The annual $4 billion in federal, non-dilutive funding offered through the SBIR/STTR programs is often a critical milestone in moving an entrepreneur’s research idea from concept to commercial product/services. Small business (startups and existing) across the country engage with the programs to de-risk their innovations toward new products, services and/or processes. The Small Business Administration and the 11 federal agencies are committed to making sure innovators – particularly women and minorities are aware of the SBIR and STTR programs and gain a higher percentage of that funding moving forward.

The Minnesota SBIR/STTR Accelerator™ facilitates the commercialization of deep tech ideas, concepts and projects by leveraging federal research and development funding to small business in collaboration with government, industry, and academia.

SBIR/STTR funding is all about commercializing a novel product, service or process for domestic and international markets. There is no limit to the amount of funding or awards a small business can be awarded. The funding is awarded via a federal grant or contract, based on the agency.

Get started today to learn if your novel idea or project is a good fit with the programs. These programs are HIGHLY COMPETITIVE. Forming a research collaboration with other entities (academic, medical, federal laboratories, etc.) are highly encouraged.

Meda and its partners are hosting the fourth Meda Million Dollar Challenge – an exciting business-plan competition modeled on the television show Shark Tank. During Twin Cities Startup Week, BIPOC-owned businesses will make their best case to a panel of judges regarding why their companies are poised for growth. Finalists from around the country will travel to Minnesota for the final pitching event, which will award at least $1 million in financing. Be our guest at this party as we celebrate the finalists and announce the winners at 6:15 PM.

Topics will include: Selecting the type of business entity and forming your company, Protecting your intellectual property, Employment matters including classification as independent contractors and non-compete agreements, How to use equity to attract, retain and motivate team members, Rules of Fundraising, including private placements, federal and state crowdfunding and networking events. With time to answer your questions!

This presentation will discuss five different types of collaborative arrangements commonly used by large strategic life sciences companies to collaborate with start-up companies, either as part of strategic transactions, venture capital investments or joint ventures. The discussion will address issues and strategies for product development, patent and technology licenses, data sharing arrangements, distribution agreements and joint steering committee agreements.

Who is this for? The focus of this presentation & material is aimed at non-technical founders but will be useful for technical founders as well. It assumes you are an entrepreneur with a technical feature or working in a tech startup. Most of the advice in this presentation leans towards software featured startups but will still be relevant for any startup because most will end up having business software living in the cloud.

Tuning in virtually? Watch live on Hopin on the Stage here. 

Early Stage Founders must be diligent about financing growth and need to be aware of all funding options. Founders are looking for ways to finance their growth with non-dilutive capital options and extend runway for equity raise. This helps founders retain control, align their business growth to their core values, preserve equity and raise future equity at higher valuations.

PARKING / ENTRANCE INSTRUCTIONS

• Parking options: Gopher or Maroon Lots.
• The entry point for the event is the Premium Entrance which is located under the Benton County sign.

This presentation will discuss the key legal issues for health care startup companies and investors, including IP and data rights, privacy and security, reimbursement, FDA, fraud and abuse, corporate practice of medicine, and other corporate law matters. Attendees will learn how to protect their assets, design a legal/compliance strategy, and avoid making costly legal/regulatory mistakes.

The session explores the power of the pivot, in business and in life. Panelists will tell their stories of successful pivots and failures where pivots were required. Moderated by Club Entrepreneur chief Rick Brimacomb, this session features three business leaders who have been involved in numerous pivots. They will teach how early to look, when to keep going on the existing road and when to jump off it. The art and science of maneuvering with limited resources. Being disciplined about “failing fast” but not throwing out the baby in the bathwater.

LinkedIN Event Page https://www.linkedin.com/events/6842559799880663040/

Facebook Event Page https://www.facebook.com/events/371593624429690

The main focus for AI applications in healthcare has been towards Diagnostic & Treatment, or Patient care. Ai is making a real impact in other areas of healthcare with a huge impact on the bottom line for companies that think outside the box. We will look at the medical device Manufacturers - how can Ai make their manufacturing data Readable, Searchable and Analyze-able? An educational panel showcasing the power of Ai in the medical manufacturing field

Join us for a happy hour dedicated to celebrating and connecting the MN XR Industry. Connect with others in AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), MR (Mixed Reality) over drinks and food to catch up, network, and learn what others are doing in the space. This event is for anyone in or interested in XR - developers, product, designers, enthusiasts, business folks, students - anyone.

Attendees can learn about the many resources DEED offers startups and entrepreneurs.