The statewide entrepreneurial competition has chosen six divisional winners out of more than 1,000 Minnesota entrees.
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Narrowed from a pool of 57 semifinalists, the 18 selected finalists will now compete for a share of $200,000 in prize money.
The 57 semifinalists move to the next round in the annual competition, advancing closer to $200,000 in prizes.
Entrepreneurs seeking exposure and a share of $200,000 in start-up capital have until May 17 to submit their proposals.
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Entrepreneurs seeking exposure and a share of $200,000 in start-up capital have until May 17 to submit their proposals.
The company, founded by a former Best Buy executive, developed a mobile application platform that allows people to receive updates about their loved ones in real time from daycare providers, hospitals, and care facilities.
The six division winners, who have already secured cash prizes, will make their final business pitches before a grand-prize review board next month—and the grand-prize winner will receive another $40,000.
The start-up developed a Yelp-like website and smartphone application aimed at sustaining black-owned businesses and decreasing the unemployment rate within the black community.
Finalists will compete first for their respective division title and a cash prize; division winners will then vie for the Minnesota Cup, which comes with a $40,000 grand prize.
The pool of contestants has been narrowed down to 49 semi-finalists who are vying for a share of the $200,000 prize.
Entrepreneurs can submit their entries until May 18 to be eligible for a share of $200,000 in cash prizes.
The company-whose noninvasive device can identify lethal coronary blockages in less than 20 seconds-beat out more than 1,000 participants before being named this year's grand-prize winner.
The six division winners will present before the grand prize review board on September 8, when the overall winner will be named and awarded an additional $25,000, along with the coveted Minnesota Cup.
Finalists will compete for their respective division title-and then for a $25,000 grand prize and the Minnesota Cup.
The St. Paul-based car-sharing program will receive a $20,000 award and compete against five other yet-to-be-named division winners for a $25,000 grand prize.
The pot of prize money for Minnesota's entrepreneurial competition has grown, due primarily to a new sponsorship from General Mills-and a runner-up in each division will now receive a $5,000 cash prize.
Entries are due May 20 for this year's seventh-annual contest, which will give out more than $150,000 in prize money across six award divisions.
The company, which is commercializing an environmentally friendly and extremely effective fire retardant, won a total of $40,000 in seed capital.
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