Tech{dot}MN

College of Science and Engineering

As the sun shines in increasingly small amounts (thanks, winter!), Minnesotans tend to seek out something — anything — luminous to chase away the seasonal doldrums. Thankfully, the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering has a bright and cheery cure for the gloom — the CSE Winter Light Show presented by Tesla Works.

Boasting more than 250,000 LED lights, 3D snowmen signs, lighted arches, and more cheer than you’ll know what to do with, the show promises winter dazzle that’s sure to make any heart grow at least three sizes. We chatted with Chris Walaszek, a sophomore studying computer science and the layout manager for the show, about the planning and presentation behind the spectacle. Unsurprisingly, it involves a bit more than finding that one. annoying. bulb. that renders an entire string useless.

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As new MHTA CEO Jeff Tollefson said at the beginning of last night’s soiree, the Tekne awards are, “…not just awards. They are a celebration of the community built around the innovative culture of MN tech.” Read More »

Minnestar recently announced the return of Minnedemo: Back to Campus, a showcase of Minnesota student tech products, taking place on November 26, at the Target Plaza Commons. Applications for student presenters are due Tuesday, November 5 and can be found here.

Learn more about Minnestar’s show and tell demo event for students here.

Empowerment is often defined as, “the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights.” For young girls in our culture, it is sometimes difficult to find the empowerment to embrace their more technical side. But it is getting easier, and this is in big part to the work done by Minnesota Aspirations in Computing (MNAiC).

Organized in 2013, and run through the MN State IT Center of Excellence, MNAiC and its adjacent programs have empowered hundreds of young ladies to embrace their love of tech and pursue schooling and employment in our state’s growing tech industry. They do this through the teaching of in-demand tech skills, providing mentorship and peer support, and connecting students to internship and job-shadow opportunities.
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Via News Release

MINNEAPOLIS, October 29, 2019 – Best Buy is teaming up with the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management to help create brighter futures and make earning a degree more accessible for students. The new Best Buy Scholarship includes $2.5 million in funding – one of Best Buy’s largest education endowment gifts ever – for students pursuing tech-reliant careers in business. This important and unique corporate gift is part of the university’s $4 billion Driven campaign.

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Ten years ago, we were introduced to Tyler Olson. At the time, Olson was launching one of his many successful ventures, SMCpros.com (now, Modern.Foundation). After interviewing Olson recently, I can see why it was said that, “…Tyler Olson is a passionate and amiable guy who isn’t afraid to get in front of hundreds of people to pitch himself and his business.” Olson has been involved in many different aspects of tech; He’s a consummate pro. And now, he’s focusing his eye toward cybersecurity.

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Via MPR News

“Students and visitors entering St. Cloud’s new Tech High School building are met with open spaces and natural light — a stark contrast to the crowded corridors of its century-old brick predecessor.

The design of the new $104.5 million high school, which opened this fall on the city’s south side, is also changing how teachers are preparing students for the workforce.”

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