Twin Cities Startup Week: What we know so far
Get excited! Twin Cities Startup Week is back October 9–16 and this year is shaping up to be the best one yet!
When Twin Cities Startup Week launched in 2014 it was truly a grassroots endeavor with 50 entrepreneurs organizing 15 events. Since then the week has grown and evolved to include students, makers, inventors, corporate innovators, investors, startup enthusiasts, and more. There truly is something for everybody. 2018 boasted 203 events on the calendar and 17,000 registered attendees with this year promising solid veterans coming back to headline events and some exciting new faces on the calendar.
We’re only 2 weeks into the Call for Submissions and already every evening of Twin Cities Startup Week is booked with powerhouse events. Here’s everything that’s on the calendar so far.
Do you have a session or event that you would like to organize for Twin Cities Startup Week? Call for Submissions is open until July 19. Submit yours today!
Wednesday (10/9)
Kick Off Party
We will celebrate our 6th Twin Cities Startup Week in style with great beer, great friends and great music. Stay tuned for more details! Location TBD.
Thursday (10/10)
Constellation Fund — MPLS
Despite being named the most generous state in America, Minnesota is home to many of the country’s worst socioeconomic disparities. Join the Constellation Fund for an honest conversation about this troubling juxtaposition, and about how the organization is leveraging the full power of data, research, and predictive analytics to thoughtfully disrupt the philanthropic marketplace with an evidence-driven approach to poverty alleviation.
MinneDemo — Riverview Theater, MPLS
Minnedemo is the premier showcase for working technology products made in Minnesota. Demos are 7 minutes long and PowerPoint IS NOT ALLOWED. We like to think of it as Geek Show and Tell! It’s an energizing and informative evening for innovators, investors, and technologists of all kinds. Come see what the local scene is up to, with networking before, during, and afterward.
Friday (10/11)
Carlson School Job Fair — MPLS
Connect with startup and early-stage companies seeking talent to grow their businesses. An informal gathering of Twin Cities startup companies looking to hire students and job seekers. Make connections, get career advice and learn about the needs, opportunities and recruiting practices of leading Minnesota startups.
Stay tuned to hear which companies will be attending.
MEDA Million Dollar Challenge — St. Paul
If you’re a fan of ABC’s Shark Tank, then this is the event for you! Up to 20 ethnic minority-owned businesses will be invited to make their best case in five minutes to a panel of judges regarding why their businesses are poised for growth.
In addition to food, drink, and networking, this high-profile event will offer attendees a sneak peek at future vendors and companies to potentially invest in or even acquire while at the same time educating and lifting up minority businesses.
Jump into our shark tank and see if you can swim!
Monday (10/14)
MN Cup — Macnamara Alumni Center UMN — MPLS
After seven months and three rounds of competition, we’re gathering together to name the Grand Prize Winner of the 2019 Minnesota Cup. We’ll hear presentations from our 9 Division Winners, network with our top teams and award special prizes to top entrepreneurs. Join us as we give away $500,000 and network with entrepreneurs, business leaders and investors from Minnesota’s biggest industries. You won’t want to miss this!
BETA Showcase
Beta.mn and Great North Labs are teaming up to double the size of the BETA Showcase by inviting Greater Minnesota startups to participate. Come witness two dozen emerging Minnesota startup companies competing for the coveted “Golden iPod” trophy!
Showcase is like a science fair for startups, with beer & music. There are no formal presentations, just local entrepreneurs demonstrating their products and services in an approachable, one-on-one setting.
Attendees include founders, future employees, superfans, investors, friends, family members and anyone wanting to discover and celebrate local innovation. There’s no set schedule; attendees are welcome to come and go throughout the evening. If you know of an awesome startup outside of the Twin Cities who would like to compete please encourage them to email hello (at) beta.mn.
Tuesday — 10/15
TechStars Demo Day
TechStars Farm to Fork is back with pitches from 9 companies who have spent the last 3 months perfecting their product offerings. Prepared to be wowed as they show off the innovative solutions they’ve been cooking up within the Food Tech and AgTech industry. Executives from Cargill and Ecolab will make an appearance as well as other leaders in food & ag. Please come to happy hour (4–4:45 pm) to mingle with the founders before they get on stage to pitch. Pitches will be followed by a reception with the chance to meet with the companies 1-on-1 and help them cap-off the end of 3 months of hard work in the program! Location: TBD
Badass Women — NORTH LOOP MPLS — 4:30–8:00 PM
All you have to know is that the fierce women behind B.A. Women and The Creative’s Connector are joining forces to bring you one heck of an event during Twin Cities Startup Week! We are thrilled to bring this first annual B.A. Women x Creative’s Connector experience to the most innovative week of the year — heck yes! Buy tickets here.
Wednesday (10/16)
TCSW Startup Awards — St. Paul
Our great state of Minnesota is home to hundreds of great inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Isn’t it time we get to know and celebrate these fearless explorers? Ernst & Young has partnered with Twin Cities Startup Week to host an event to honor these individuals.
Stay tuned for ways to nominate and vote for your favorite innovators.
Closing Party — St. Paul
After a chock-full week of celebrating all things entrepreneurial in the Twin Cities, it’s time to let loose and cut a rug. Time & Location: TBD
Do you have a session or event that you would like to organize for Twin Cities Startup Week? Call for Submissions is open until July 19. Submit yours today!
