LaunchMN

Supporting entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds is central to Launch Minnesota's mission. Since the program's inception in 2019, Launch has awarded 64% of its funding to BIPOC-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned businesses, businesses in Greater Minnesota, and businesses owned by people with disabilities. "The Launch MN funding helped take our research further and extend our business resources toward critical initiatives like intellectual property protection," said Momease Solutions Founder Ashley Mooneyham, PhD. "Holistically, Launch MN also exposed us to a variety of resources that helped Momease grow, including MNSBIR, UMN Value Proposition, and Minnesota Cup, where Momease took home the 2024 Grand Prize and Top Women Owned Business Awards." Innovation Grants help early-stage businesses like Momease by equipping them with the resources needed to grow and thrive! https://lnkd.in/gYjnCkeG

In 2024, Launch Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded $1.5M to 54 startups. These companies are creating innovative solutions in clean energy, disease prevention, artificial intelligence, and other vital fields. Founders utilize these awards for research, development, and business operations expenses that help their early-stage businesses grow and flourish. "DEED has been incredibly impactful for CorRen Medical," said CorRen Medical Inc. President and CEO Mike McCormick. "[The Innovation Grant] came at a pivotal time, providing essential support to accelerate our early development efforts and enabling the company to reach new milestones." CorRen offers a hands-free ultrasound technology that screens for Peripheral Artery Disease. Guided by AI, CorRen says its test is easier to use, more accurate, and enables early detection and better patient outcomes. Launch Minnesota is proud to support companies like CorRen, and we look forward to continuing to assist our state's innovators in 2025!

BETA is accepting applications for its Spring cohort! The BETA accelerator is a free, non-dilutive accelerator program that provides founders with the education and resources needed to take their businesses to the next level. Learn more and apply today!

Launch Minnesota would like to congratulate XanthosHealth, an Innovation Grant recipient, on its $1.8M Phase II STTR award from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Founders Pinar Karaca-Mandic and David Haynes will use the funds to continue building ConnectedNest, a social care referral platform addressing the impact of the social determinants of health on individuals facing cancer. Congratulations to XanthosHealth on this exciting opportunity to expand its research and continue its mission! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gwzwJeg7

🍎 Attention educators! Are you passionate about empowering the next generation of innovators? Don’t miss our upcoming Higher Ed Network virtual meeting on Tuesday, December 17, at 2:00 p.m. This session will focus on two exciting topics: ✅ Undergraduate Exposure to Entrepreneurship, presented by Katherine Campbell, Ph.D. and Rahul Roy, Ph.D. from St. Catherine University ✅ The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education, presented by Tim Brunelle from Minneapolis College of Art and Design About the Network: Launch Minnesota's Higher Education Network connects over 40 partners from public and private colleges and universities across the state. Together, we're sharing best practices, fostering collaboration, and increasing engagement in local startup communities - all with the goal of strengthening Minnesota’s innovation ecosystem. This meeting is a fantastic opportunity to share insights, learn from peers, and shape the future of education and entrepreneurship in Minnesota. 📩 Learn more by contacting: launchminnesota@state.mn.us

🚀 Calling all innovators! This is your chance to secure funding and bring your novel solution to market through the NIH SBIR/STTR program! 💲 MNSBIR, Inc.'s cohort will guide participants through everything needed to submit a high-quality proposal, from preparation and research to budget justification. 📅 The cohort will run from January 14 - March 10, 2025. Applications are due January 10. It's free to apply and participate! Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/grKQknjW

Today is your last chance to apply for funding through LaunchMN to support your programs that connect founders with venture capital investments. Best of luck! https://hubs.li/Q02Y_lGV0

The application deadline for the Grid Catalyst PowerNorth Virtual Incubator is approaching! Don't miss out on this great opportunity to access tailored training and resources to scale your clean energy, climate or sustainability business. Learn more & apply today: https://lnkd.in/gGri69fn #PowerNorthIncubator #AccelerateNorth #cleantechpathways #cleantech #startups #entrepreneurship #innovation

Welcome back from Thanksgiving! We know that many founders are grateful for equity investments in their startups, and thanks to LaunchMN we can foster more of those investments. Apply for funding below and reach out by Thursday with any questions. https://hubs.li/Q02Y_5Wn0

Venture capital is the tool that can transform an idea into a startup. Thanks to support from LaunchMN we have an opportunity to sponsor a program that connects founders with venture funding. Check the link below for details about how to apply (deadline December 9) and reach out with any questions. https://hubs.li/Q02Y_6KK0