LLC and spun out of ReSpark in May 2026 under the same ownership and management team.
About ReSpark Innovations
ReSpark Innovations LLC is an asset integrity technology company based in Fargo, North Dakota. The company specializes in advancing and commercializing emerging technologies for the energy asset integrity sector, with a focus on corrosion monitoring, pipeline integrity, and infrastructure reliability. By bridging the gap between research and real-world application, ReSpark Innovations helps bring high-impact solutions to market.
About gener8tor gBETA
gBETA is a free, seven-week accelerator program operated by gener8tor that supports early-stage startups through mentorship, coaching, and investor connections. The program is designed to help companies achieve rapid growth and prepare for fundraising or entry into investment accelerators.
For immediate release March 28, 2026
