Launch MN, a group providing resources and funding to early-stage technology companies in Minnesota, has awarded $255,000 in grants to 10 local startups.
This is the fourth round of Innovation Grants distributed by Launch Minnesota, an initiative from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Launch MN is a joint initiative between private businesses and nonprofit organizations providing financial incentives, training and grants. It focuses on industries like aerospace, agriculture, nanotechnology and medical devices.
In the fourth round of funding, 12 grants were awarded: seven for business operations, three for housing and child care expenses and two Small Business Innovation Research awards.
With these new grants, Launch Minnesota has awarded nearly $1.5 million of its $1.6 million available for 2020. The organization plans to allocate another $1.6 million in funding for 2021. All grants require a private one-to-one financial match.
"These startups are developing everything from helmets to protect workers from airborne contaminants to a platform to help track the academic progress of middle and high school students," Launch MN Executive Director Neela Mollgaard said in a statement. "We're glad to be able to help support Minnesota businesses finding innovative solutions to real-world problems."
Here are the 10 startups that received Launch MN Innovation Grants, with descriptions provided by DEED.
Berd, St. Louis Park Producing hybrid metal and polymer cycling products, including super lightweight bicycle spokes.
Cambridge Technologies, Worthington Developing herd specific vaccines for veterinarians.
MFr Technologies, Maple Grove Developing surgical instruments to help regenerate cartilage in joints.
Nanodropper, Rochester Developing an eyedrop bottle adaptor that increases access to expensive eyedrop medications by reducing waste.
Poma 22, Mendota Heights Created a helmet with a high-powered air duct system that provides an ear-to-ear air curtain to shield workers from airborne contaminants.
RenewPower, Minneapolis Developed a modular, renewable-energy based power generation and storage system.
Stratix Labs, St. Paul Developing ready-to-go anti-biofilm and anti-sanitizer test kits.
UR Turn, Minneapolis Building a platform that tracks the academic progress of middle and high school students.
Visana Health, St. Paul Developing an app for women with severe menstrual pain.
Visyn, Minneapolis Building a holographic system to learn movement skills for sports and medical markets.
