This Week's Latest Tech News in St Paul, MN - Sunday April 20th 2025 Edition

St. Paul's tech scene is absolutely crushing it in 2025! The city's tech sector is now contributing $31 billion annually to Minnesota's economy, with over 380,000 tech jobs and 56,000 new positions expected by year-end.

• Transformation at Black Arts + Tech Center: The game-changing Black Arts + Tech Center on the East Side is transforming the landscape, aiming to connect 300-350 young people annually with high-paying tech opportunities through programs like Black Tech Geek.
• Major Players Lead Innovation: Major players including Medtronic and U.S. Bank are leading innovation initiatives, while SentinelDefend's new cybersecurity center is set to create 200 new jobs.
• Tech for All Initiative: The Tech for All Initiative is making waves by connecting residents, especially people of color and women, with tech opportunities.
• Entry-level Cybersecurity Boom: Entry-level cybersecurity roles now start at $121,500, reflecting a 35% increase in job openings since last year.
• Thriving Startups: Local startups are thriving too, with recent funding rounds including $40 million from Bread & Butter Ventures supporting about 30 companies.

This tech boom isn't just about business - it's reshaping St. Paul's future, driving innovation in everything from AI to IoT, and creating real opportunities for the next generation of tech talent.

In a bold move to propel St. Paul into the upper echelons of tech innovation, InnovateMN has announced an ambitious plan to expand its workforce significantly by the end of 2025.

This strategic expansion aligns with emerging workforce management trends, which emphasize skills-based enterprise models and continuous learning initiatives.

According to their latest press release, InnovateMN plans to increase its workforce by approximately 35%, creating over 2,000 new jobs across software development, data analytics, and IT support roles.

To address the evolving tech landscape, the company is implementing AI-powered workforce management systems for efficient talent acquisition and development.

The Minnesota Technology Association's study projects this expansion will inject $150 million annually into the local economy.

This growth comes at a crucial time, as industry forecasts predict a 39% transformation in required job skills by 2030.

InnovateMN is proactively addressing these changes through comprehensive upskilling programs and strategic partnerships with local educational institutions.

Local employment data shows InnovateMN's consistent 15% annual growth in employment figures over the past five years.

The company's expansion strategy includes innovative training approaches, utilizing AR/VR technologies for skill development, and implementing data-driven performance tracking systems to ensure employee success and retention.

As quoted by Elizabeth White, CEO of InnovateMN, "Our vision is not only to grow as a company but also to cultivate an environment where innovation thrives, and community partnerships flourish." This expansion represents a pivotal moment for St. Paul's tech community, demonstrating how strategic workforce development can drive both economic growth and community success.

The University of St. Thomas is revolutionizing tech education through its New Product Tech Ventures Fellowship Program, which combines engineering, software, and entrepreneurship skills in a 15-month intensive experience.

The program's innovative approach includes full-tuition scholarships and monthly stipends of $2,100, making advanced tech education more accessible. Through the university's industry partnership initiatives, students work directly with companies like 3M and Medtronic on real-world projects while gaining valuable mentorship from tech leaders.

The recently opened Schoenecker Center, with its 60,000 square feet of cutting-edge tech space, provides students with state-of-the-art facilities for hands-on learning.

The curriculum's evolution aligns with the university's 2025 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes STEAM education leadership and innovation.

Students participate in industry-led workshops, collaborative research projects, and specialized training in emerging fields like microgrid technology and AI-based systems.

The program's success is evident in its impressive 97% job placement rate within six months of graduation, reflecting the strong demand for graduates with this unique combination of technical and entrepreneurial skills.

These educational enhancements are already showing impact, with student teams contributing to significant projects like the new $2 million microgrid research facility.

The program's focus on practical experience, combined with the university's commitment to innovation and sustainability, is preparing graduates to tackle real-world challenges while driving St. Paul's growing reputation as a tech hub.

As more students engage with this enhanced curriculum, the ripple effects are strengthening the local tech ecosystem and creating new opportunities for innovation across the region.

St. Paul is rolling out multiple transportation initiatives in 2025, marking a transformative period for city mobility. The city has launched special winter parking rules in Payne-Phalen and Highland Park neighborhoods, running from February through April 2025, to improve snow removal operations.

Adding to this momentum, Metro Mobility's free fare program could become permanent under Gov.

Walz's 2025 budget proposal, having already served over 75,000 individuals during its pilot phase. The city is also participating in MnDOT's innovative trip planner program, which brings digital payment and route planning technology to both urban and rural areas.

These initiatives are supported by smart sensors and IoT platforms providing real-time updates through a citywide transportation app.

• Winter parking improvements: The winter parking pilot is already improving snow removal efficiency.
• Metro Mobility's success: Early data shows promising results, tracking approximately 5,000 rides monthly.
• Traffic delay reduction: The combined effect of these programs is expected to reduce traffic delays by 30% during peak hours.
• Positive public response: 85% of surveyed residents support these changes.

The initiatives reflect St. Paul's commitment to creating an efficient, inclusive transportation system that serves its diverse community needs while preparing for future growth.

The April 2025 edition of the St. Paul Tech Meetup transformed into a powerhouse event for renewable energy innovation, drawing over 300 participants to explore St. Paul's ambitious climate action goals.

The Highland Bridge Solar Array project took center stage, showcasing its capacity to power 5,000 homes and slash carbon emissions by 20,000 tons annually. Dr. Richard Thompson and Mark Alvarez led discussions on integrating AI and IoT solutions for smart energy management, while highlighting recent tech sector developments that contribute $31 billion annually to Minnesota's economy.

Breakout sessions explored practical applications of renewable tech, featuring updates on the Mississippi River Hydro Plant upgrade that's boosting energy output by 15%.

The "Future of Energy Storage" panel sparked conversations about emerging battery technologies, while the Tech for All initiative demonstrated how public-private partnerships are supercharging the state's clean energy sector.

Interactive workshops covered wind turbine design, AI-powered grid optimization, and community solar projects, with 85% of participants reporting increased confidence in implementing renewable initiatives.

The meetup exemplified St. Paul's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 for city operations and 2050 citywide, showcasing how tech innovation and environmental responsibility can work together to create sustainable urban solutions.

St. Paul's tech startup scene is hitting new heights in 2025, with venture funding reaching $420 million and the tech sector contributing $31 billion annually to Minnesota's economy.

Leading the pack is Center, whose CenterCard has slashed processing costs by 30% for corporate expenses, and Branch, which is crushing it with 20% month-over-month growth in workforce payment solutions.

The city's Full Stack Saint Paul initiative is making waves by connecting local talent with these emerging opportunities.

Inspectorio stands out with its AI-driven supply chain solutions, having secured $63.7 million in funding and serving over 12,000 global customers. The startup ecosystem is particularly strong in fintech and healthcare, with companies like Included Health partnering with 32 Fortune 100 companies to revolutionize digital healthcare services.

phData is crushing it in the data analytics space, earning Snowflake Partner of the Year five times, while Sezzle's "pay in four" solution has seen profits soar to $53.1 million.

The tech job market is booming with projections showing 18% growth, creating solid opportunities for both fresh talent and experienced pros. What's really cool is how these startups are tackling real-world problems—from Kaleidoscope managing over $1 billion in scholarships to ConnexPay revolutionizing B2B payments with real-time virtual card solutions.

For anyone looking to break into tech, St. Paul's startup scene is definitely where it's at right now.

St. Paul's tech scene is experiencing a transformation through Tech for All, a groundbreaking initiative connecting residents, especially people of color and women, to wealth-building opportunities in technology.

The program has already facilitated over 380,000 tech sector jobs, with 56,000 new positions projected by year-end. Local libraries have evolved into tech hubs, with innovative spaces offering modern technology access and quality settings that residents might not have at home.

These spaces have become crucial meeting points for community tech education, recording an average satisfaction rating of 7.68 out of 10 from users.

The city's commitment to digital inclusion has gained momentum through MnTech's community engagement initiatives, which facilitate regular meetups and learning sessions focused on specific tech topics and shared experiences.

These programs have contributed to Minnesota's tech sector generating $31 billion annually, with entry-level cybersecurity positions starting at $121,500.

The initiative's success is evident in the 74% surge in AI and machine learning job postings, supported by specialized courses at local institutions.

The impact extends beyond just job creation - the program has fostered a vibrant tech ecosystem where regular town halls, peer forums, and tech-focused events create networking opportunities and facilitate knowledge sharing.

Local tech companies actively participate in these initiatives, providing internships and mentorship opportunities. The community's response has been overwhelmingly positive, with participant surveys showing increased confidence in pursuing tech careers and a stronger sense of connection to the local tech community.

St. Paul's tech investment landscape is experiencing unprecedented growth in 2025, with St. Paul Venture Capital leading the charge with 107 total investments and 49 successful IPO exits.

The city's commitment to tech development is further reinforced by the Capital Improvement Budget process, which actively engages residents in evaluating and directing technological infrastructure needs.

Local success stories include Mairs & Power's venture capital division, which has invested $19 million across 13 innovative startups, with 9 based in Minnesota.

The city's strategic focus on tech infrastructure and sustainable development has attracted both established firms and emerging startups, creating approximately 5,000 new jobs in early 2025.

The local government's proactive approach, including tax incentives and enhanced digital infrastructure, continues to draw investment.

University partnerships, particularly with the University of Thomas Thomas, remain crucial in developing tech talent, with over 50% of investments supporting startups linked to educational institutions.

The tech sector maintains a strong 18% annual growth rate, with particular emphasis on green technology and sustainable solutions.

This combination of strategic investment, educational collaboration, and community engagement has positioned St. Paul as an emerging tech hub, attracting diverse funding across biotech, fintech, and renewable energy sectors.

The Tech Connect 2025 conference, scheduled for May 7th at the Saint Paul RiverCentre, is shaping up to be a game-changing event for Minnesota's tech scene.

The conference agenda tackles major disruptions in tech, from AI and machine learning to cloud computing and 5G networks. Building on last year's success, the Minnesota Technology Association is actively seeking speakers who can deliver fresh perspectives on these transformative technologies.

Parallel to this, the Excel Engineering Technical Conference on April 24th will feature expert speakers like Erick Garcia Luna from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and Joseph Davis discussing data center innovations.

The day-long program runs from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, offering attendees multiple tracks covering Industry 4.0, Controls & Automation, and Electrical Engineering.

This year's focus on practical applications and business outcomes reflects the evolving needs of tech professionals in an increasingly dispersed work environment.

The conference provides a platform for networking with industry leaders while exploring solutions to current technological challenges. For convenience, attendees can access the venue through the RiverCentre Parking Ramp on Kellogg Boulevard, which connects directly to the conference center via skyway.

The growth in attendance and industry participation demonstrates the Twin Cities' emergence as a significant tech hub, with these events playing a crucial role in fostering innovation and professional development within the local tech community.

St. Paul's tech landscape is experiencing a transformative shift in 2025, with Tech for All leading initiatives to connect women and people of color to wealth-building opportunities in technology.

The program's comprehensive approach includes career pathways and educational resources, driving significant progress in workplace diversity. The city's commitment is further exemplified through the Women Leading in Technology program, which hosts quarterly gatherings focusing on industry megatrends and leadership development.

These events consistently draw over 200 attendees, fostering valuable networking and mentorship connections. The movement's impact is reflected in the numbers, with women now representing a growing percentage of the city's 380,000 tech sector jobs.

Local institutions are responding to this momentum, with St. Catherine University's uCodeGirl program providing specialized training in data science and coding for young women.

The program's practical approach combines technical skill development with leadership training, preparing participants for high-demand positions that offer starting salaries ranging from $90,000 to $180,000.

Through these coordinated efforts, St. Paul is creating a more inclusive tech ecosystem that not only opens doors for women but also strengthens the city's position as a leading tech hub.

The success of these initiatives is evident in the increasing number of women-led startups and the growing representation of women in technical roles across the city's major employers.

St. Paul's tech scene is evolving through powerful partnerships between industry and education. The University of St. Thomas, ranked 23rd among engineering schools, recently unveiled the 60,000-square-foot Schoenecker Center, achieving a remarkable 97% job placement rate for graduates.

The tech sector now contributes $31 billion annually to Minnesota's economy, with 56,000 new positions forecasted by year-end.

The Full Stack Saint Paul initiative has been instrumental in driving equitable tech growth, connecting students with opportunities that offer competitive salaries ranging from $90,000 to $180,000.

This growth is supported by innovative programs like Tech Connect 2025, which brings together industry leaders and students for collaborative learning and networking.

The Black Arts + Tech Center has emerged as a vital hub for underserved youth, while the Highland Bridge Solar Array Project demonstrates the city's commitment to sustainable tech solutions, powering 5,000 homes and reducing emissions by 20,000 tons annually.

Recent developments include specialized tracks in cybersecurity at local colleges, with entry-level positions starting at $121,500. The University of St. Thomas's new Global Cybersecurity B.A. program and Saint Paul College's flexible IT courses are responding directly to workforce demands.

Local tech startups have secured $420 million in venture funding, marking a 35% increase from the previous year. These initiatives have resulted in a 12.4% tech job composition of total employment, with particular growth in areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data science.

St. Paul's tech sector is driving unprecedented economic growth, contributing $31 billion annually to Minnesota's economy with tech jobs making up 12.4% of total employment.

The University of St. Thomas is leading educational innovation with its new Global Cybersecurity B.A. program, where graduates can expect starting salaries of $121,500.

This aligns with the city's rapidly expanding tech workforce, which projects 56,000 new positions by year-end, offering competitive salaries ranging from $90,000 to $180,000.

The city's commitment to inclusive tech growth is evident through initiatives like the Black Arts + Tech Center, a $7-8 million facility transforming the East Side community.

This 13,500-square-foot hub will serve 300-350 young people annually, focusing on computer technology skills and workforce readiness. The tech startup ecosystem is thriving, securing over $420 million in venture funding, marking a 35% increase from the previous year.

Environmental innovation stands at the forefront of St. Paul's tech agenda, with projects like the Highland Bridge Solar Array set to power 5,000 homes and reduce carbon emissions by 20,000 tons annually.

Major players including Medtronic and U.S. Bank are driving innovation, while community programs like Tech for All connect underrepresented groups to emerging opportunities.

With significant investments in AI, IoT, and cybersecurity, St. Paul is positioning itself as a leading tech hub focused on sustainable, community-driven growth.