Industry Innovators
Minnesota has a robust history of patenting new ideas, developing leading-edge technologies, and launching successful startups that have changed the world.
A remarkable number of Minnesota-born businesses have grown into global giants – 3M, Medtronic, Target, and Ecolab, to name a few. Countless more are thriving small- and medium-size companies.
Innovation encompasses a diverse swath of industries and is part of why Minnesota ranks:
- 1st in Fortune 500 companies per capita
- 1st in medical device patents per capita
- 2nd in food patents per capita
- 3rd in health patents per capita
- 4th in five-year business survival rate
- 4th in agriculture patents
- 7th in overall patents per capita
Launch Minnesota's network of statewide and program partners – along with a strong pool of other technology-focused organizations – provide support for innovators and entrepreneurs. Our experienced workforce and industry experts ensure startups can get the help they need to succeed.
Here are some technology industries in which Minnesota is an innovation leader. Also listed are some industry-focused support organizations and a few examples of some of our many large and small innovators.
Agriculture & Food Tech
- A pioneer in agriculture and food production – and ranked among the five top states in the value of its crops – Minnesota is also a pacesetter when it comes to new food and agriculture technologies and patents. Five of the 30 largest food and ag companies are based here.
- Support organizations include: 301 INC; Agricultural Utilization Research Institute; AgroFuse.io; AgriGrowth; GreenSeam; Naturally Minnesota; MNSBIR, Inc.; Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator
- Some industry innovators: Bizzy Coffee; Cargill; CHS; Ecolab; General Mills; Hormel Foods; JonnyPops; Land O'Lakes; Puris; Schwan's
Clean Tech
- Minnesota is a leader in clean technologies and renewable energy – including being one of the top-ranked states for installed wind capacity and a global leader in water treatment, filtration, pumping and aeration.
- Support organizations include: Clean Energy Economy Minnesota; Clean Tech Open Midwest; MNSBIR, Inc.; Grid Catalyst
- Some industry innovators: 75F; DuPont Water Solutions; Ecolab; Great River Energy; Heliene; Pentair; Uponor; Xcel Energy
Education Tech
- Minnesota's highly ranked education system includes top-notch research institutions, a robust system of universities and colleges, and highly regarded K-12 schools. So, it's natural that education technology would be thriving here as well. A number of successful education tech firms have gotten their start at the University of Minnesota.
- Support organizations include: EdNorth; Education Technology Innovations; MNSBIR, Inc. OnRamp Education & Workforce Innovation Accelerator
- Some industry innovators: Flipgrid; Pearson VUE; Sourcewell Technology
Financial & Insurance Tech
- With Minnesota's strong banking and insurance industries, it's no surprise that financial technology has been growing fast. Startups and well-established companies are developing new digital financial and insurance services, including mobile payments, money transfers, asset management, loans, protection plans, fundraising and more.
- Support organizations include: Minnesota Fintech Collective; MNSBIR, Inc.; OnRamp Insurance Accelerator
- Some industry innovators: Allianz; Apruve; Branch; Bremer Bank; ClickSWITCH; Deluxe Corp.; Securian Financial; Sezzle; Total Expert; Upsie; US Bank; Wells Fargo
Information Tech
- Minnesota has a rich history in information technology; some key early computer industry leaders – such as Control Data Corporation – were based in the state. Today, many IT business thrive here in areas such as software development, cyber security, cloud computing, software-as-a-service, data storage and more.
- Support organizations include: MNSBIR, Inc.; State of Minnesota IT Center of Excellence; TinySeed
- Some industry innovators: Ceridian Corp.; Code42; Coherent Solutions; Digital River; IBM; Infor; Saturn Systems
Internet of Things
- Our Internet of Things industry is large, closely connected, and growing fast – with IoT products and services being used across many industries. Minnesota is ideally suited for IoT innovation because of the state's long-established strengths in automation, electronics, sensors and semiconductors as well as industrial data collection and control.
- Support organizations include: IoTFuse; MinneAnalytics; MNSBIR, Inc.
- Some industry innovators: 3M; C.H. Robinson; Digi International; Honeywell; Lab651; NimbeLink; Rosemount/Emerson; SkyWater Technology Foundry
Medical & Health Tech
- A global hub for medical and health technologies, Minnesota is a long-time leader in medical devices, but has seen growth across all areas of medical and health research and development. Internationally renowned Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota provide form the state's life science research backbone.
- Support organizations include: gBETA Medtech; MedFuse; Medical Alley Association; MNSBIR, Inc.; UnitedHealthcare Accelerator Powered by Techstars; Mayo Clinic Platform
- Some industry innovators: 3M Health Care; Abbott; Bright Health; Boston Scientific; Mayo Clinic; Medtronic; Microbiologics; Minnetronix Medical; Optum
Retail Tech
- As the retail industry moves increasingly online, it creates new opportunities and challenges for existing retailers and for startups. With homegrown retail giants like Target and Best Buy, there's no shortage of expertise and a strong appetite for innovation.
- Support organizations include: RetailFuse; Target Retail Accelerators
- Some industry innovators: Best Buy; Digi-Key Electronics; Target; SPS Commerce
Tech Manufacturing
- Manufacturers in Minnesota are known for innovation when it comes to the products they make and the methods they use to make them. From automation equipment to high-tech glass, Minnesota has a cutting-edge manufacturing industry.
- Support organizations include: Enterprise Minnesota; Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association; MNSBIR, Inc.
- Some industry innovators: Apogee Enterprises; DI Labs; Evolve Additive Solutions; Nortech Systems; PaR Systems; Sick Inc.