This Week's Latest Tech News in Minneapolis, MN - Sunday April 6th 2025 Edition

Minneapolis's tech landscape is experiencing unprecedented growth, with healthcare AI and medical innovation taking center stage. The city is set to host the Machine Learning for Healthcare Conference at the Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic this August, bringing together leading AI researchers and clinicians.

In a groundbreaking development, Allina Health's AI systems have reduced patient readmission rates by 15%, while the upcoming Health AI Summit 2025 at the University of Minnesota promises to showcase cutting-edge healthcare technologies.

The tech momentum extends beyond healthcare, with Sezzle securing $30 million in funding for their fintech expansion. The University of Minnesota's smart city initiative continues to evolve, with new traffic management systems reducing delays by 20%.

Adding to this innovation wave, the Design of Medical Devices Conference will feature workshops on emerging technologies and AI applications in medical care.

These developments, coupled with Code42's enhanced cybersecurity measures and the citywide 5G rollout, demonstrate Minneapolis's commitment to technological advancement.

The integration of these innovations is reshaping daily life, positioning Minneapolis as a leading tech hub in the Midwest.

Allina Health is transforming healthcare delivery in 2025 through innovative AI integration. Joining 28 other healthcare organizations in committing to safe AI implementation, they're focusing on improving patient outcomes while ensuring security and privacy.

The health system has made significant strides, with their partnership with Qventus showing impressive results - including a 36% increase in surgical robot utilization and automation of two-thirds of elective case scheduling.

Their multi-disciplinary AI team, combining expertise in IT, security, health equity, and clinical practice, is driving these innovations forward. A standout achievement includes their groundbreaking clinical cancer study utilizing AI and holographic cell imaging for enhanced diagnosis and treatment.

This technology integration has led to remarkable improvements in operational efficiency, with patient length of stay reduced from 6 to 4.5 days, and post-acute care transition wait times dropping from 180 to 20 patients.

The system's commitment to AI safety and effectiveness is grounded in practical applications that advance health equity, expand care access, improve coordination, reduce clinician burnout, and enhance the overall patient experience.

Real-world implementation of these AI solutions has resulted in significant cost savings while maintaining high standards of care quality and patient safety.

Minneapolis-based fintech powerhouse Sezzle has secured a total funding of $551.6 million since its founding in 2016, with its latest developments showcasing massive growth.

The company, which offers a "Buy Now, Pay Later" service allowing customers to split purchases into four interest-free installments, has emerged as a significant player in the payment technology sector.

Recent data shows Sezzle's annual revenue hit $159 million as of December 2023, marking substantial progress in the competitive BNPL space.

However, recent market challenges have emerged, including concerns about lending practices and a reported decrease in active customers since 2021.

The company's strategic initiatives focus on three key areas:

• Expanding merchant partnerships: Sezzle is actively broadening its collaborations to enhance its market presence.
• Enhancing technological infrastructure: Investment in technology is crucial for improving service reliability and capabilities.
• Strengthening market position: The company aims to solidify its footing against competitors through continuous innovation.

With over 365 employees as of late 2022, Sezzle competes directly with industry giants like Klarna, Afterpay, and Zip.

The company's latest funding will support technological advancement, particularly in risk management and user experience improvements.

Despite market volatility, Sezzle continues to innovate in the BNPL sector, which has seen increasing adoption rates globally.

The company's ability to secure significant funding demonstrates investor confidence in its business model, though it faces the challenge of balancing growth with responsible lending practices.

As the digital payment landscape evolves, Sezzle's focus on technological enhancement and strategic partnerships positions it to capture opportunities in the expanding fintech market.

Minneapolis-based Code42, founded in 2001, has evolved from its IT consulting roots to become a leading force in cybersecurity, specializing in insider risk management.

In a significant industry move, Mimecast recently acquired Code42, marking a new chapter for the company's innovative security solutions.

The company's flagship products, Incydr and Instructor, represent their focus on enterprise security teams and employee risk awareness. With total funding of $138M through their journey, Code42 has consistently demonstrated market leadership in data protection and security microlearning.

Their platform monitors file movement within organizations, distinguishing between legitimate collaboration and potential risks, while their training solution delivers targeted security awareness through short, effective videos.

Under CEO Matthew Taylor's leadership, the company has streamlined its offerings, notably selling CrashPlan to Mill Point Capital for $250 million in 2022 to focus on their core security products.

This strategic direction aligns with industry trends, as cybersecurity spending is projected to exceed $1.75 trillion from 2021-2025, reflecting the growing importance of robust data protection solutions in today's digital landscape.

Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota are leveling up their smart city game through a groundbreaking collaboration that's transforming urban infrastructure.

The MetroLab Network partnership between the city and university is tackling real urban challenges through data-driven solutions.

The project got a major boost recently when Minneapolis secured a $14.8 million federal SMART grant to improve curb space management and transportation systems.

The initiative includes deploying smart sensors across the city for traffic management and environmental monitoring, with early data showing up to 20% reduction in travel times at equipped intersections.

Researchers are teaming up with city planners and industry pros to tackle everything from transportation infrastructure to improved water quality.

The project's scope includes installing vehicle detection sensors for measuring curb usage, building data management platforms for better decision-making, and creating interactive tools that benefit drivers and local businesses.

With the integrated IoT network set to cover downtown by late 2025, Minneapolis is positioning itself as a leader in urban innovation.

The collaboration extends beyond just infrastructure - it's creating a framework for sustainable urban living, with real-time monitoring of air quality and environmental conditions.

• Smart sensors are being deployed across the city for traffic management, reducing travel times at intersections by up to 20%.
• Vehicle detection sensors are being installed to measure curb usage, aiding in better urban planning and traffic flow.
• Interactive tools are being developed to benefit drivers and local businesses, fostering a more connected urban environment.

This tech-forward approach isn't just making the city run smoother - it's actually making Minneapolis a better place to live, work, and hang out.

The partnership between the city and university shows how academic expertise can translate into practical solutions for urban challenges, setting an example for other cities looking to get smart about their future.

Minneapolis stands at the forefront of digital transformation with its comprehensive 5G network deployment, which has evolved significantly since its initial rollout.

AT&T and Verizon have invested heavily in the region, with AT&T alone contributing nearly $400 million between 2019-2021 in wireless and wireline networks. The network now features over 800 antennas throughout key areas, providing unprecedented coverage and reliability.

Recent expansions across Minnesota have brought enhanced connectivity to multiple communities, with new cell towers strategically placed to optimize coverage in high-traffic areas and along major highways.

The impact on daily life has been remarkable, with network speeds now reaching up to 14 gigabits-per-second in specific locations.

This advancement has revolutionized how Minneapolis residents work, play, and connect. The infrastructure supports everything from remote work to advanced healthcare applications, with particular emphasis on improving public safety through the FirstNet network, which now serves over 190 communities.

Small cell technology has been crucial to this transformation, with hundreds of new installations ensuring consistent coverage throughout residential areas.

The network's enhanced capacity supports massive device connectivity, enabling smart city initiatives and advanced IoT applications.

Major venues like U.S. Bank Stadium, the Minneapolis Convention Center, and the Mall of America now feature ultra-fast connectivity, transforming how people experience large events and retail environments.

This technological foundation positions Minneapolis competitively for future innovations while ensuring reliable, high-speed connectivity for current needs.

The University of Minnesota is revolutionizing tech education with its Core Curriculum 2025, featuring an innovative approach to data science, AI, and emerging technologies.

The program combines traditional coursework with cutting-edge learning methods, preparing students for the dynamic tech landscape. According to the Management of Technology curriculum, students will gain hands-on experience through alternating Friday and Saturday classes, making it accessible for working professionals.

The curriculum emphasizes real-world applications, with specialized tracks in leading technology, business management, and leadership development.

What makes this program stand out is its focus on practical skills and industry connections.

The Learning Technologies track integrates emerging tech trends like learning analytics, multimedia design, and distance learning, reflecting the evolving needs of the digital workplace.

Students engage in collaborative projects with industry partners, gaining valuable experience while building professional networks. The program's flexibility allows students to remain employed while completing their studies, with many reporting significant salary increases and career advancements post-graduation.

The curriculum is structured around four key components:

• Transformative education: Students gain the ability to rethink and apply knowledge to solve complex problems.
• Increased flexibility: The ability to tailor studies to individual career goals.
• Student agency: Students have more control over their learning journey.
• Multidisciplinary synthesis: Encourages integrating various fields of study for a comprehensive understanding.

Students can choose focus areas that align with their interests and career goals, while the program's emphasis on ethics and values ensures graduates are prepared to tackle complex technological challenges responsibly.

The University's partnerships with leading tech companies in Minneapolis provide students with internship opportunities and direct pathways to employment. Industry experts regularly lead workshops and seminars, offering insights into current trends and future developments in the tech sector.

With this comprehensive approach to tech education, the University of Minnesota is positioning itself as a key player in developing the next generation of tech leaders.

The program's success is already evident, with many graduates securing positions at prominent tech firms or launching their own startups. As Minneapolis continues to grow as a tech hub, these graduates are well-equipped to drive innovation and shape the future of technology in the region.

Minneapolis's startup ecosystem is experiencing unprecedented growth, ranking as the 17th best startup ecosystem in the United States, with 578 active startups contributing approximately $31 billion annually to the local economy.

The University of Minnesota alone has launched 25 startup companies in fiscal 2024, maintaining an impressive 68% success rate.

This surge in innovation is particularly evident in the healthtech sector, where Minneapolis ranks 22nd globally with 65 startups leading breakthrough developments.

The city's vibrant startup scene is further energized by a robust funding network, with prominent venture capital firms like Bread and Butter Ventures, Arthur Ventures, and TinySeed actively investing in local innovation.

Notable successes include Sezzle's continued expansion with over 11.9 million downloads, and Branch's workforce financial management platform, which has demonstrated a 60% increase in employee retention rates for its clients.

The tech employment sector now encompasses over 380,000 people, representing 12.4% of Minnesota's workforce.

Looking ahead, Minneapolis is positioned for continued growth in software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics, with projections indicating 20,500 new software developer positions by 2028.

The ecosystem's strength is reinforced by strategic initiatives like Launch Minnesota's innovation grants and the University of Minnesota's $40 million commercialization program, which includes a $20 million matching investment to attract private funding and create new entrepreneurial opportunities.

Healthcare in Minneapolis continues its tech-driven evolution, as evidenced by major events shaping the industry in 2025. MD&M Minneapolis 2025 showcases groundbreaking developments in AI-powered diagnostics, bioprinting, and minimally invasive surgical tools, highlighting the city's role as a med-tech hub.

Local hospitals have embraced these innovations, with Allina Health leading AI implementation, reducing patient readmissions by 25% since 2023. According to recent data, 90% of area hospitals now use advanced EHR analytics, driving a 30% increase in patient satisfaction.

The Medical Alley 2025 Summit at the Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis brings together industry leaders to address critical healthcare challenges, focusing on workforce development and innovation in women's health.

The University of Minnesota Medical Center's VR-based telemedicine program has improved rural healthcare access by 40%, while robotic surgeries at Hennepin Healthcare have cut recovery times in half.

IoT-enabled devices continue to reduce ER visits by 45% through real-time monitoring. The IEM Innovation Week 2025 connects over a thousand professionals from academia and industry, fostering collaboration between the U of M's College of Science and Engineering and Medical School.

Local healthtech funding has reached $50 million this year, with startups focusing on AI integration, medical device innovation, and patient care enhancement.

As Dr. Nancy Wilson from North Memorial Health notes, "Technology is no longer just supportive; it's fundamental in reshaping healthcare." These developments cement Minneapolis's position as a premier healthcare innovation center, setting new benchmarks for medical technology nationwide.

Minneapolis is making major moves in urban development, with infrastructure projects that are totally transforming the city landscape. Innovation Districts are popping up across the city, creating spaces where cutting-edge tech meets everyday life.

The city just hit a huge milestone, surpassing $1 billion in construction value for the 14th straight year, showing serious momentum in development.

The Smart Traffic Management System is getting a boost from these investments, with sensors being installed to cut traffic congestion by 20%. Multiple city projects are connecting - from road construction to neighborhood investments, everything's working together to make the city run smoother.

The Abbott Northwestern Hospital's getting a massive $586 million expansion, while other projects focus on affordable housing and sustainable building. The Green Building Initiative is still pushing toward that 30% energy reduction by 2030, and the citywide IoT network is on track to connect 15,000 smart devices by 2026.

These aren't just random upgrades - they're part of a bigger plan to make Minneapolis more livable and efficient, with projected savings of $10 million annually in operational costs.

All this construction and innovation is focused on making the city work better for everyone, from improving traffic flow to creating more sustainable buildings.

Mayor Frey's team is working with local universities and tech companies to make sure Minneapolis stays ahead of the curve, especially in areas like public safety and waste management.

The changes happening now are setting up Minneapolis to be a model for how cities can use tech to solve real-world problems.

Minneapolis's tech education landscape is evolving rapidly in 2025, with innovative EdTech solutions transforming traditional learning models.

The global EdTech market is projected to reach $445.94 billion by 2029, and Minneapolis is at the forefront with smart classrooms and AI-powered learning assistants.

Recent data shows that tech jobs are growing twice as fast as other sectors, with the tech sector now contributing $31 billion to the state's economy and employing 12.4% of the workforce.

The city's educational initiatives are addressing this growth through the P-TECH program, which enables students to earn both high school diplomas and IT associate degrees.

In response to industry needs, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs have expanded, showing impressive results with a 92% graduation rate for CTE concentrators and 86% employment placement for program completers.

Major companies like Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and Target are actively partnering with educational institutions to bridge the skills gap, as over 39,000 job openings are anticipated in the next five years.

The integration of digital literacy initiatives, including coding, AI ethics, and cybersecurity into curricula, is preparing students for the tech-driven future while addressing the current shortage of computer science education, which is only offered in 28% of high schools.

Minneapolis's tech ecosystem continues to evolve rapidly, as highlighted by several transformative developments this April. The upcoming IEM Innovation Week 2025 promises to unite over a thousand academic and industry professionals, showcasing Minneapolis's growing influence in medical device innovation and healthcare technology.

The city's commitment to future-ready education is evident through expanding tech education initiatives, including Nucamp's comprehensive software engineering bootcamp path, which spans 11 months and covers essential areas from web development to Python-based DevOps.

The 2025 Technology Conference further demonstrates the city's innovative spirit, particularly in senior care technology, featuring cutting-edge solutions in AI, robotics, and virtual reality.

The Technology Leadership Institute's strategic partnerships with industry leaders, including Mayo Clinic and Medtronic, continue to strengthen Minneapolis's position as a tech hub.

GradFest 2025 at Minneapolis College exemplifies the city's focus on connecting emerging talent with industry opportunities, featuring dedicated job fairs and networking events.

This confluence of education, innovation, and industry collaboration positions Minneapolis at the forefront of technological advancement, creating a sustainable ecosystem for continued growth and development.