TECHdotMN: News about Minnesota Startups

February 7, 2012 | sourced Comments

By Linda Vanderwerf, West Central Tribune

“RENVILLE — The sign in the hallway tells Renville County West fifth-grade students what they’ll need in class: social studies book, pencil, folder, iPad.

In another classroom, Quick Response codes on the bulletin board can be used to download assignments directly onto an iPad.”

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Naiku raises $320k from multiple Minnesota angel investors

November 10, 2011 | by Jeff Pesek Comments

Homegrown edutech startup Naiku has closed on $320k in angel capital from Omphalos, ‘Rainfund’ 3C and other local investors, according to CEO Corey Thompson.

Naiku was launched earlier this year by Thompson,  Adisack Nhouyvanisvong and Kevin Sampers to provide automated formative and summative assessment solutions that give teachers information to help students achieve their academic goals.  Students can use their mobile devices (laptops, netbooks, iPads, iPods or Android) in place of traditional analog tests, saving valuable classroom time while improving measurability.

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Minnesota’s first EduTech showcase coming together

September 20, 2011 | by Jeff Pesek Comments

As the global technology industry rapidly evolves and Minnesota’s own sector continues to grow, seeds are sprouting. Look at SaaS, Mobile and Health IT — to name a few.

If it wasn’t already, EduTech is now officially on the list of our hot pockets.

We recently witnessed the rise of Naiku and Capella backed GoKart Labs spinout Sophia — timely examples of the emerging opportunity here.    Both startups were then nominated for a Tekne Award in the first year category . Earlier in the year, Logix Learning and Flying Word Launched. Scantron even made an acquisition.

And it could be said that solving education-oriented problems matters and that there’s no place like home.

“Minnesota edutech cluster a $1b plus market, ” estimates Chad Johnson, Managing Director at Cherry Tree and sponsor of the Minnesota 2011 EduTech Showcase & Forum slated for October 5th at U of M’s McNamara Alumni Center.

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