Past Seasons
2025 MN Cup Award Winners
2025 Grand Prize Winner
AcQumen Medical was the 2025 Grand Prize winner, receiving $100,000 for their work combining ultrasound precision with continuous monitoring to help doctors manage the heart function of critically ill infants and children. Their UltraTrac system delivers real-time, non-invasive insights for better decisions and outcomes supporting a critical patient population.
2025 Runner Up Winner
Swinergy was the 2025 Runner Up, receiving $40,000 for their innovation in converting livestock waste into renewable natural gas and fertilizer using advanced bioreactors.
Momease Solutions
The 2025 Woman-Led Startup Prize went to AcQumen Medical from the LifeScience & HealthIT Division. AcQumen Medical is working to combine ultrasound precision with continuous monitoring to help doctors manage the heart function of critically ill infants and children.
Thank you to the Carlson Family Foundation for making this award possible!
Vanguard Pipeline Inspection
The 2025 Top Greater MN Startup Prize went to Vanguard Pipeline Inspection from the Energy, CleanTech & Water Division. Vanguard Pipeline Inspection offers aerial methane gas leak detection using lightweight, aircraft-mounted Falcon XL pods and low-powered laser tech. A faster, safer, and more cost-effective solution for global oil and gas infrastructure.
Thank you to the Carlson Family Foundation for making this award possible!
Objective Biotechnology
The 2025 Top Innovative Minority-Led Company Prize went to ChatLPO from the Education & Training Division. ChatLPO reduces teacher burnout by automating lesson planning and assessment through an AI platform made by teachers, for teachers.
Thank you to JP Morgan Chase & MEDA for making this award possible!
Wren Writing
The 2025 Best Company from Southern Minnesota Prize went to Wren Writing from the Student Division. Wren Writing streamlines the author journey with an all-in-one platform. Built by writers, it handles writing, formatting, promotions, and more, and simplifies the path from draft to published book.
Thank you to the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation for making the award possible!
Naware
The 2025 Green Chemistry Prize went to Naware from the Energy/Clean Tech/Water Division. Naware is a 100% water-based, chemical-free weed control system that uses steam and mounts onto existing mowers and tractors. No chemicals, no runoff, just safer, smarter turf management.
Thank you to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for making this award possible!
AcQumen Medical
The 2025 UEL "Golden Ticket" went to AcQumen Medical, from the LifeScience & HealthIT Division, earning their team one year of free lab space at University Enterprise Labs. AcQumen Medical is working to combine ultrasound precision with continuous monitoring to help doctors manage the heart function of critically ill infants and children.
Thank you to University Enterprise Labs for making this award possible!
Celebrating MN Cup
MN Cup is a community-led, public-private partnership supporting Minnesota’s entrepreneurs. They host an annual competition that reaches emerging entrepreneurs from across the state and connects them with tools, resources, and support to launch and accelerate the development of their new ventures.