This Week's Latest Tech News in Minneapolis, MN - Sunday April 13th 2025 Edition

Minneapolis has solidified its position as a rising tech hub in 2025, with the tech sector contributing $31 billion annually to the economy and employing 12.4% of the state's workforce.

The city's median tech salary of $82,000 reflects its competitive standing, while maintaining a lower cost of living compared to coastal tech centers. Key trends shaping the landscape include quantum computing breakthroughs and enhanced cybersecurity standards, with local companies adapting to these emerging technologies.

The healthcare sector leads innovation, with two major AI in Healthcare summits planned for 2025 to accelerate AI adoption in medical services.

The job market is particularly robust in software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics, with over 39,000 new tech positions expected in the next five years.

Local initiatives like P-TECH are bridging the skills gap through dual diploma programs in IT, while venture capital firms are increasing early-stage funding by 50%, with 16% earmarked for founders of color.

This momentum, coupled with the city's focus on IoT, fintech, and medical technology, positions Minneapolis as a prime destination for tech professionals and entrepreneurs.

Mayo Clinic is crushing it with their AI game in 2025, launching Mayo Clinic Digital Pathology, which is revolutionizing how doctors detect and treat diseases.

They've built this massive digital library of 20 million slide images connected to 10 million patient records. Working with tech giants like NVIDIA, they're using these huge datasets to create super-smart AI models.

In a major power move, they've teamed up with Microsoft Research and Cerebras Systems to develop next-level AI that combines imaging and genomic data, making treatment plans way more personalized.

The coolest part? They're hosting the 2025 Neuro Innovate conference this July, bringing together the brightest minds in AI and healthcare.

Their AI systems are already showing impressive results - speeding up diagnoses, catching diseases earlier, and making healthcare more efficient.

• Faster Processing: They've cut down image processing time from 45 minutes to just seconds in some cases. What used to take doctors hours to analyze can now be done in minutes, with even better accuracy.
• Earlier Detection: This isn't just about making things faster - it's about catching diseases earlier and saving more lives.
• Cost Reduction: The hospital estimates these improvements could bring down healthcare costs by up to 20% in the next few years, while seriously upgrading the quality of care patients receive.

The Cleantech Open Midwest 2025 accelerator program showcased groundbreaking sustainable innovations across 14 states, building on its track record of supporting over 90 startups that have collectively raised more than $20 million in capital.

The event, running from April 9th to 11th, demonstrated Minneapolis's growing influence in green technology. This year's program features intensive training and mentorship opportunities, with participants gaining access to a 12-week series of workshops and boot camps designed to accelerate cleantech business growth.

Ecolution's solar-infused walls stole the spotlight, promising 20% higher energy generation while reducing building heat loss by 30%, aligning perfectly with Minneapolis's carbon reduction goals.

The accelerator's success stories included GreenGen Tech's biodegradable battery innovation and UrbanFlare's bioplastic infrastructure solutions.

With applications closing April 13th, 2025, the program offers up to $150,000 in cash prizes and $50,000 in in-kind services to winning startups.

Participants receive hands-on mentoring from industry experts and access to a national network of cleantech influencers, requiring approximately 10 hours per week of commitment during the program.

Minneapolis's commitment to green innovation is evident in the 25% increase in cleantech startups since 2022.

The city's support through initiatives like the "Green Grants" program has created a thriving ecosystem for sustainable technology development. With an acceptance rate of 30-50% for the accelerator program, competition is fierce, but the potential for impact and growth remains substantial.

As these innovations continue to evolve, Minneapolis is cementing its position as a leader in sustainable technology development, proving that environmental stewardship and economic prosperity can coexist.

In an exciting development for the EdTech sector, Upswing has secured $8.2 million in total funding across two rounds, achieving a valuation of $34.5M as of December 2023.

The company's latest Series A round brought in $4.2M, demonstrating strong investor confidence in their mission. As part of their growth strategy, Upswing received an additional $2.6 million investment from Social Finance to enhance their support services for historically marginalized and non-traditional students.

The platform currently serves over 515,000 students through partnerships with 66 institutions, with 51% of their partners being HBCUs or Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

Their comprehensive approach includes 24/7 tutoring, mental health support, and SMS learner engagement services. The Upswing Fund's initiatives range from $10,000 to $500,000, focusing on organizations that provide mental health services to adolescents of color and LGBTQ+ youth.

With annual revenue reaching $593K and a team of 39 employees, Upswing ranks 8th among 59 active competitors in their space. The company's commitment to expanding access to education and mental health support positions them as a key player in transforming educational outcomes for underserved communities.

Minneapolis has transformed into a tech powerhouse in 2025, with tech jobs making up 12.4% of Minnesota's employment and contributing $31 billion annually to the economy.

The job market is absolutely crushing it right now, with employers adding 228,000 tech positions in January alone, and there's a projected 39,000 new openings on the horizon.

The median household income is hitting $83,544, which is pretty sweet considering the lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs. Senior tech positions are now pulling in up to $180,000 annually, especially in hot areas like IoT, fintech, and cybersecurity.

Major employers like Medtronic, Best Buy, and Target are leading the charge, with a particular focus on AI and machine learning initiatives. The city's getting serious about diversity too, with nearly 3 in 5 workers looking to switch up their career paths.

The tech scene isn't just growing - it's evolving, with new roles popping up in everything from health innovation to data analytics. Companies are especially hungry for problem-solvers with AI skills, and while there's still a bit of a skills gap for entry-level positions, tons of resources and training programs are available to help bridge that gap.

Minneapolis isn't just having a moment - it's building a sustainable tech ecosystem that's here to stay.

As we venture into 2025, Minneapolis healthcare systems are revolutionizing patient care through technological innovation. Smart surgical instruments equipped with AI and sensors are transforming operating rooms, while nearly 1,000 FDA-approved medical devices now utilize artificial intelligence for enhanced diagnostic accuracy.

Local hospitals have witnessed a 40% improvement in diagnostic precision, with AI-driven tools reducing assessment times by half. Mayo Clinic leads this transformation through pioneering AI initiatives, particularly in areas like cardiovascular risk assessment and kidney image analysis.

The integration of advanced healthcare technology has significantly improved patient outcomes, with wearable devices and automated IV pumps streamlining patient monitoring and medication delivery.

The Minneapolis Health Collective's wearable technology project is projected to reduce emergency visits by 25% over the next two years. Additionally, predictive analytics platforms are revolutionizing preventative care, potentially saving millions in treatment costs annually.

Healthcare financial trends indicate significant shifts, with practices adopting AI technology improving operational efficiency while managing increasing financial pressures.

The use of telemedicine has surged by 60%, particularly benefiting rural and underserved communities. These technological advancements have reduced healthcare costs by 15% while maintaining high standards of care.

Dr. Robert Martinez from the Minneapolis Biomedical Center notes,

"Tech integration is not just transformative; it's vital. We're witnessing a paradigm shift toward a healthier future."

As these innovations continue to evolve, Minneapolis remains at the forefront of healthcare technology advancement, setting standards for cities nationwide.

Minneapolis's clean energy scene is reaching new heights in 2025, with Grid Catalyst's latest cohort showcasing groundbreaking innovations.

Flow Environmental Systems is revolutionizing heating and cooling with their CO₂-based heat pump system, while LiquidCool Solutions has developed data center cooling tech that slashes energy use by 30%.

The landscape of sustainable innovation extends beyond these pioneers, as Minnesota ranks 6th nationally for environmental friendliness, with clean energy now powering two million homes across the state.

Local powerhouse Xcel Energy leads the charge toward 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050, backed by the nation's largest community solar program. The momentum is building through Minnesota Energy Alley, a new public-private partnership that's channeling $3 million into clean energy development, with $1.8 million specifically allocated for demonstration projects.

This strategic investment is complemented by robust academic support from the University of Minnesota, which ranks 12th in R&D expenditures among public universities.

The collaboration between startups, corporations, and research institutions creates a powerful ecosystem for sustainable innovation, positioning Minneapolis at the forefront of the clean energy revolution.

Notable achievements include the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure, with over 66,000 EVs now on Minnesota roads and a growing network of charging stations.

This comprehensive approach to sustainable energy development isn't just creating environmental benefits; it's generating significant economic opportunities, with the clean tech sector contributing substantially to Minnesota's $31 billion tech economy.

In 2025, personalized learning platforms powered by AI are revolutionizing education in Minneapolis.

These platforms use adaptive technology to customize learning experiences, creating individual pathways that match each student's pace and style. The impact is substantial - over 47% of learning management systems are now AI-powered, delivering real-time feedback and personalized content.

According to recent data, educational institutions implementing these systems have seen a 20-30% increase in student engagement and retention rates compared to traditional methods.

Major developments include AI-driven assessment tools that create adaptive learning paths and provide immediate feedback.

These platforms excel at identifying improvement areas and delivering targeted interventions, while promoting self-paced learning that keeps students motivated.

The technology doesn't just benefit students - it's helping teachers too, automating administrative tasks and providing data-driven insights for better instructional decisions.

The shift towards personalized learning is backed by impressive market growth.

The global AI in Education market is projected to reach $20.65 billion in the next five years, with 71% of institutions reporting increased efficiency through AI implementation.

Key benefits include:

• Enhanced student engagement through gamified elements and interactive content
• Real-time performance tracking and analytics
• Automated content customization based on learning patterns
• Integration with collaborative tools for peer learning

As Minneapolis continues to embrace these innovations, the city is positioning itself as a leader in educational technology.

The combination of AI-powered personalization and data-driven instruction is creating a more inclusive and effective learning environment, preparing students for success in an increasingly digital world.

Minneapolis continues to strengthen its tech workforce development initiatives through strategic partnerships and innovative programs in 2025. Minneapolis College's Continuing Education and Workforce Development department has been instrumental in offering specialized tech training programs, with courses available both online and at their downtown campus.

The city's tech sector now employs over 380,000 workers, representing 12.4% of Minnesota's workforce, with median tech salaries reaching $82,000 when adjusted for cost of living.

Local employers are particularly seeking skills in software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics, with projections showing 20,500 new software developer positions opening in the coming years.

The city's commitment to workforce development is further demonstrated through Minneapolis Employment and Training programs, which partner with community-based nonprofits to prepare job seekers for meaningful tech careers.

Major employers like Target are leading the charge, projecting to add 3,000 new tech jobs, while emphasizing diversity in tech roles across healthcare, finance, and manufacturing sectors.

The city's training initiatives now focus heavily on machine learning, cloud computing, and ethical AI considerations, with 72% of employers prioritizing candidates who demonstrate adaptability and commitment to continuous learning.

Programs are designed to address the current skills gap while ensuring that the local tech talent pipeline remains robust and competitive in an evolving digital landscape.

Minneapolis is crushing it in the digital transformation game in 2025, with tech employment hitting 380,263 jobs and making up a solid 12.4% of the workforce.

Local companies are going all-in on digital innovation, especially in AI-driven automation and SaaS solutions that are totally changing how business gets done.

The transformation is real - we're talking about companies like Accenture landing a massive $1.6 billion Cloud One platforms deal, while PwC dropped $1 billion on AI tech that's boosting their productivity by 20-30%.

A whopping 95% of their US employees are now working with AI in some way.

Companies like Chewy are crushing it in the e-commerce space, hitting $2.3 billion in their Autoship program sales last quarter.

They're running six Vet Care clinics and became the biggest online pet pharmacy in the country. But it's not just about sales - these companies are going hard on sustainability too.

Take Brilliant Earth, for example - they're using 96% recycled gold and pushing for 100% recycled precious metals by the end of the year.

The impact on the local economy is massive - tech jobs are contributing $31 billion annually to Minnesota's economy.

Companies are also focusing big time on diversity and inclusion, with initiatives like targeting 16% of early-stage venture capital for founders of color. With tech salaries running between $120,000 to $180,000 for senior positions, and the median household income hitting $83,544, Minneapolis is seriously establishing itself as a major player in the tech world.

Minneapolis continues to crush it in the tech scene, with the Minnesota Technology Corridor generating a massive $28 billion economic impact and employing over 35,000 residents in tech manufacturing.

The city's tech ecosystem is thriving thanks to smart partnerships between government and industry leaders. The recent White House Tech Hub designation in 2023 has boosted the region's profile, while collaborations through LOGIS are delivering cutting-edge tech solutions for local governments.

The city's commitment to digital inclusion shows through its Digital Equity initiative, which aims to provide universal high-speed internet access to bridge the 19% gap in household connectivity.

• Higher Education Success: Minneapolis now ranks second nationally for residents with higher education degrees, with half of all residents holding at least an associate's degree.
• Development Opportunities: The Minnesota Technology Corridor offers more than 1,000 acres for development, featuring reliable utilities and 100% renewable energy options.
• Awards and Recognition: The city keeps stacking up awards - Minneapolis-Saint Paul was named the #2 "Best of the Midwest" startup city in 2023 and landed on the Best Cities for Tech Jobs list in 2024.
• Innovative Companies: Local company Connexus Energy even ranked fourth on Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies list.

With state-of-the-art fiber optic infrastructure and just a 30-minute drive to MSP International Airport, which handles 35 million passengers annually, Minneapolis is seriously positioned to keep leading in tech innovation.

Minneapolis's tech sector continues to evolve as a dynamic force in 2025, with over 39,000 tech job openings anticipated in the next five years.

The industry contributes $31 billion annually to the state's economy, employing approximately 380,000 people - roughly 12.4% of Minnesota's workforce. Key growth areas include software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics, with software developer positions showing a 21.8% increase.

Major employers like Target are leading the charge, projecting to add 3,000 new tech jobs alone. The median tech job income exceeds $82,000 when adjusted for cost of living, making Minneapolis an attractive destination for tech professionals.

However, challenges persist, particularly in addressing the skills gap. The city is actively working to bridge this divide through various initiatives, including P-TECH programs offering dual high school diplomas and IT associate degrees.

The startup ecosystem is also flourishing, with Forge North increasing early-stage capital by over 50% and making concentrated efforts to allocate 16% of early-stage venture capital to founders of color by 2026.

Looking ahead, Minneapolis's tech scene is focusing on emerging technologies, with AI implementation and cloud computing expected to drive innovation across healthcare, finance, and manufacturing sectors.

This growth, coupled with the city's lower cost of living compared to traditional tech hubs, positions Minneapolis as an increasingly attractive destination for tech talent and investment.