22 June 2010Northeastern Minnesotans advance in Minnesota Cup competition
Six innovative business ideas developed by northeastern Minnesotans are semifinalists in the statewide Minnesota Cup competition.
Krisara Engineering, a concept for a better cardiac pacemaker, entered in the competition by Dan Ewert, Iron Range Engineering Program director, is one of ten semifinalists in the BioSciences Division.
Within the Student Division, two northeastern Minnesota ideas are semifinalists. Power Trowel Solution Applicator, a solution on-demand design, is entered by Austin Mekash. Pedal Powered Canoe, a hands-free canoe operation device, is entered by Cory Moran. Both are students in the Iron Range Engineering Program.
Butrolix, a fuel extender, entered by Don Mattsson of Duluth, is a semifinalist in the Clean Technology & Renewable Energy Division. Marvel Concepts, a women’s health product, entered by Ann Harrington of Duluth, is a semifinalist in the BioSciences Division. GeaCom, a company that manufactures a multilingual medical communication system, entered by Amanda Little of Duluth, is a semifinalist in the High Tech Division.
The Minnesota Cup competition is a statewide search for breakthrough business ideas. More than 1,000 entries were received this year in the sixth annual competition. More than $130,000 in seed capital, along with professional services, will be awarded to winners.
Review boards will after July 23 narrow the field in each of five divisions to three finalists. The top breakthrough ideas will be announced September 13.
Iron Range Resources, an Arrowhead Growth Alliance member, is a sponsor of the competition. Other Arrowhead Growth Alliance members sponsoring the competition are Area Partnership for Economic Expansion, Blandin Foundation, Greenstone Group and Minnesota Power.