[SAINT PAUL, MN] Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) announced the agency received a Tekne Award for advancing security in Minnesota. During a Nov. 14 ceremony, the Minnesota Technology Association presented the award, which recognizes and celebrates excellence and innovation within Minnesota’s technology ecosystem.

The Advancements in Security award recognizes the Minnesota Whole-of-State Cybersecurity Plan, which MNIT and the Minnesota Cybersecurity Task Force launched in 2023. The initiative, which allocated $23.5 million in federal and state funding, strengthens cybersecurity across Minnesota by offering advanced tools, assessments, and collaboration with local governments.

“Protecting Minnesota’s schools, local governments, and critical infrastructure against a rising tide of cyber threats required a bold, new approach,” said Tarek Tomes, MNIT Commissioner and State Chief Information Officer. “We are proud of this award and the success of this program, which builds a sustainable cybersecurity system across the state.”

This bold approach to improving defenses has already led to successful pilot programs, such as with Metro State University, and positioned Minnesota as a leader in cybersecurity resiliency. Through new partnerships, MNIT has developed a managed detection and response (MDR) pilot program, which onboarded 125 entities—covering schools, cities, and critical infrastructure—and can now protect up to 85,000 endpoints. MNIT will continue working with partners and the Cybersecurity Task Force to address ongoing security needs across Minnesota.

“This innovative program allowed us to mature cyber capabilities statewide, foster deeper collaboration on security programs and services, and build powerful partnerships with local governments to enhance resilience for everyone,” said John Israel, MNIT Assistant Commissioner and State Chief Information Security Officer.

Minnesota technology efforts were finalists in two other categories:

• Advancements in Artificial Intelligence: The Enterprise Translation Office in the Department of Administration integrated Generative AI with human expertise to provide equitable access to essential services for Minnesota’s non-English-speaking population. Since launching in June 2024, ETO has processed over 3,000 requests, translated over 10,000 pages with an accuracy rate of 98-99%, and served more than 35,000 state employees. This innovation is setting a new standard for public sector translation services.
• Excellence in Partnership: MNIT partnered with the Minnesota National Guard to establish the Minnesota National Guard Cyber Coordination Cell (C3) in 2023. This innovative collaboration enhances statewide cybersecurity efforts, leveraging the National Guard’s resources alongside MNIT’s expertise. The C3 unit has made significant strides in strengthening Minnesota’s cyber defenses, developing strategic plans, and ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure against emerging threats.

Find more information about Tekne Award finalists and winners on their website.

About Minnesota IT Services

Minnesota IT Services, led by the state’s Chief Information Officer, is the Information Technology agency for Minnesota’s executive branch, providing enterprise and local IT services to over 70 agencies, boards, and commissions. MNIT employs more than 2,400 people. Together, we build, maintain, and secure the State’s IT infrastructure, applications, projects, and services. MNIT sets IT strategy, direction, policies, and standards for enterprise IT leadership and planning. We also serve Minnesotans by connecting all 87 counties, 300 cities, and 200 public higher education campuses across the state on the MNET network. Through public-private partnerships, our team proactively protects the state’s information systems and the private data of 5.7 million Minnesotans. 

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