Scale with the best accelerators and incubators in Minnesota

This three-month program is dedicated to fostering innovation in the tech and digital aspects of food and agriculture. Located in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, it collaborates with industry leaders Cargill and Ecolab to support startups across the food value chain, including domains such as AgTech, manufacturing, supply chains, food safety, waste reduction, and traceability. Each cohort typically includes about 11 startups from around the globe, all addressing pressing challenges in the sector. Participants receive financial support of $120,000 for 6% equity and have access to cash equivalent resources valued over $400,000, in addition to perks exceeding $5 million. Moreover, the accelerator provides lifetime access to the extensive Techstars global network, connecting entrepreneurs with potential investors, mentors, and essential resources for growth. Historically, alumni have raised over $2 million in outside capital after graduating. Key figures such as Brad Feld, Daniel Mason, and David Cohen are among the founders shaping this impactful initiative, which continues to establish a supportive environment for early-stage companies in agriculture and food technology.

Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator's Website

This premier initiative located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is designed to propel world-class startups at the intersection of technology, sports, and entertainment. The 2023 program will commence on November 6th, culminating in a Demo Day where participants will present their progress to a select audience. Typically, around 10 companies are invited each cohort, benefiting from mentorship, resources, and invaluable networking opportunities. Notable mentors from the Techstars ecosystem and the Minnesota Twins' front office include Jack Dempsey, Stephanie Rich, and HT Fish. This 13-week program includes unique perks such as virtual autograph sessions with sports figures like Carlos Correa, offering participants exclusive insights and connections. Founded by industry veterans including Brad Feld, Chisa Egbelu, and Daniel Mason, the initiative focuses on fostering innovations in entertainment, fintech, and general tech. Startups benefit from early-stage VC and seed funding opportunities alongside access to experts and strategic partners within the sports tech community, positioning them for success in a rapidly evolving industry.

The Minnesota Twins Accelerator by Techstars's Website

An accelerator based in Northeast Minneapolis, dedicated to fostering a vibrant tech startup community in the Twin Cities, was founded in 2018 by Seth Peter, Ben Rasmussen, and Scott Aubitz. This institution combines investment, advisory services, and a collaborative workspace to empower entrepreneurs. The program offers tailored mentoring on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis, with a team of experts who have diverse backgrounds and startup experience. Their founder-friendly approach emphasizes building ongoing relationships and developing company-specific capital strategies. Additionally, a founders workspace is provided where entrepreneurs can connect and learn from each other, facilitating an environment of collaboration and inspiration. To date, nearly two dozen investments have been made in impactful startups, identifying promising ventures for direct investment or through a network of accredited investors. By focusing on general tech, the organization aims to create sustainable change and innovation within the local startup ecosystem. With personalized mentoring and access to essential resources, startups are positioned for success in the competitive marketplace.

Twin Ignition's Website

This year-long, remote accelerator is specifically designed for early-stage SaaS founders seeking to scale their businesses without traditional fundraising pressures. It accepts 15-20 early-stage SaaS companies for each program in the Americas and EMEA, focusing on B2B SaaS sectors. The organization offers a funding structure that includes an initial investment of $120,000 for the first founder and an additional $60,000 for each co-founder, in exchange for 10-12% equity. Mentorship is a cornerstone of the program, providing guidance from world-class entrepreneurs and SaaS experts. Participants benefit from a community of ambitious peers and engage in in-person meetups multiple times a year. The objective is to help founders reach a target of $1 million in Annual Recurring Revenue before considering further funding options. Founded by industry veterans Einar Vollset and Rob Walling, this institution uniquely positions itself as an attractive option for bootstrapping SaaS entrepreneurs, combining essential funding with practical advice and a supportive network.

TinySeed Accelerator's Website

The premier program dedicated to transforming the retail industry supports startups in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) space. Designed to accelerate retail potential, it provides intensive mentorship in key focus areas including marketing, omnichannel strategies, mobile technologies, big data analytics, merchandising, and supply chain innovations. Over 300 alumni have benefited from this initiative, gaining valuable insights to help make a significant impact in various categories of ecommerce and logistics. Spanning five weeks, the program offers tailored educational resources, networking opportunities, and access to industry-leading mentors, fostering an environment for founders to connect and collaborate on innovative solutions for retail challenges. With a specialization in retail and consumer goods, it stands out as a vital player in shaping the future of the sector, empowering entrepreneurs to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Target Accelerator's Website

This first startup accelerator is specifically designed for founders who traditionally bootstrap. The year-long remote program caters exclusively to early-stage SaaS (Software as a Service) founders, accepting 15-20 companies per batch from the Americas and EMEA regions. It pairs crucial fundingbetween $120k and $220k per companywith mentorship and an engaged community, in exchange for 10-12% equity. Specializing in financial services, software, and venture capital, the organization emphasizes education and support. The initial three months feature The Playbook, providing best practices and one-on-one assistance from the team. Founders are encouraged to participate in educational group calls and smaller mastermind sessions via video conferencing. Unlike traditional accelerators, there are no homework assignments, tests, or demo days, allowing for a flexible engagement without a defined minimum time commitment. However, in-person retreats occur a few times yearly to foster connections among founders. Key figures include founders Einar Vollset and Rob Walling, both dedicated to nurturing ambitious SaaS bootstrappers aiming to scale their businesses.

TinySeed's Website

The Gary S. Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship serves as a vital hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, inspiring, educating, and connecting the next generation of entrepreneurs in Minnesota. It hosts the MN Cup, the largest statewide startup competition in the U.S., which in 2023 offered over $400,000 in non-dilutive cash prizes to emerging entrepreneurs, providing them with essential resources and mentoring. Additionally, the institution leads the MIN-Corps initiative, fostering talent and technology commercialization through various educational programs, including courses and bootcamps, contributing to the evaluation of 450 new venture concepts. Supporting a diverse ecosystem, the center focuses on areas such as technology, science, agriculture, and women-led startups with initiatives like Naturally Minnesota and WE*. With a robust network of 260 mentors, it has achieved a #9 ranking for public MBA programs in entrepreneurship among U.S. Public Universities. The organization features the Toaster Innovation Hub, a collaborative space fostering innovation, and works closely with the state to position Minnesota as a leader in innovation, supporting industries like agriculture tech, edtech, and food and beverage. Notable founders associated with it include Alexander Ramsey and James Wiske.

University of Minnesota - Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship's Website

This consumer product startup accelerator is designed to assist more mature consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies in scaling into mass retail. The program lasts for six weeks and is conducted in a virtual format. It specializes in supporting brands within various industries, including consumer electronics, e-commerce, food and beverage, and healthcare technology. Participants in the accelerator benefit from curated education aimed to prepare them for sustainable success on mass retail shelves, while also gaining access to a community of like-minded founders. Furthermore, valuable guidance from industry leaders ensures that participants receive the insights needed to thrive in competitive markets. The focus is on empowering new brands to make a significant impact in their respective industries.

Target Takeoff's Website

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is committed to fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and dynamic organizations through comprehensive education, research, and outreach programs. Located in Morris Hall, it supports students in transforming their innovative ideas into viable startups by providing mentoring, training, and essential resources. The center also extends its consulting services to southern Minnesota organizations, empowering student teams to address real-world business challenges under expert supervision. Through initiatives such as the Big Ideas Challenge, a venture competition that invites university students to pitch their business concepts for funding, CIE actively promotes entrepreneurship and skill development. Furthermore, it hosts events focused on critical themes like entrepreneurship, social media for business, and design thinking, enriching the entrepreneurial ecosystem on campus. Serving students and faculty across diverse disciplines, the organization engages with the local community, driving economic growth in the region. Emphasizing collaboration, CIE provides a platform for networking and mentorship, making it a significant hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in southern Minnesota.

Minnesota State University, Mankato - Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship's Website

This four-month program is dedicated to facilitating the growth of health tech start-ups aimed at solving critical challenges in the health care industry. Each fall, it selects 10 exceptional companies to collaborate with health care experts and mentors, fostering an immersive experience focused on innovation and technology. Since its inception in 2019, a total of 50 companies have been supported, creating a robust ecosystem of health tech innovators. The program emphasizes various specialization domains, including scalable solutions for health behavior change, mental health, aging in place, nutrition and fitness, addiction, and complex care coordination, among others. Participants receive executive mentorship, networking opportunities, and support in refining their business models, which can significantly enhance their fundraising efforts. By promoting collaboration among start-ups and industry leaders, the institution equips founders with the necessary tools and connections to transform their ideas into impactful solutions within the rapidly evolving health care landscape.

United Healthcare Accelerator's Website

The organization is an accelerator program designed to bridge the gap between hardware startups and retailers, facilitating their growth and market access. It caters to innovators in various domains, including Smart Home technologies, Energy Efficiency solutions, Food & Beverage advancements, and concepts shaping the Retail Store of the Future. The program curates, coaches, and connects these startups with key channels, such as retailers, carriers, utilities, and service providers, thereby enabling them to reach more customers and provide significant value to their businesses. The institution distinguishes itself by offering continued support to participating startups beyond pitch day, promoting sustained collaboration and development. Founders benefit from the program's unique network, which opens doors to engagement with large corporations across multiple industries such as Ecommerce, Food and Beverage, and Renewable Energy. Under the guidance of founder Rick Rommel, the accelerator consistently seeks promising startups to enhance their performance and effectiveness in the market, ensuring a continuous cycle of innovation and entrepreneurship in the retail space.

RetailXelerator's Website

Now known as The Alloy Labs Institute, this organization stands as an industry leader in fostering innovation within financial institutions through fintech partnerships and strategic investments. The member-directed shared innovation lab accelerates the growth of fintech startups by significantly reducing risks, lowering costs, and expediting the transition from ideas to impactful results. The accelerator features a structured 12-week program specifically aimed at startups specializing in areas like payments, lending, blockchain, data analytics, and various other fintech-related fields. By emphasizing collaboration and technology adoption over massive budgets, it creates a unique environment for startups to refine their ideas and establish valuable connections with decision-makers in the financial services sector. Notable founders Jason Henrichs and JP Nicols spearhead this initiative, which prioritizes genuine value creation for financial institutions over superficial innovations. The focus on driving innovation in fintech is at the core of the institute's mission.

FinTech Forge's Website

An early-stage accelerator program founded in 2013, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting technology founders within Minnesota. Its mission is to accelerate the success of local startups by providing essential resources, mentorship, and community support. The BETA Cohort stands out as a free, non-dilutive accelerator lasting five months, with up to twenty companies participating in each cycle. Since its inception, the program has supported a total of 264 startups, which have collectively raised $633 million in funding and employ 2,286 individuals. Notable initiatives include the Twin Cities Startup Week, one of the largest startup-innovation festivals in the U.S., and the Science Fair for Startups, which attracts over 500 guests to showcase emerging products. Additionally, this institution facilitates premier pitch events and industry-specific roundtable discussions to explore collaboration opportunities. It is backed by partnerships that contribute expertise and resources to foster the growth of Minnesotas entrepreneurial ecosystem. Ryan Broshar is a key figure associated with the organization, which supports a variety of technology domains, including fintech and SaaS.

Beta.MN's Website

Big Sky Biomedical is a medtech accelerator established in 2021, focusing on the design, development, and commercialization of novel interventional medical devices. It is dedicated to identifying innovative technologies that improve patient care and provide significant advancements in vascular treatments. The management team possesses extensive expertise in all phases of medical device development and has established strong relationships with device manufacturers across the globe, complemented by access to over 3,000 cardiovascular centers worldwide. Among its portfolio companies, FastWave stands out for its rapid development of enhanced intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) catheters. This organization benefits various stakeholders: patients receive improved treatment options, healthcare providers access innovative therapies, inventors witness their ideas materialize, and strategic partners can acquire market-ready technologies without the burdens of research or manufacturing. Founded by Scott Nelson, the accelerator plays a critical role in the healthcare technology and biotechnology sectors, driving forward the advancement of interventional medical technologies for the betterment of patient outcomes.

Big Sky Biomedical's Website

Minnesota's leading life science incubator is located in St. Paul. As an independent, non-profit organization, it is dedicated to supporting early-stage ventures in biotechnology and life sciences. The mission centers on facilitating the growth of life science companies by providing flexible lab space, shared equipment, and fostering a collaborative environment among entrepreneurs. With nearly 20 years of operation, the institution has supported numerous companies and nurtured many jobs within the life science sector. Its specialization spans various domains, including medical devices, food and agriculture, soil research, alcohol and spirits, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. The incubator's proximity to prominent research universities enhances collaborative opportunities, further driving economic growth and contributing to Minnesota's thriving life science ecosystem. By offering a welcoming space for innovators, this organization plays a crucial role in shaping the future of life sciences and serves as a valuable resource for early-stage companies in this expansive field.

University Enterprise Laboratories's Website

An innovation center established in 2013, it significantly contributes to economic development by connecting entrepreneurs, businesses, and students in Red Wing, Minnesota. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023, the organization was founded with robust support from the City of Red Wing and community stakeholders. Notably, in 2014, it became the first and smallest rural community in the United States to receive a Smart City designation from US Ignite, attributed to the successful implementation of gigabit broadband. The accelerator fosters a unique ecosystem for innovation by enhancing regional connectivity and cultivating future workforce talent, bringing together like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, and advisors. They offer a coworking space equipped with professional settings, meeting and event spaces, gigabit connectivity, and onsite support. Additional amenities include 24-hour access, coffee, mailing services, wireless printing, and Zoom room technology. The Ignite Cup, a premier business pitch competition in southeastern Minnesota, showcases emerging entrepreneurs, with the announcement of ten semi-finalists taking place on March 2nd. This comprehensive support structure empowers entrepreneurs to accelerate and grow their innovative ideas, making a lasting impact in the region.

Red Wing Ignite's Website

Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, this innovative venture studio specializes in the biocomputing industry. Founded and led by Messac Neba, it operates as an accelerator/incubator with a clear focus on developing a select group of promising startups, rather than distributing resources across many. This unique approach combines venture capital with company-building efforts, emphasizing detailed market research, product development, and sustainable business models. Currently, the organization is actively seeking new investments. It is staffed by one professional who spearheads its efforts. Startups within its focus area may benefit from intensive mentorship, access to valuable networks, and expertise, all tailored to quicken growth and enhance the chances of success. While specializing in the biocomputing sector, the studio is also noted for being sector agnostic, allowing it to engage with various innovative ideas and technologies. This represents a strategic opportunity for biocomputing entrepreneurs looking to advance their ventures in a supportive environment.

SilicoBios Venture Studio's Website

OnRamp Insurance Accelerator, backed by gener8tor, Allianz Life & Securian Financial, is an annual program that invests $100K in five high-growth startups, focusing on FinTech and InsurTech innovation. The accelerator partners with a select group of insurtech startups, usually including a few promising ventures each cohort. It attracts investments from various sources such as venture capital firms, corporate partners, and angel investors, offering funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance to participants. The program's goal is to fund and accelerate the growth of insurtech companies by providing intensive mentoring, access to resources, and exposure to industry experts over several months. Specializing in insurtech, the accelerator assists startups in AI, blockchain, data analytics, cybersecurity, and enhancing customer experience. Additional benefits include mentorship from industry veterans, access to co-working spaces, networking opportunities, educational workshops, introductions to potential clients, partners, and investors, leading up to Demo Day where startups showcase their progress to investors. The OnRamp ecosystem also offers ongoing post-program support, nurturing innovation in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity.

OnRamp Insurance Accelerator's Website

The Mayo Clinic Business Accelerator is a program tailored to assist early-stage companies in the health and life sciences sector. The accelerator collaborates with various start-ups in domains such as biotechnology, medical devices, digital health, diagnostics, and therapeutics, fostering innovation and growth. Successful participants receive financial support during the 12-week program. This initiative provides selected start-ups with mentorship, resources, and access to Mayo Clinic's extensive network of clinicians, researchers, and industry professionals. Additionally, the program offers co-working space within the Mayo Clinic Business Accelerator facility, along with tailored educational workshops and networking opportunities. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, the accelerator remains dedicated to supporting health and life sciences start-ups in their journey towards success. Key people involved in running the program include founders and entrepreneurs in the biotech and healthcare tech industries.

Mayo Clinic Business Accelerator's Website