Minnesota Cup

Minnesota Cup is a prestigious annual competition that showcases the best of Minnesota's entrepreneurial spirit, with participants from University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, and St. Paul. The competition is presented by the University of Minnesota and the Carlson School of Management, in partnership with 3M, Ecolab, and Land O'Lakes. It aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the state, with support from organizations like Minnesota High Tech Association, Medical Alley Association, and Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

Introduction

The Minnesota Cup is a unique platform that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts from across the state, including Twin Cities, Duluth, and Rochester. The competition is designed to promote entrepreneurship and innovation, with a focus on Minnesota State University, Mankato, University of Minnesota Duluth, and St. Cloud State University. It provides a platform for startups and early-stage companies to showcase their ideas, products, and services, with guidance from mentors like Richard Schulze, Best Buy founder, and Glen Nelson, Medtronic co-founder. The competition is open to participants from all over Minnesota, including Bloomington, Plymouth, and Eagan.

History

The Minnesota Cup was first launched in 2005 by University of Minnesota and Carlson School of Management, with support from Governor Tim Pawlenty and Senator Amy Klobuchar. Since its inception, the competition has grown in popularity, with increasing participation from entrepreneurs and startups across the state, including Minneapolis Institute of Art, Walker Art Center, and Weisman Art Museum. The competition has been sponsored by various organizations, including Target Corporation, UnitedHealth Group, and U.S. Bank, with judging panels comprising experts from Mayo Clinic, 3M, and Ecolab. Over the years, the Minnesota Cup has become a premier event in the state's entrepreneurial calendar, with winners going on to achieve significant success, like Jamf, Code42, and When I Work.

Competition Format

The Minnesota Cup competition is divided into several divisions, including Energy/Clean Tech, Food/Agriculture/Beverage, Health IT, Impact Ventures, Life Science/Healthcare, High Tech, and Youth Entrepreneurship. Each division has its own set of judges, comprising experts from University of Minnesota, Minnesota State University, Mankato, and St. Olaf College. The competition involves a series of rounds, including a preliminary round, a semifinal round, and a final round, with participants from Twin Cities Startup Week, Minnesota Startup Weekend, and 1 Million Cups. The winners of each division are awarded cash prizes and receive mentorship and support from organizations like Minnesota Angel Network, Groove Capital, and Rise of the Rest.

Past Winners

Past winners of the Minnesota Cup include Rebiotix, Zipnosis, and PeopleNet, which have gone on to achieve significant success and recognition, with support from Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Minnesota Trade Office, and Greater MSP. Other notable winners include Gravie, LeadPages, and When I Work, which have received funding from investors like Khosla Ventures, Foundry Group, and Bessemer Venture Partners. The competition has also recognized entrepreneurs like Scott Oliverson, John Puckett, and Katie Rybakova, who have made significant contributions to the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem, with partnerships like Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal, Twin Cities Business, and Minnesota Public Radio.

Impact and Legacy

The Minnesota Cup has had a significant impact on the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem, with many winners going on to create successful businesses and jobs, in collaboration with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, University of Minnesota Extension, and Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The competition has also helped to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the state, with support from organizations like Minnesota High Tech Association, Medical Alley Association, and Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. The Minnesota Cup has been recognized as one of the top entrepreneurial competitions in the country, with awards from National Science Foundation, Kauffman Foundation, and Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. It continues to be a premier event in the state's entrepreneurial calendar, with participation from entrepreneurs and startups across the state, including Duluth Entrepreneurship Conference, Minnesota Entrepreneurship Conference, and Twin Cities Startup Week.

Organization and Partners

The Minnesota Cup is organized by the University of Minnesota and the Carlson School of Management, in partnership with various organizations, including 3M, Ecolab, and Land O'Lakes. The competition is sponsored by a range of organizations, including Target Corporation, UnitedHealth Group, and U.S. Bank, with support from Minnesota State University, Mankato, St. Cloud State University, and University of St. Thomas. The Minnesota Cup also partners with various entrepreneurial organizations, including Minnesota Angel Network, Groove Capital, and Rise of the Rest, to provide mentorship and support to participants, in collaboration with Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal, Twin Cities Business, and Minnesota Public Radio. The competition is judged by a panel of experts from various industries, including Mayo Clinic, 3M, and Ecolab, with winners recognized at an annual awards ceremony, hosted by University of Minnesota and Carlson School of Management. Category:Entrepreneurship