2024 MN Cup Semifinalists

Monday, May 20, 2024

May 20, 2024 — MN Cup is proud to announce the 90 companies moving forward to our Semifinal Round, the top finishers from each of our nine divisions. We had a record number of applications and participants in the first round of our process. 3,178 Minnesotans participated - 10% more than our previous record in 2023. MN Cup continues to make targeted efforts and progress in reaching underrepresented groups.

  • 43% of our participants identify as Female
  • 39% identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color
  • 31% of applicants are from Greater Minnesota

Read more about MN Cup 2024 participants.

The following companies will move forward to create a pitch deck, summary business plan and one minute video while accessing free mentorship, education and publicity through July. Ultimately, they’ll compete for a share of more than $400,000 cash prizes and gain the opportunity to accelerate their businesses with no equity taken in exchange. 

During this exciting 20th season of MN Cup we’re also proud of the impact of the competition on the high-growth startups and innovation of our state. Capital raised by MN Cup alumni exceeds $1.1 Billion. To stay up to date on the progress of our companies, follow @MinnesotaCup on Instagram and LinkedIn, and sign up for our newsletter here.

 

The 2024 MN Cup Semifinalists are: 

 

Education & Training

 

Energy/Cleantech/Water

 

Food/Ag/Beverage

 

General

 

High Tech

 

Impact Ventures

 

LifeScience/Health IT

 

Student

 

Youth

MN Cup is a community-led, public-private partnership that brings together corporations, investors, foundations, government and skilled volunteers to support Minnesota’s entrepreneurs. The core of our programming is an annual competition that reaches emerging entrepreneurs from across the state and connects them with education, mentorship and resources to launch and accelerate the development of their new ventures. The competition inspires entrepreneurs to begin their startup journey, supports them as they develop a solid business plan, provides exposure for their ideas and offers numerous opportunities to expand their networks. Since 2005 MN Cup has given away $5.4 Million in seed capital, taking no equity in exchange. Our alumni companies have gone on to raise over $1.1 Billion. MN Cup is a program of the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management. To learn more about our process and register for an info session or office hours, visit MN Cup