TECHdotMN: News about Minnesota Startups

Minnesota Cup judges have just revealed their ten selections for this years high tech semifinalists, amongst four other divisions.

Upon reviewing the list, there’s no question this division is hyper-competitive as ever! Some ventures are familiar (even returning), while others are totally fresh.

The semifinalists will be matched with mentors and final plans will be submitted on/before 11:59 pm July 22nd; the list is then further trimmed to three finalists chosen on August 16th (notified by the 19th).  Ultimately, ten minute live pitches will be given to the review board and one high tech division winner will be crowned on August 30th.

$25k is at stake for the division winner including a variety of supporting services and an unquantifiable amount of credibility + recognition. Division winners also proceed to compete against the five other divisions on September 8th for an additional $25k as part of the grand prize.  Congratulations and good luck all!

CRAM – Next generation digital content delivery platform


QONQR – Cross-platform, massively-multiplayer, location-based game of strategy, where players capture territories on the map of the real world

Datometer – Portable data acquisition system that can independently collect gigabytes of information and be controlled and analyzed using a mobile computer

Naiku – SaaS platform that provides teachers real-time insight into the strengths and needs of their students, creates customized learning profiles and recommends learning activities

PointTunes – Solution that allows reward and loyalty program participants to seamlessly transact points/miles for digital media


When I Work – Web-based employee scheduling software that is designed for today’s mobile workforce

SieEnt – Multi-platform digital entertainment system targeted to women gamers

MOBI Banc – Secure mobile banking platform for financial service providers (no logo/website)

Xollai – Provider of robotic vision systems and signal processing technologies

OneWay Commerce – Social commerce application that allows small and medium-sized merchants to sell and offer promotions to their Facebook fans

Other semifinalists relevant to our audience:

Qualtrx (BioScience division) – an online solutions marketplace bridging the gap between buyers and sellers in healthcare

Early Learning Labs (General division) – digital assessments and services to help early childcare providers develop kindergarten-ready children

Fitness Formulary (General division) – eCommerce for health and fitness lifestyle products

PickPointz (General division) – Internet gaming and reward points company