On October, 5th (5.30PM - 8.30PM), Minne Inno is hosting the Inno U. Challenge, a friendly pitch competition for local student and graduate-run startups, and an opportunity for the Twin Cities tech and startup communities to meet the companies and entrepreneurs that are filling the region's innovation pipeline.
The Inno U. Challenge, while structured as a pitch event, is designed primarily to spotlight nearly a dozen early-stage businesses that are being incubated on campuses across Minneapolis-St. Paul, as well as an opportunity for first-time founders to meet new peers.
Inno U will be the first event to be held in WeWork's Minneapolis location - 225 South 6th St. - which is also the coworking giant's first space in the Twin Cities. So, come meet a handful of inspiring entrepreneurs and check out the beautiful new space. The event is for anyone curious about or interested in the Twin Cities ecosystem.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Inno U Challenge: (Also, Space is limited; REGISTER NOW)
PRESENTING STARTUPS:
Contented Cow Creamery – Carleton College Produces a locally-sourced ice cream.
Adisa – Carleton College A social venture with the goal of assisting African artisans to sell products around the world.
Travel Young - U of M An adventure travel service for the millennial traveler.
FUNL - Macalester College A social media hookup app designed to interact with a users night life while offering and implementing safety features.
Quick Care – Macalester College A startup creating an illness care package on-demand delivery company.
FitPoints - U of M FitPoints is an app concept that rewards college students for exercising. When users spend time at their University gym, they generate points which can be redeemed for coupons to their favorite restaurants, clothing brands, and products.
Kimchili Eatery – Macalester College A Minnesota-based fast-casual eatery serving healthy, customizable, traditional Korean meal.
Sotaberries - U of M Large-scale indoor hydroponics providing year-round premium berries in MN.
Under Recruited Preps - Minnesota State University Mankato A leading athletic recruiting network, UnderRecruited Preps connects student-athletes to college coaches and teaches them about the athletic recruiting process.
And more to be announced soon!
THE FORMAT:
Nearly 12 startups will have four minutes each to pitch their startups to the audience. Attendees will be given “Inno Bucks” at the beginning of the event and, at the end of the presentations, will invest in their favorite startup. The “most funded” company will be crowned the winner of the inaugural Inno U Challenge and will win VIP tickets to Minne Inno's 50 on Fire.
THE AUDIENCE:
The audience will consist of student entrepreneurs, our readers (the Twin Cities startup and tech communities), the local venture community and anyone/everyone interested in local innovation.
EVENT BASICS:
Where: WeWork: 225 South 6th St, Minneapolis When: Thursday, 10/5, 5.30PM – 8.30PM
SCHEDULE:
5.30 – 5.35: Check-in and Registration 5.35 – 6.00: Networking 6.00 – 6.15: Welcome, Opening Remarks 6.15 – 7.15: The Pitches 7.15 – 7.30: Inno Bucks! 7.30 – 7.45: Closing Remarks 7.45 – 8.30: Networking
REGISTER:
The event is $10, and free for students: Register here.
Thanks to Our Sponsor!
