The Minnesota Cup announced the startups that would be advancing to the final round of its 2017 competition Friday.
The startup competition began with 80 teams (10 per category) competing in the Cup’s eight categories for their share of $450,000 in prize money. This is $50K more than last year and the largest amount the cup has ever awarded to its winners, according to director Melissa Kjolsing.
Each division runner-up will receive $5,000, while division winners receive $30,000 and a shot at the $50,000 grand prize and $20,000 second prize.
Cup semifinalists were announced in early June. The competition has continued largely out of the public eye throughout the summer as participants worked with mentors to prep business plans and polish pitches. Division winners will be announced September 25. A grand prize winner will be selected during Twin Cities Startup Week in early October.
Here is a complete list of the 24 division finalists competing in the 2017 Minnesota Cup:
ENERGY/CLEAN TECH/WATER A-Sharp Energy: Community solar programs were created to expand access to solar, including to people who have nowhere to put solar panels. Future Force LLC: Full Force's Zero Contact Transmission tech is a magnetic propulsion gearbox which delivers a 35 percent more efficient variable speed drive regardless of size or application. Sironix Renewables: Develops environmentally friendly and safe chemicals from plants to be used for industrial consumer products.
FOOD/AG/BEVERAGE Autonomous Tractor Corporation: A self-driving tractor. Dumpling & Strand, Noodlers at Large: Artisan noodle makers using non-GMO ingredients and organic whole grains grown in Minnesota. Squarrel Cooperage: Makers of square barrels for aging alcohol that use one-third less wood than traditional barrels.
GENERAL Cedar Labs LLC: Education data integration system. County Chromatic 3D Materials: Creates 3D printing materials with the durability to meet the requirements for finished manufactured goods. Z Flow Pro: A helmet that helps commercial painters avoid skin rashes and irritations that typically come from paint overspray or drywall dust.
HIGH TECH Extempore: Education tech company creating a new way for teachers to distribute and grade assignments. Starting 11: A fantasy soccer app. TeamGenius: Player evaluation software for youth sports organizations.
IMPACT VENTURES Iron Range Makerspace LLC: a makerspace/co-working/incubator located in Hibbing that aims to become the innovation center for the entire Iron Range. UR TURN: An education support system that uses decades of research to help students, parents, teachers and advisors stay on track to graduation. Venn Foundation: Creates "program-related investments," for philanthropic organizations.
LIFE SCIENCE/HEALTH IT Dose Health: A smart pill box. Impleo Medical, Inc.: A company developing an outpatient injection therapy for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. MicroOptx, Inc.: a medical device company creating an implant to assist those suffering from glaucoma.
STUDENT KinoSol: A solar-powered food dehydrator. Outdoors Advisor UnderRecruited Preps: Connects student athletes to college coaches and teaches them about the athletic recruiting process.
YOUTH Green Garden Bakery: Sells vegetable-based desserts. Peacebunny Island: An 8.5 acre private island on Lake Minnetonka dedicated to saving bunnies and making the angora fashion industry humane. Via
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