Launch Minnesota, a state program that provides grants and mentorship to early-stage entrepreneurs, announced Friday it has awarded $349,000 to another batch of startups.
Of the 13 companies that received the funds, 10 of them are minority-, veteran- or woman-owned businesses and/or located in Greater Minnesota.
The grants are designed to reduce risks and assist the most promising and scalable technology companies in the state.
“We have the data to show innovation grants are making a difference in the growth and success of startups,” said Launch Minnesota Executive Director Neela Mollgaard. “Grants help fill a gap of capital needed to bring new technologies to market that are changing the way we work, learn and live.”
Launch Minnesota is an arm of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development that gets $1.5 million each fiscal year through legislative funding. Since it was established in 2019, Launch Minnesota has awarded over $4.2 million to more than 130 companies across the state.
Here are the 13 startups that received Launch MN Innovation Grants in 2022, with descriptions provided by DEED.
BenchK12, Inc. (Eden Prairie)
Provides a next-generation talent empowerment platform that allows substitute teachers to get credentialed in days and get matched with schools needing their assistance
Panache (Saint Paul)
Brews apple-based ayurvedic recipes infused with beneficial botanicals
Telo LLC (Minneapolis)
Offers an innovative rollator walker that tracks users’ activity, baselines and progress to help them take back control of their mobility
Microfluidic Biologics Corp. (Sebeka)
Develops faster, low-cost diagnostic and antibiotic susceptibility tests for urinary tract infections
Sasya LLC (Saint Paul)
Develops cost-advantaged processes for the production of nutrition supplements
DXD Ag Insights LLC (Rochester)
Uses data visualization and interpretable machine learning to build products for agronomists
MarPam Pharma, LLC (Saint Paul)
Developing a one-time treatment for HIV
Davenport SAF-T Systems, LLC (Minneapolis)
Offers a lightweight smart vest equipped with motion sensors that can detect a fall in progress
Quench Medical Inc. (Saint Paul)
Developing an inhaled drug-delivery system to treat lung cancer by directly targeting lung tumors for greater efficacy and less system toxicity
NXGEN PORT (Saint Paul)
An innovative technology that monitors cancer patients remotely by measuring blood cell counts and heart function through an implantable port-catheter
EduCharacter LLC (Mound)
A voice-technology company developing the first screen-free, interactive learning system
Synaptic Health (New Brighton)
Solving the problem of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s by promoting deep, restorative sleep through non-invasive, AI-driven neuromodulation
AugmentTech LLC (Maple Grove)
Designing technology for students with disabilities
