TECHdotMN: News about Minnesota Startups

On Wednesday, September 29th, around 300 developers from Minnesota and beyond will rally at the Sheraton Hotel in Bloomington for the fifth annual Minnesota Developers Conference (MDC).

Described as “the largest independent software and interactive developers conference in the Midwest,” the event is known for its emphasis on Microsoft technologies.  From Silverlight to Smart Phone, a total of twenty unique tracks led by a diverse mix of speakers and a keynote from author and creator of CSLA.NET Rockford Lhotka are planned for this years gathering.

After a hard days learning, attendees are invited to imbibe adult beverages at the post-conference “Startup Mixer” in the Hotel’s cocktail lounge where four five Minnesota tech entrepreneurs will demo their technology products.  As a new feature of the MDC, organizer Farhan Muhammad noted, “It’s a great opportunity for local innovators to share amongst their peers. Aside from creating more awareness, there could be some worthwhile connections made and we’re happy to facilitate that through the Conference.”

The four five six Minnesota startups currently confirmed to demonstrate their tech include:

• SEO analysis tool SpyderMate by Bjorn Stansvik of MentorMate

• Virtual introduction network BusinessCard2 by Lief Larson of Workface

• Enterprise microsite platform ClickWrite by Alex Huff of LoudClick

• Mobile offer system MixMobi by Lisa Foote

• Personalized social discovery Inveni by Rob Bodor

• Geolocational social game Qonqr by Justin Peck

“…and it’s plausible that one or two other Minnesota startups could be added to the line-up before it’s all said and done,” says Farhan. At $150/ticket, the MDC has sold-out every year — “a trend that will continue based on where the numbers stand one week out,” he added.

*11/17/10 – Inveni was added to the updated list.

*11/21/10 – Qonqr was added to the updated list.