A global pandemic can't stop Minnesota's largest startup competition.
MN Cup is now accepting applications for its 16th season, which organizers are hoping to run as efficiently and normally as possible despite constraints from COVID-19.
"We're really fortunate that the whole competition is designed to operate virtually if needed," Director Jessica Berg told Minne Inno. "Applications and judging – that happens online every year."
Of course, not everything is the same. Berg had originally planned to travel to five cities in Greater Minnesota to speak with entrepreneurs about applying for the competition. That tour has since been canceled, but she continues to host virtual "application tours" for those interested in learning more about MN Cup.
So far, a total of 72 people have attended these information sessions, Berg said. She added that she will continue to host them as long as people continue to register.
As always, local judges will select around 90 semifinalists from the pool of applicants. These will be announced at the end of May.
"Right now, this doesn't have any immediate implications on how the competition works," Berg said. "But it will be interesting to see how things evolve around potential in-person events looking deeper into the summer."
MN Cup is, and always has been, open to all Minnesota entrepreneurs regardless of the region they live in. The competition is furthering this commitment in 2020 by partnering with Launch MN.
Founded in 2019, Launch grew out of a collaboration between the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Minnesota Legislature. It is a joint initiative with private businesses and nonprofit organizations statewide that provides financial incentives, training and grants to people starting tech businesses.
Launch offers grants to companies all over the state, but places special focus on those in Greater Minnesota. Together, Launch and MN Cup plan to expand the competition's reach beyond the Twin Cities and connect further with cities like Duluth and St. Cloud.
The two organizations will also provide participants with access to virtual sessions and workshops that have previously only been available to students or researchers with the University of Minnesota.
Organizers are still trying to figure out how things like mentorship, events, workshops and other aspects of the competition will operate if Minnesota is still battling COVID-19 this summer. But Berg says the core of MN Cup will not change.
"We're staying the same," Berg said. "No matter the outcome of this pandemic, we're going to be giving away $500,000 to startups going through the program."
