We invite early-stage startups to share a current business challenge they're facing, then our readers vote to select the company they'd like to see present on stage. A panel of expert advisors in investment, marketing, and growth strategy will provide real-time guidance tailored to help both the featured startups and any entrepreneur aiming to build their business. Come for the learning, networking, and to cheer on local companies with mass potential. Our Panel of Experts for 2026 is yet to be announced.
Call for Entries is open! Do you have a current business challenge you're facing? Submit your company for the opportunity to be selected to pitch to a panel of industry experts.
Enter today! Entries close April 24.
2026 Nomination | StartMN Think Tank Startup Companies
Interested in sponsorship? Contact Associate Publisher, Traci Auger, at tauger@tcbmag.com or fill out this form to request information.
2025 Event Photos
Brittany Wisner, founder of Courage & Clay jewelry at StartMN Think Tank
Monique Maxwell’s Be A Kind Human apparel at StartMN Think Tank marketplace
SayKid founder and CEO DeLonn Crosby demos his Toy Bot at StartMN Think Tank.
XO’Xocolati founder Tiffany Calderon and Panache founder Ameeta Jaiswal-Dale showcase their brands at StartMN Think Tank
Dr. Artika Tyner showcases books by her publishing house, Planting People Growing Justice
Kind Lips founder Josuha Neumann talks to TCB’s Allison Kaplan at StartMN Think Tank
Panache infused juices at StartMN Think Tank
Soak It Up, ecofriendly gift cards, at StartMN Think Tank marketplace
Lovejoy’s bloody mary mixes at StartMN Think Tank local marketplace
G.G.’s Poppin’ popcorn on display at StartMN Think Tank’s local marketplace.
Jennifer Miller showcases Blue Heron Body & Home at StartMN Think Tank
Casey and Katie Kirt, founders of Absolute Filth hockey wax at StartMN Think Tank 2025
TCB editor Allison Kaplan kicks of StartMN Think Tank
Eisner Amper partner Kevin Besikof at StartMN Think Tank 2025
Bank of America president Luca Giambelluca at StartMN Think Tank 2025
Tundra Ventures managing partner Danielle Steer, with Frank Jaskulke of Avio Medtech Consulting, offers advice to founders at StartMN Think Tank.
Casey and Katie Kirt, founders of Absolute Filth hockey wax, present at StartMN Think Tank 2025.
Artika Tyner, founder and CEO of Planting People Growing Justice, presents at StartMN Think Tank 2025.
Hardcore Peanut Butter founder Bryant Williams presents at StartMN Think Tank 2025.
EarRX co-founder Dr. Rizwan Siwani presents at StartMN Think Tank 2025.
Think Tank 2025 presenters: Bryant Williams of Hardcore Peanut Butter, Artika Tyner of Planting People Growing Justice, Dr. Rizwan Siwani of EarRX, Katie and Casey Kirt of Absolute Filth
Think Tank experts Lucas Giambelluca, Bank of America president; marketing executive Remi Kent; Avio Medtech’s Frank Jaskulke; Tundra Ventures managing partner Danielle Steer
