The votes are in; the finalists for TCB’s second annual StartMN Think Tank are confirmed. Four Minnesota startups will get the chance to pitch their big idea at the Aug. 12 event and gain advice from a panel of experts on a current business challenge.

The presenting startups are:

Absolute Filth: A line of eco-friendly hockey wax in scents like coconut and mango, created by hockey mom, Katie Kirt, and her husband Casey Kirt, who say they’ve “endured a lot of bad smells.”
Challenge: Based in Hamel, the company is growing quickly—sales are up 250% to 300% this year. “Scaling our business to meet this demand has been very challenging,” Casey Kirt says. “We’ve been approached by larger retailers, but with just two of us here, we need to be sure we’re ready so the opportunity doesn’t blow up in our face.”

EarRx: Created in Rochester by a group of doctors, EarRx is an AI-powered telehealth platform that allows parents to receive diagnosis and treatment for their child’s ear infection using a smartphone compatible otoscope, potentially saving families time, reducing unnecessary ER visits, and lowering healthcare costs while ensuring children receive fast, accurate care. Ear infections affect over 5 million children in the U.S. each year, with a conservative estimated annual cost of $2 billion related to clinic visits, prescriptions, and urgent care/emergency room visits. EarRx founders say the current system is inefficient, involving wait times and lack of options for receiving care outside of clinic hours. EarRX, which is expected to launch later this year, offers an at-home solution.
Challenge: “Integrating AI technology into real-world clinical workflows remains complex,” says co-founder, Dr. Rizwan Siwani. “We would appreciate advice on image quality variability from smartphones, dataset bias, and regulatory compliance for AI diagnostics.”

Hardcore Peanut Butter Spread: A superfood-enriched, protein-packed, peanut butter currently sold direct to consumer. Founders of the Minneapolis-based packaged food brand say they are motivated to provide a nutritious, chemical-free snacking experience.
Challenge: “By 2027, we will launch the first-ever allergen-free peanut butter,” says founder Bryant Williams. “We want to make sure we set ourselves up for success.”

Planting People Growing Justice Press and Bookstore: Founded by civil rights attorney Artika Tyner, PPGJ Books is a mission-driven (for-profit) publishing house and bookstore dedicated to transforming lives through literacy. It produces inclusive, diverse books and nurtures emerging authors through writing competitions and training programs. The bookstore at 1832 E 35th Street, Minneapolis, specializes in children’s books that reflect what Tyner describes as “the rich diversity of our communities.”
Challenge: “Relying solely on book sales has limited our growth potential,” Tyner says, “and we are seeking expert guidance on how to strategically broaden our income
sources.” Options include educational workshops, subscription services, and merchandise sales.

The four companies were selected through a public online vote from a field of a dozen semifinalists.

StartMN Think Tank takes place Aug. 12 at Glass House in Minneapolis. Hear business experts advise these local startups at this pitch-style event where the prize is guidance for the presenting companies and networking for all who attend. The event will also include a market featuring other local brands. Tickets are now available.

See highlight’s from last year’s inaugural StartMN Think Tank, which attracted entrepreneurs, investors, and business enthusiasts.