Minnesota may not boast the flashy disruptors like Snapchat or Uber, but the state is fostering many game-changing products, especially in the health care and technology fields. That’s where the Minnesota Cup comes in.
The organization, composed of a network of more than 250 professionals/volunteers, fosters early-stage companies and holds an annual competition to honor the best.
This year, 75F, a Mankato company, took the top prize. It creates cloud-based software that controls office HVAC software to produce energy savings. Less than a month later it walked away with $100,000 from AOL co-founder Steve Case in his “Rise Above the Rest” pitch competition.
Besides the prize money—this year, 75F took home $105,000—and a host of other support services—companies cite increased public awareness and investor interest. In light of 75F’s big year, we thought we’d take a look at how other recent MN Cup winners have fared.
Founded: 2009 Product: TetraKO, a non-toxic, biodegradable fire-suppressing chemical that is mixed with water. Where are they now?
Founded: 2009 Product: CADence, a handheld device that can detect clogged arteries in less than 20 seconds Where are they now?
Founded: 2011 Product: Mobile software that health care and other providers can use to update the status of those receiving care. Where are they now?
Founded: 2011 Product: A device that reduces the time it takes to place tubes in children’s ears to 15 seconds, by allowing doctors to make the incision and insertion in one motion. Where are they now?