Community Calendar

First held in 2006, Minnebar is an annual technology conference held in Minneapolis. Minnebar, like other BarCamps, is an (un)conference that is participant-led and has a very loose structure. BarCamps are held around the world from Swaziland to Seattle; Minnebar is rumored to be the longest running and largest in world. There are no curated or formal workshops (although we sometimes host minor web celebrities), and all sessions are led by people from the tech and business community. Minnebar is free and open to anyone with an interest. Ticket release #1 is on March 27th at 2pm. Mark your calendars! Anyone can submit a session (that means you!) - keep an eye on social or signup for our newsletter to make sure you hear when session submissions open.

As we kick off this new chapter of Minnestar, join us to meet our new executive director, Meg Steuer, share your favorite Minnestar memories, contribute ideas for the future, and connect with others in the #MNtech community—all while enjoying a relaxed evening of networking, good conversation, and a little friendly competition. Event Details Networking Happy Hour from 4-7PM with a brief program at 5:30PM Pickleball Courts available from 4-6PM for those up for a match! Complimentary Appetizers & Drink Ticket (cash bar also available) Location & Logistics The Haralson Room is located at the back of the Minneapolis Cider Company, with private parking and a dedicated entrance—just follow the signs!

Hangout with fellow techies at Spyhouse in Northeast. Bring a personal project, professional project, or any other sort of work you'd like to cozy up to.
**HOW IT WORKS:**
* **RSVP** — Sign up to attend on Meetup.
* **Join our [Discord](https://discord.gg/3srdSetPuP)** — This is where you will find pre-event info. Make sure to introduce yourself in the #intros channel.
* **Pack** — Anything you need to have a successful work day.
* **Arrive** — Whenever you can during the event window.
* **Park & walk** — There is some street parking and a few lots.
* **Co-work** — Chat, work, chill -- it's up to you how you use this time.
**WHO'S INVITED**
Anyone who works in tech or aspires to work in tech (devs, QA, IT pros, operators, boot campers, students, content writers, etc).
**BENEFITS:**
* Meet collaborators & friends
* Find your next side project
* Get unstuck
* Volunteer your expertise

With the goal of breaking down barriers to entry, this event is designed to educate, motivate, and inspire new potential performers from small businesses, industry, and academia to engage with DARPA and contribute to growing the national security innovation ecosystem. This one-day event offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into DARPA through engaging sessions led by DARPA office directors, program managers, and staff. Additionally, participants will have the chance to ask questions and receive answers directly from DARPA leadership. Conversations with DARPA leaders and program managers will be available exclusively to our in-person attendees during networking opportunities throughout the day. In-person registration also includes breakfast, lunch, and refreshments.

**DefectDojo**
**(Topic TBA)**
For February's talk, we welcome DefectDojo, the open-source OWASP flagship project for vulnerability management.
Approximate agenda (U.S. Central Time):
5:30 - Doors open; socializing/connecting, food, OWASP announcements
6:00 - Presentation
DefectDojo is graciously providing food and drink for the event.
Please remember to register and keep your registration up to date so we know how many to expect.

Large Language Models (LLMs) are emerging as powerful tools for bridging traditional gaps between healthcare data science, policy implementation, and operational excellence. Drawing from real-world applications, including CMS policy analysis and Medicare Advantage research, this presentation demonstrates how LLMs are transforming healthcare analytics and decision-making processes.

We are interested in discussing algorithms of most any kind. If you have an algorithm or related topic you want to discuss, come and hang out with us!
The topics we have discussed: artificial intelligence, automata, category theory, and math & computer science olympiad exercises.
Ideally, attendees would post a comment before the date of the event with a topic they can discuss. Potential attendees might want to know what people at this event are interested in, and they want to see that the event is alive and well.
If no topics are posted, then we can generate topics to discuss at the next meetup.
Discord server for the group, if you're interested: [https://discord.gg/wx5S7YJSkU](https://discord.gg/wx5S7YJSkU)
Parking is ~$1.50/hr on Saturday at the CREAM cafe half a block east of Dunn Brothers.

Hackers meet hackers. Hackers meet founders. Founders meet co-founders. Talk startups and tech, and help each other out. No speaker; no BS; just interesting people working on interesting things catalyzing the local tech startup scene.
Hackers and Founders is part of a global network of casual meetups focused around bringing together like-minded people working on cool things.
What we do:
• talk about startups
• talk about tech
• share startup advice, resources & lessons learned
• connect each other

Every week, entrepreneurs present business ideas to the local community and learn how those around them can support their business in its growth. Your local 1 Million Cups (1MC) community gives you the opportunity to refine your elevator pitch to a diverse audience, access training programs, and engage with a network for support

## Details
***SAVE THE DATE***
We're putting the finishing touches on the March Twin Cities Meetup! Please reach out with any requests or questions, but save the date.
* *Please note that we will **likely** be at the Microsoft office in Edina (Centennial Lakes) as our location (pending confirmation), which means that we have to collect more information than normal to register: full name, company, email, and phone.*
**Agenda**
* **3:00 pm** Welcome & Chapter News
* **3:10 pm** Educational Session
* **4:00 pm** Educational or Sponsored Session
* **4:45 pm** "Birds of a Feather" networking & building connections
* **5:00 pm** Happy hour and social time!

Welcome to Devs Play Games! This is a monthly event held every first Wednesday. If you develop or aspire to develop games, you're invited to come play, socialize, and talk shop!

Kick off spring with our March Tech Thrive Monthly Meetup, an engaging event for professional growth, networking, and knowledge sharing. This month, we’ll focus on emerging trends in the tech industry—connect with fellow professionals, exchange ideas, and enhance your skills in this ever-evolving field.

**Overview**
Everyone's an expert these days with AI. Youtube channels are abundant claiming "Major AI MODEL BREAKTHROUGHS!" and "Mega-Advanced AI Model Training By People Way Smarter Than You." It's easy to all of sudden feel like you're behind when we haven't really even started yet.
So, yeah, what's the deal with that?
The deal is that we've all gotten pretty darn good using these tools for a variety of research and writing/editing tasks, and they've proven their worth. So what's next? I'll take you down a little journey about relatively simple things you can do just on the other side of the street from what you're currently doing. But on this "Level 200" of AI advancement, I believe there are some major personal breakthroughs as you begin to see and create value well beyond personal utility to solving team problems or a customer problem or, gasp, starting a new company because you had AI *write software for you* simply because you could and you did.
Let's explore AND SHARE what we're doing beyond the norm by creating new value as a result of simply being smarter all of a sudden.
**Agenda**
6:00pm - 6:30pm: Networking - food & drinks
6:30pm - 8:00pm: Presentation & discussion
8:00pm: Networking at [Lake Monster Brewing](https://www.lakemonsterbrewing.com/)
**Meet Our Featured Speaker**
It was 1995. Ciceron was born over drinks and dinner at an Italian bistro in San Francisco as one of the first digital agencies in the US.
At that time, few believed in the Internet really. There was no Google. No YouTube. No WiFi. No streaming audio, video or on-demand programming. People hated it when web pages had images on them because they would have to wait for them to load. It seemed rickety and sort of pointless.
Fast forward to 2025. The Internet turned out to be super real, and now we're on the next step change in technology with AI, blockchain, clean energy, and fintech all converging upon one another. And Ciceron continues to slash at the vines of the future, extracting value from chaos for its clients, 30 years later.
[Andrew ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreweklund/)is a sought after speaker on a host of topics related to digital transformation, from the advancement of AI and business intelligence to data-driven marketing performance.
**Sponsors**
This event is sponsored by [Lab651](https://lab651.com/) & [Recursive Awesome](https://recursiveawesome.com/)

The MN Cup is free and open to every innovator, entrepreneur, thinker, and doer in Minnesota. Watch this video and hear what some of our judges have to say about applying. Spoiler: they all say do it! Even if all you have is an idea, the process of applying will force you to clarify your thoughts. If your idea is big and you move on to the next round, our mentors and judges will provide you with invaluable feedback and advice. You have nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain, so just do it.

Women Leading in Technology is thrilled to kick off a new year of programming as we spotlight an all-star executive panel for a discussion on technology megatrends. With distinguished leaders from some of Minnesota’s top companies, we’ll engage in an interactive conversation highlighting megatrends across various industry, business, and technology domains. We’ll also dig into myths versus facts, tips and tricks, shiny objects and aspirations, low-hanging fruit, and other key areas of focus for 2025.

Join MN Bytes and Brews for an evening of casual conversation about working in technology. We don't have a panel of experts, but we have our own experiences and some liquid social-lubricant!
Maybe you're a seasoned developer, a systems administrator, a network architect, or HR at an MSP... this event is a great opportunity to meet and drink with like-minded individuals and learn from other industry professionals.
It will be a relaxed atmosphere, with not too much scheduled. Sometimes we do technology trivia with a prize or two. But mostly we socialize over a variety of craft beers and shoot the breeze with others interested in technology careers.
Whether you're looking to expand your skillset, make connections in the tech industry, or simply enjoy a fun evening with great company, this event is the perfect blend of learning and networking. Join us for an evening of tech talks, brews, and valuable connections!
And then join our group on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14524265/

Mystery, Innovation & Impact: Share your creative genius as we help a local business tackle its unique challenge. Reserve your spot for an evening of collaborative problem-solving that could shape Minnesota's future.

Join MN Bytes and Brews for an evening of casual conversation about working in technology. We don't have a panel of experts, but we have our own experiences and some liquid social-lubricant!
Maybe you're a seasoned developer, a systems administrator, a network architect, or HR at an MSP... this event is a great opportunity to meet and drink with like-minded individuals and learn from other industry professionals.
It will be a relaxed atmosphere, with not too much scheduled. Sometimes we do technology trivia with a prize or two. But mostly we socialize over a variety of craft beers and shoot the breeze with others interested in technology careers.
Whether you're looking to expand your skillset, make connections in the tech industry, or simply enjoy a fun evening with great company, this event is the perfect blend of learning and networking. Join us for an evening of tech talks, brews, and valuable connections!
And then join our group on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14524265/

We’re excited to welcome Minnesota students, their families, and their teachers to the 2025 Minnesota State Science & Engineering Fair, an event that celebrates STEM education within the state!

Student Science Fair participants advance from six regional fairs. The 2025 State Science and Engineering Fair will be in-person at the St. Paul RiverCentre.

**Overview**
Join us for an insightful and forward-thinking event hosted by Applied AI, where we’ll explore how cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) can revolutionize refuse management and recycling in America. This session will focus on the development of smart, connected, and autonomous garbage trucks that not only improve operational efficiency but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
Through engaging discussions, we’ll dive into real-world applications of AI and IoT that enhance route optimization, enable real-time monitoring, and support advanced sorting mechanisms to separate recyclables effectively. By leveraging these technologies, refuse management companies can reduce emissions, lower costs, and increase recycling rates, tackling one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Participants will gain insights into:
* **AI in Refuse Management:** How machine learning models can predict waste patterns and optimize operations.
* **IoT-Driven Connectivity:** Using sensors and smart devices to monitor bin levels, vehicle conditions, and recycling contamination in real time.
* **Autonomous Trucks:** The future of self-driving vehicles in waste collection and their potential to streamline workflows.
* **Sustainability Impact:** Practical steps to promote recycling and reduce landfill waste with technology.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a sustainability advocate, or a professional in refuse management, this event promises to spark innovative ideas and foster collaboration on reshaping America’s recycling systems.
**Agenda**
6:00pm - 6:30pm: Networking - food & drinks
6:30pm - 8:00pm: Presentation & discussion
8:00pm: Networking at [Lake Monster Brewing](https://www.lakemonsterbrewing.com/)
**Meet Our Featured Speaker**
[Brian Thomas](https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianpatrickthomas/) has worked as Director of Engineering, leading global cross-functional engineering teams in multiple industries including medical devices, autonomous electric vehicles, credit card machines, and military systems. He founded two start-up companies: "Clear Rock Technologies" a smart, connected pillbox, and "Internet Luxuries - Your Online Store for Fine Home Decor" - e-commerce for luxury home decor. Brian has degrees in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and an MBA. He is certified in Project Management, Cyber Security, and Lean Six Sigma. He holds multiple US Patents.

Student teams have one month (plus an extra week to account for spring break) to analyze data before presenting their findings to judges from the analytics community at the main event at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. This year’s data and challenge question are to be announced. Team registration will open in early 2025.

The Winchell Symposium prepares undergraduates to enter STEM fields by providing a forum for students to showcase their scientific research, receive comments from professional scientists and peers, and network with professionals in the fields they aspire to enter.

Mystery, Innovation & Impact: Share your creative genius as we help a local business tackle its unique challenge. Reserve your spot for an evening of collaborative problem-solving that could shape Minnesota's future.

**Overview**
As AI systems become more integrated into our daily lives, the need to build public trust in these technologies is greater than ever. But how do we foster that trust, especially when many AI systems operate as “black boxes”—complex and often opaque in their decision-making processes?
We’ll explore the role of transparency in AI, discussing how making AI systems more understandable and explainable can help address concerns around accountability and fairness. We’ll also examine the potential downsides of too much transparency—such as the risks of oversimplifying or exposing sensitive information, and how this could erode trust instead of building it.
Through real-world examples and case studies, we’ll highlight the challenges organizations face in balancing these two key elements, as well as the ethical considerations involved. By the end of the talk, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how trust and transparency must work together to create AI systems that are not only effective, but also equitable, responsible, and trustworthy.
**Agenda**
6:00pm - 6:30pm: Networking - food & drinks
6:30pm - 8:00pm: Presentation & discussion
8:00pm: Networking at [Lake Monster Brewing](https://www.lakemonsterbrewing.com/)
**Meet Our Featured Speaker**
[Arthur Kjelshus](https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthurkjelshus/) is a forward-thinking tech leader with a proven track record in building high-performing teams and driving innovation in technology-driven organizations. He has held key technical roles across a variety of sectors, including state agencies, defense contractors, federal government agencies, and e-commerce platforms—driving technology initiatives that deliver lasting impact. Arthur has a strong background in software architecture and development, coupled with a desire to help organizations leverage technology through AI driven solutions.
**Sponsors**
This event is sponsored by [Lab651](https://lab651.com/) & [Recursive Awesome](https://recursiveawesome.com/)

Tech Connect is MnTech’s largest educational conference of the year. This day is filled with keynote presentations, breakout discussions, panels, and networking.

Data Tech returns Friday, May 16, 2025 at Best Buy HQ in Richfield, MN. Join your peers in the analytics community as we explore the latest in emerging technology and its impact on data science. Want to speak at this event? Fill out the speaker proposal form. Stay tuned – more details coming soon!

**Overview**
Break free from conventional thinking. Whether you consider yourself creative or not, AI can serve as your innovative thought partner to spark fresh ideas, novel solutions, and engineer engaging experiences.
Discover practical skillsets and mindsets that will transform how you create. Leave empowered to leverage AI as a tool to amplify your impact!
After this session, you'll be able to:
✅ Discover how to partner with AI to generate fresh ideas
✅ Apply practical techniques to engineer engaging experiences
✅ Cultivate key mindsets for maximizing AI collaboration
**Agenda:**
6:00pm - 6:30pm: Networking - food & drinks
6:30pm - 8:00pm: Presentation & discussion
8:00pm: Networking at [Lake Monster Brewing](https://www.lakemonsterbrewing.com/)
**Meet Our Featured Speaker**
[Tyler Moberg](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-moberg-249570215/), Training Consultant and Learning Innovation Specialist
Tyler brings nearly two decades of diverse educational and leadership experience to his roles as a Training Consultant for The Bob Pike Group and founder of Amplified Impact, LLC.
Tyler is passionate about helping professionals leverage everyday AI to generate better ideas and improve their work - amplifying their ability to make an impact.
He specializes in translating educational best practices and neuroscience principles into practical strategies for adult learning. Traveling nationwide, he empowers organizations to create more engaging and effective training programs.
**Sponsors**
This event is sponsored by [Lab651](https://lab651.com/) & [Recursive Awesome](https://recursiveawesome.com/)

This annual gala honors and celebrates the innovators who are helping fuel Minnesota’s technology-enabled ecosystem.

Welcome Minnesota Tech folks! We're an in-person casual technology enthusiast group that meets to talk shop and enjoy drinks. Open and welcome to anyone who works (or wants to work) in technology, software, IT, startups, etc.

This month, we're rolling into St Paul Brewing. There will be both food and drinks for purchase as well as spirit-free options.

*No affiliation with "Minnesota High Tech Association"

Join us on **Wednesday, February 26th,** at Improving for an Elastic Minneapolis User Group meetup. We'll have presentations, followed by networking, pizza, and refreshments.
*Thank you to [Improving](https://www.improving.com/locations/minneapolis/) for hosting our meetup. Improving is* *a modern* *digital services consulting firm focused on solving business problems with innovative technical solutions.*
**⚡️ Interested in giving a talk? ⚡️**
Are you interested in presenting your Elastic use case? We welcome 5-10 minute lightning talks, 45-minute deep dives, and everything in between. If you're interested, please send us an email at olivia@elastic.co.
**Date and Time:**
Wednesday, February 26th, from 5:00-7:00 pm CST
**Location:**
Improving Minneapolis: 1515 Central Ave NE #100, Minneapolis, MN 55413
** Parking:**
Upon arrival, please navigate to the **back of the building** where there is a large free parking lot.
** Arrival Instructions:**
If arriving from the back parking lot, enter the building from the back door (it will look like a warehouse entrance). There will be signage to make it easy to find and navigate. Walk down the hallway and then you will enter the office space through the basketball court. The Improving team will be there to greet attendees.
**Agenda:**
* 5:30 pm: Doors open; say hi and eat some food.
* 6:00 pm: Talk # 1 - Details coming soon!
* 6:30 pm: Talk # 2 - Details coming soon!
* 7:00 pm: Networking & refreshments
* 7:30 pm: Event ends
**Talk Abstracts:**
*Details coming soon!*

Mystery, Innovation & Impact: Join Our Season 2 Kickoff! Share your creative genius as we help a local business tackle their unique challenge. Reserve your spot for an evening of collaborative problem-solving that could shape Minnesota's future.

**Overview**
Join us for an engaging afternoon as we explore the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and discovery. In this session, we'll cover how AI technologies can enhance and revolutionize the discovery process, highlighting practical applications and real-world implementations.
Our featured speaker, [Gary Koelling](https://www.linkedin.com/in/garykoelling/), will share insights on leveraging AI to improve discovery processes, followed by interactive group discussions where participants will workshop their own product discovery situations.
***To make the most of this collaborative session, we encourage all attendees to come prepared with a specific product discovery challenge or situation from their work that they'd like to explore with the group.***
*Participants will have the opportunity to:*
* Learn about innovative AI applications in discovery processes
* Workshop their own product discovery situations with peers
* Understand practical implementation strategies
* Share experiences, challenges, and wins in implementing AI solutions
Whether you’re an active AI practitioner or product professional starting your AI journey, this event promises to provide valuable insights and networking opportunities. Remember to bring a product discovery situation/challenge/win from your work to make the most of our collaborative discussion session!
**Agenda**
* 2:00pm - 2:30pm: Arrival and networking
* 2:30pm - 3:00pm: Announcements and round-room introductions
* 3:00pm - 3:30pm: Featured presentation by Gary Koelling: "Using AI to Improve Discovery"
* 3:30pm - 4:00pm: Interactive group discussions and workshops focused on attendees' product discovery situations
* 4:00pm onwards: Continued networking at Monster Brewing
**Meet Our Featured Speaker**
[Gary Koelling](https://www.linkedin.com/in/garykoelling/), currently Director of Product at Bison Transport, leads high-performing teams focused on developing products that create compelling customer and carrier experiences. Previously at Best Buy as Director of Digital Experience, Content Platforms, he led the discovery, testing, and implementation of digital and cross-channel content platforms. His background spans both transportation and retail sectors, giving him unique insights into using AI to enhance product discovery and customer experience.
**Sponsors**
This event is sponsored by [Lab651](https://lab651.com/) & [Recursive Awesome](https://recursiveawesome.com/)
**Organizers**
This event is part of the community interest groups series at Applied AI, where community members power sessions for niche interest areas through the Applied AI platform.
This event is organized and hosted by [Cameron Gross](https://www.linkedin.com/in/camerongross/), [John DeBauche](https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndebauche/), and [Beth-Alison Berggren](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethalisonb/).
Want to host your own community group? Reach out to team@appliedai.mn to learn more!

Join MN Bytes and Brews for an evening of casual conversation about working in technology. We don't have a panel of experts, but we have our own experiences and some liquid social-lubricant!
Maybe you're a seasoned developer, a systems administrator, a network architect, or HR at an MSP... this event is a great opportunity to meet and drink with like-minded individuals and learn from other industry professionals.
It will be a relaxed atmosphere, with not too much scheduled. Sometimes we do technology trivia with a prize or two. But mostly we socialize over a variety of craft beers and shoot the breeze with others interested in technology careers.
Whether you're looking to expand your skillset, make connections in the tech industry, or simply enjoy a fun evening with great company, this event is the perfect blend of learning and networking. Join us for an evening of tech talks, brews, and valuable connections!
And then join our group on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14524265/

Hangout with fellow techies at Spyhouse in Northeast. Bring a personal project, professional project, or any other sort of work you'd like to cozy up to.
**HOW IT WORKS:**

* **RSVP** — Sign up to attend on Meetup.
* **Join our [Discord](https://discord.gg/3srdSetPuP)** — This is where you will find pre-event info. Make sure to introduce yourself in the #intros channel.
* **Pack** — Anything you need to have a successful work day.
* **Arrive** — Whenever you can during the event window.
* **Park & walk** — There is some street parking and a few lots.
* **Co-work** — Chat, work, chill -- it's up to you how you use this time.

**WHO'S INVITED**
Anyone who works in tech or aspires to work in tech (devs, QA, IT pros, operators, boot campers, students, content writers, etc).
**BENEFITS:**

* Meet collaborators & friends
* Find your next side project
* Get unstuck
* Volunteer your expertise

By startups, for startups. The ultimate event to connect with startups in the Twin Cities, on the first Monday of every month.

Attention Minnesota technologists! Are you passionate about innovation? Curious about a career in tech, or already part of the industry? Looking to spend a weekend learning, networking, and building? This event is for you! Join us for our 2025 hackathon on February 22nd, with Demo Day on February 23rd, at Osborn370! We'll gather in downtown St. Paul for a weekend filled with creativity and collaboration. Meet fellow tech enthusiasts, connect with potential employers, and put your skills on display! Prizes for Top Teams Win cash prizes! $2,000+ in cash for top three teams Category prizes from OpenAI and Super Go Faster. Tickets are $15/person. Paid ticket holders get a swag bag Everyone gets a chance at raffle prizes! Event Schedule Kickoff + Working Session - Saturday, February 22nd 8:30 AM: Doors open. Coffee, pastries, and fruit will be available. 9:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast, connect with others, and form teams. Most participants will find teammates now, though pre-formed groups are also welcome! 9:45 AM: Begin work on projects! 12:00 PM: Lunch provided. 5:00 PM: Light appetizers provided. 6:00 PM: Wrap-up for the day. Working Session + Demo Day - Sunday, February 23rd 8:30 AM: Doors open with coffee, pastries, and fruit available. 9:00 AM: Finalize projects! 12:00 PM: Lunch break and prep for demos. 1:00 PM: Demos begin. 2:30 PM: Prize announcements and wrap-up.

What is Hack the Gap Hackathon Demo Day? Demo Day is where the teams will showcase the projects they built from scratch over the weekend hackathon. Read more about it here: Hackathon February 2025 Come show your support and see what these talented individuals create together. And see what can be accomplished in a short time. Guess what? It’s not just the judges who decide the winners—you do! The community gets to vote for the community prize! 🎉 Demo Day tickets help support the community prize, so come out and show your support! Schedule 12:00pm - Doors Open 12:30pm - 1:30pm On-Stage Demos 1:30pm - 2:00pm Snacks and Mingling (Judges Deliberation) 2:00pm - Award Ceremony 2:30pm - Wrap Up

Understanding your target market is essential for growth. This session will cover market research techniques, customer segmentation, what investors are looking for, and much more. Learn strategies for leveraging data to meet customer needs, secure funding and outperform competitors. About the event: Building a business? Ever wish you could speak to and learn directly from subject matter experts (while never leaving your couch)? Join host Andy Lee from the University of Minnesota's Technology Commercialization office each Wednesday for this exciting and casual AMA ('ask me anything') style series on business building fundamentals. Check out all of the talks here: https://www.crowdcast.io/@techcomm This event series is brought to you with support from Launch Minnesota, a statewide collaborative effort to accelerate the growth of startups and amplify Minnesota as a national leader in innovation.

The Greater MSP region is transforming into a place where new ideas become new companies, new jobs and new possibilities. A place where we choose to tackle the hardest problems of our time. Our region is actively creating solutions that give hope to the world and generate opportunities that lift up all our communities. Join us and discover what’s next for our region! Guthrie Theater Tuesday, February 25, 2025 4:30 pm Check-in 5:30–6:30 pm Program 6:30 Social hour (light appetizers + cash bar) Join us for an evening of celebration, inspiration and discovery about what’s next.

These workshops are for graduate students, postdocs, and early career faculty. The goal is to inspire you about the impact that your careers/research can have and introduce you to the “entrepreneurial mindset." By expanding your mindset, we can help you see new possibilities for your research and/or careers. By exposing you to diverse examples of impact and cultivating ecosystem connections, you will be more likely to find your passion and have a support system to help you pursue it. Participants are not expected to have a commercialization project in mind nor is there an expectation that you will have had any commercialization experience. Therefore, the topics and exercises are meant to be relevant to a wide audience of PhDs, postdocs, and early faculty not just those pursuing the commercialization of an idea. Objectives Inspire researchers to think about the impact of their work and to think beyond the publication. Said another way, we want researchers to think beyond their curiosity and desire to understand something new and ask the question, “Assuming I figure this out, so what?” Have researchers think about their personal goals and what roles in innovation best fit their interests and talents. Expand their understanding of the different careers that they can have in multiple contexts: academia, industry, government, consulting, non-profit/NGOs, etc. Provide a set of tools for researchers to shape their research objectives to be more use-inspired and impactful. Reduce psychological barriers and conceptual misunderstandings about innovation that prevent people from seeing themselves as inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

Researchers across many disciplines are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), including large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT to support empirical research and data analysis, academic writing, peer review, and development of new tools. The broad reach of AI in research raises pressing ethical questions about scientific integrity, authorship, data privacy, bias, and equity. Related issues include how trainees and students should be instructed to use and acknowledge the use of AI tools in their research. Ethical guidance from research institutions, professional organizations, journals, and governmental oversight authorities is only beginning to emerge, and ethical oversight of AI in research also remains in flux. This conference will bring together leading experts from a range of disciplines, from biomedical sciences to the humanities, to confront the challenge of ethical use of AI in research. National leaders will discuss how AI is being used in research, the challenges to research ethics and integrity, current guidance on using AI in research and publication, including how to address concerns that training sets for LLMs may not be sufficiently representative, leading to biased models. Speakers will also debate how LLMs should be used in academic writing and peer review, and how students should use these tools. The conference will consider when and how researchers should seek informed consent to use of AI in research protocols, and how IRBs can effectively provide oversight for research with AI tools. The conference will offer recommendations for researchers, students, administrators, and IRB professionals on how to ensure ethical use of AI in research

Intellectual property (IP) is a cornerstone for protecting your startup’s innovations and ideas. This session will demystify patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Learn when and how to protect your IP, avoid common pitfalls, and leverage IP to secure funding and partnerships. About the event: Building a business? Ever wish you could speak to and learn directly from subject matter experts (while never leaving your couch)? Join host Andy Lee from the University of Minnesota's Technology Commercialization office each Wednesday for this exciting and casual AMA ('ask me anything') style series on business building fundamentals. Check out all of the talks here: https://www.crowdcast.io/@techcomm This event series is brought to you with support from Launch Minnesota, a statewide collaborative effort to accelerate the growth of startups and amplify Minnesota as a national leader in innovation.

Connect with your peers in Medical Alley on March 6th at our next Alley Chats event, hosted at Walker Art Center! Alley Chats are our most popular, partners only, resource sharing, development and networking events. Alley Chats expand your network so you can find partners, new hires, suppliers and camaraderie in your community.

When you have an idea for innovation, customer discovery is the first place to start. Can you find someone who needs your idea and is willing to pay for it? This workshop will get you started. Objectives Determine specific customer roles Define the ecosystem Outline specific questions for problem interviews Practice and critique interviewing examples

Building successful industry partnerships requires clear communication, mutual trust, and aligned goals. Establishing expectations early, maintaining open dialogue, and understanding each partner’s priorities help create a strong foundation. Regular collaboration, adaptability, and a focus on shared value ensure long-term success. By fostering a cooperative and results-driven relationship, researchers and industry partners can drive innovation and achieve meaningful impact. In part one of this mini webinar, you will learn about strategies for building successful industry partnerships, while also having the opportunity to ask your questions. Topics covered will include: • Benefits of industry partnerships • How to be a good partner • Types of partnership opportunities • Using an “Innovation Blueprint” to align on goals and outcomes

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs award non-dilutive funding to small businesses to enable them to develop a technology and chart a path toward it’s commercialization. The session is an opportunity for you to ask questions about the SBIR/STTR Programs and how to apply the knowledge gained in our MNSBIR, Inc. and SBIR/STTR Overview. This FREE session is offered on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.

Crafting a compelling pitch is crucial when seeking investors or partners. Learn how to tell your startup’s story, highlight key metrics, and tailor your pitch to different audiences to leave a lasting impression. About the event: Building a business? Ever wish you could speak to and learn directly from subject matter experts (while never leaving your couch)? Join host Andy Lee from the University of Minnesota's Technology Commercialization office each Wednesday for this exciting and casual AMA ('ask me anything') style series on business building fundamentals. Check out all of the talks here: https://www.crowdcast.io/@techcomm This event series is brought to you with support from Launch Minnesota, a statewide collaborative effort to accelerate the growth of startups and amplify Minnesota as a national leader in innovation.

2 of a 3-part virtual series from UMN’s Corporate Engagement Center on building partnerships w/industry. Each webinar explores a new topic. Being proactive is key to finding the right industry research partner. Start by identifying companies whose goals align with your research interests and exploring their current projects, challenges, and innovation needs. Leveraging university resources, such as the Corporate Engagement Center and their connections, could provide access to companies that you do not currently have. Reaching out directly to industry professionals with what makes your research unique, or enticing can also open doors. By taking initiative and actively seeking alignment between your academic research and industry needs, you can establish meaningful collaborations that drive innovation forward. In part two of this mini webinar, you will learn about strategies for finding the right industry partner, while also having the opportunity to ask your questions. Topics covered will include: • How to establish and grow industry partnerships • Identify prospective partners • Create an industry bio to help pitch your expertise • Adapting and assessing mutual needs and fit You can attended all three webinars or just the webinars you are most interested in. Next webinar is April 2, 2025. You can find more information here.

Registration includes, your copy of The Entrepreneurial Mindset Advantage - The HIDDEN LOGIC that Unleashes Human Potential. Meet and hear the internationally recognized author, Gary Schoeniger. This is an interactive event. Join conversations that cover new opportunities and provide guidance around growth, financing, innovation, AI, tech advancements, and more! The 14th MN Entrepreneur Kick-off is an opportunity not to be missed! Get - Early Bird Rates - until February 16th! You will walk away with insights into: Marketing & Sales approaches to build a scalable revenue machine The latest technology applications from MN experts working in multiple sectors Pathways to finance acquiring, growing and transitionaing a company Growth journeys of companies from across the state You will make connections with: The leaders of startup accelerators and competitions that can help you hone your business proposition and build awareness of your company The 2025 Lifter Award recipients - To Be Announced SOON! MN early and growing stage company investors See the MN Entrepreneur Ecosystem Co-hosts and Agenda Details at the Kick-off website: www.mnentrepreneurs.org! Refreshments and a closing reception are included.

3 of a 3-part virtual series from UMN’s Corporate Engagement Center on building partnerships w/industry. Each webinar explores a new topic. Finding industry sponsored research opportunities is made easier with the right resources and tools. The Corporate Engagement Center team offers a rolling list of industry funding opportunities through a Google Doc and can help connect researchers with potential partners. Additionally, research collaboration portals like HALO and IN-PART provide valuable opportunities. By utilizing these resources, researchers can identify funding, build connections, and establish successful industry partnerships. In part three of this mini webinar, you will learn about strategies for finding the right industry partner, while also having the opportunity to ask your questions. Topics covered will include: • How the Corporate Engagement Center can help • What HALO and IN-PART are and how to use them to your benefit • Establish your brand

This session will address some of the key tactics and resources concerning startup funding. Based on your venture's growth potential and business model, various funding options may be appropriate, including SBIR/STTR and other grants, bootstrapping, angel investors, loans, and (occasionally) venture capital. Panelists will also discuss how venture competitions not only offer prize money and in-kind benefits, but also lay the groundwork for funding. Objectives During the workshop, you will: Gain a broad overview of steps needed to finance a startup. Explore various funding options available to startups, such as bootstrapping, loans, grants, angel investors, and crowdfunding. Learn from professional about financial strategies for various stages.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs award non-dilutive funding to small businesses to enable them to develop a technology and chart a path toward it’s commercialization. The session is an opportunity for you to ask questions about the SBIR/STTR Programs and how to apply the knowledge gained in our MNSBIR, Inc. and SBIR/STTR Overview. This FREE session is offered on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.

Deciding on the right legal structure is critical for any business. This session will guide you through the options—LLC, 501(c)(3), corporation, and more. Understand the implications for liability, taxes, and fundraising so you can make an informed decision tailored to your venture’s goals. About the event: Building a business? Ever wish you could speak to and learn directly from subject matter experts (while never leaving your couch)? Join host Andy Lee from the University of Minnesota's Technology Commercialization office each Wednesday for this exciting and casual AMA ('ask me anything') style series on business building fundamentals. Check out all of the talks here: https://www.crowdcast.io/@techcomm This event series is brought to you with support from Launch Minnesota, a statewide collaborative effort to accelerate the growth of startups and amplify Minnesota as a national leader in innovation.

The ConnectUp! Summit is a 3-day culturally grounded, curated gathering of our entrepreneur community. Join us in April 2025 to learn, share, and engage with local business and startup experts. We’ll be exploring the mechanics of getting capital ready, financially confident and running your business with a growth mindset. What is the ConnectUP! Summit? The ConnectUP! Summit is a bi-annual, 3-day convening that brings together entrepreneurs, investors and entrepreneur support organization leaders from Minnesota and across the country. For two days, the community gathers for culturally responsive talks, action-driven workshops, deep-relationship building and diverse networking opportunities. With an emphasis on entrepreneur needs and realities, the ConnectUP! Summit provides founders with tools, resources and connections to #LevelUp themselves and their businesses! Our 2025 theme is “Capital Readiness Inside + Out”. Join us in April 2025 learn how to get capital ready and network! We will have interactive sessions with tangible takeaways for entrepreneurs, investors and ecosystem professionals, making it the perfect learning AND networking event for all!

Tech Connect is MnTech’s largest educational conference of the year. This day is filled with keynote presentations, breakout discussions, panels, and networking.

Angel Fest is an energetic conference empowering, connecting, and inspiring angel investors from Minnesota, and beyond. Two Unforgettable Days For the first time ever, Angel Fest 2025 will bring you an immersive two-day experience packed with valuable content and opportunities. Join us on May 8 & 9 for an unforgettable opportunity to connect with thought leaders, engage in interactive sessions, and network with hundreds of fellow investors shaping the future. Give Me the Deets Day One will be buzzing with a vibrant mix of inspiring speakers, thought-provoking panels, and ample time for guests to mingle and network. Day Two shifts the focus to diligence and practical application of the knowledge gained. After insightful panel discussions, attendees will witness compelling pitches from a diverse array of startups. We will then break into facilitated groups to analyze and discuss the startups together, offering a hands-on approach to cementing the lessons learned. This interactive second day is the perfect way to apply what you've learned throughout the conference. More details on programming and speakers can be found on our webpage: https://www.groovecap.com/ange... Dress Code "Venture casual", which basically means you'll see blazers, Patagonia vets, jeans, and slacks. You do you, 'bou'.

Founders Day 2025 will return to Walter Library on Wednesday May 14 at 4:30 - 6:30 PM in the Toaster Innovation Hub. Founders Day welcomes alumni, student and the business community to celebrate innovation and entrepreneurship across the University of Minnesota. In addition to recognizing the student, teacher and alumni Entrepreneurs of the Year, the 13th annual event highlights the MVP Challenge - a semester long program that supports 25 teams with workshops, mentoring and grants to develop initial prototypes for customer discovery. Student and faculty participants across the 25 teams represented 13 unique colleges, department and research labs.

100% SaaS. 100% startups. 100% Midwest. One full day of SaaS awesomeness.

Celebrating 10 Years of learning, sharing, and connecting™. Since 2015 the Open Source North Conference has brought together the enterprise application development community together to learn, share, and connect. Early Bird tickets will go on sale Monday, March 24 ($195).

Twin Cities Startup Week (TCSW) is Minnesota’s premier startup festival, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, corporate innovators, and entrepreneurial support organizations to build meaningful connections and drive real impact. TCSW is more than an event—it’s a movement focused on accelerating Minnesota’s most promising startups and strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem. Each year, TCSW serves as a platform for founders, government leaders, corporations, foundations, educational institutions, and startup hubs to collaborate and create opportunities that propel startups forward. Through curated content, strategic networking, and investor matchmaking, the week fosters an environment where entrepreneurs can access the resources, mentorship, and funding needed to scale their businesses. In 2025, TCSW is evolving to create an even more streamlined and high-impact experience. Focused on founder-driven content, curated industry tracks, and expanded networking opportunities, this year’s event will provide startups with direct access to investors, potential customers, and strategic partners all within a more connected and accessible format. Twin Cities Startup Week is owned and operated by The Beta Group, a Minneapolis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing and supporting Minnesota’s startup ecosystem.

Mark your calendars for Tech Fest 2025 on April 10 at the RiverCentre in Downtown St. Paul. Don't miss out on this golden opportunity to level up your skills, connect with industry leaders, and have a blast! Why Attend Tech Fest? Learn. Leaders from across the business landscape will share winning strategies for driving stronger performance on your organizations mission-critical priorities. Inside access to the latest tech innovations, trends, and debates you won’t find anywhere else. Discover. See firsthand how Loffler’s product and solution ecosystem is evolving to meet the demands of businesses of all sizes and connect with Twin Cities and global experts. Grow. Connect with your peers and colleagues to grow your network and enhance your leadership skills. Win! Autographed sports memorabilia, PlayStation 5, Xbox, flat-screen TVs, home essentials, and much more! Plus, meet local professional athletes, including a Minnesota Vikings player and get autographs.

$100K for Startups – Apply for the MSP Equity Accelerator! Calling all founders! The MSP Equity Accelerator, powered by Allianz Life and gener8tor, is investing $100K in five high-growth startups led by undercapitalized founders. This 12-week program is designed to help founders level up with: 💡 Mentorship & coaching from experienced entrepreneurs and investors 🤝 Connections to gener8tor’s national network of investors, mentors, and corporate partners 💰 $100K investment (SAFE) to fuel your growth 🎤 Showcase event to pitch your startup and build relationships This program is industry- and business-model agnostic, so if you're a founder with big ideas and traction, we want to hear from you! 📅 Deadline to Apply: April 25, 2025 📧 Questions? Reach out to Megan Baniecke at megan.baniecke@gener8tor.com

Explore how AI technologies are set to transform accessibility for a more inclusive digital future. Approximately 15 to 20 million people in the U.S. experience some level of visual impairment. Yet, much of the digital world remains inaccessible to them. What if AI could change that? Join us at the Arvonne Fraser Library-Room 003 as we explore how GUI-navigating AI agents are transforming web accessibility—enabling visually impaired users to interact directly with graphical interfaces, like websites, without relying on workarounds. These agents can autonomously interpret complex digital layouts, creating more seamless, inclusive online experiences. This free event is designed for both technical and non-technical audiences who care about accessibility, AI, and the future of inclusive design. Topics include: Limitations of today's assistive technologies The potential of AI for empowering independence and inclusion AI driven solutions being developed for navigating digital environments What you'll gain: A deeper understanding of the accessibility challenges many face today Insight into the opportunities for AI to empower Inspiration to drive innovation with inclusive AI technology Who should attend? Designers, developers, policymakers, students, educators, and anyone invested in making the web truly accessible. Our Speakers: Nam Le is an AI Engineer and technology leader dedicated to developing AI agents that solve business challenges. Nicholas Weir is a Full-stack ADHD developer with a passion for accessibility and a background in creating inclusive solutions for all people. Register today!

Join Women Leading in Technology (WLiT) for another engaging session of learning and connecting. This session will feature an educational speaker, networking, light appetizers, drinks, and connection.

Free networking at local Twin Cities breweries for technology professionals.