More than a thousand technology professionals, educators, policymakers and entrepreneurs gathered downtown on Tuesday for the Minnesota High Tech Association’s signature Spring Conference Event.
Throughout the day, an Innovation Stage featured presentations from select 2012 Tekne Award winners. Some pitched their products, while others shared best practices; of particular interest was re-connecting with those companies on the move to hear more about where things are at — and headed.
By Katharine Grayson, Minneapolis-St.Paul Business Journal
“BestBuy.com president Scott Durchslag on Tuesday outlined the retailer’s plans to revamp its online strategy, saying it will focus on “streaming” tailored deals to loyalty program members and forging partnerships with innovative technology companies.
Durchslag, senior vice president of digital and marketing and president of Best Buy.com and eCommerce, spoke before a crowd at the Minnesota High Tech Association spring conference.”
Via News Release
“MHTA – The AT&T Foundation has awarded a $20,000 grant to help fund the development of the successful getSTEM-mn web portal. getSTEM connects business and education to help Minnesota students excel at STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. Bob Bass recently presented a check to members of the MHTA Foundation Board. Bass is President–AT&T Minnesota External and Legislative Affairs.
Education is a primary funding area for the AT&T Foundation. It is focused on higher education and pre-collegiate projects that develop community and civic leadership capacity. Initiatives include programs that help students successfully complete high school and college, as well as job training programs that prepare underserved populations for meaningful employment.”
By Leslie Suzakamo, St. Paul Pioneer Press
“Minnesota is vying to become the nation’s leader in robotics development. But if it gets there, it may not be able to count on a lot of state support, the head of the state’s high-tech association says.
“Money is always short,” Margaret Anderson Kelliher, CEO of the Minnesota High Tech Association told the Robotics Alley conference Thursday, Nov. 15, in Edina. “We need to make critical choices about where we’re going to focus critical incentives.”
Via News Release
“MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 2, 2012 — The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) honored fifteen of Minnesota’s innovators and technology leaders during last night’s 2012 Tekne Awards ceremony at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The Tekne Awards honor companies, innovations and individuals with technological breakthroughs that positively impact the lives and futures of people living in Minnesota and all over the world.
Advanced Manufacturing – Seagate Technology; Computer Hardware and Electronic Devices – Imation; EdTech – The University of Minnesota Rochester; Innovative Collaboration of the Year – Blandin Foundation / MIRC; Mobile and Communication Technologies – MakeMusic; Robotics and Automation – ReconRobotics; Software (Established Company) – JAMF Software; Software (Small and Growing Company) – Code 42 Software; Start-Up – SparkWeave; Technology Excellence in a Non-Profit Organization – GiveMN; Technology Services & Consulting (Established Company) – PeopleNet; Technology Services & Consulting (Small and Growing Company) – Agosto“
Via News Release
“MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 19, 2012 — From pop-up toasters to Post-it Notes, Minnesota has always been on the forefront of innovation. This is especially true in technology, as companies from all over the state continue to pioneer innovative solutions to meet the ever-changing needs of our state, nation and world. To recognize these companies, the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) has announced its forty-four finalists for the 2012 Tekne Awards. These finalists span fifteen categories that recognize the best and brightest in technological innovation, development, commercialization and management in Minnesota.”
By Kevin Allenspach, St. Cloud Times
“Garrett Brennan grew up watching his father, a software engineer for Wolters Kluwer, work magic on a computer.So perhaps it’s not surprising that by the time Garrett was a student at Sartell Middle School, he was creating his own websites.
He came up with “Garrett’s Intelligence Machine,” a computerized version of Magic 8-Ball, into which you could ask any question and get some sort of appropriate answer. He also fashioned a “Jeopardy!” program based on the game show.”
“A new study shows that the Twin Cities region is only 26th out of 51 metropolitan areas ranked as best cities for tech industry jobs. The study comes just before local tech start-up group Project Skyway hosts a showcase event next week. “
Podcast with guests Mark Schill (Praxis Strategy Group), Margaret Anderson-Kelliher (MHTA), and Cem Erdem (Project Skyway):
about Welcome to the programmable world
about E-commerce exploration: DefySupply
about Avabar launches nightlife mobile app
about Avabar launches nightlife mobile app
about Catching up with Kidblog