2026 MN Cup Participant Stats

In our 22nd MN Cup season, we are excited to see innovation and entrepreneurship continue to grow throughout the entire state of Minnesota. Since 2013, we’ve been collecting detailed demographic data on our applicants, and we’re proud to see continued progress in making our applicant pool more reflective of Minnesota’s vibrant, diverse entrepreneurial landscape.

Here’s a high-level snapshot of who participated in this year’s MN Cup application process:

• 2,819 Minnesotans participated in the application process this year
• 1,262 unique applications were submitted from 69 of Minnesota’s 87 counties
• 74% of submitted applications came from the 7-county metro, 26% from Greater Minnesota
• Participating teams include co-founders with the following gender identities:
  • 55% Male
  • 44% Female
  • 1% Non-binary, third gender or prefer to self-describe
• We’ve continued efforts to increase awareness within Minnesota’s BIPOC communities this year - 45% of applicants identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
• Age ranged from 8 to 86. The average age of applicants this year was 40. 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of our participant demographics* for this season:

*Percentages reflect those who filled out the full demographic information. Some folks who started an application but did not finish or submit did not fully report this information.
 

Detailed Demographics