Launch your startup!
MN Cup, the largest statewide new startup competition in the United States, is now accepting applications for 2024. MN Cup provides opportunities for mentoring, educational resources, and cash prizes. There is even a specific category for university students.
The application deadline is Friday, April 12, 2024.
MN Cup is a community-led, public-private partnership supporting Minnesota’s entrepreneurs. The organization hosts an annual competition that reaches emerging entrepreneurs from across the state and connects them with tools, resources, and support to launch and accelerate the development of their new ventures. The competition inspires entrepreneurs to begin their startup journey, supports them as they develop a solid business plan, provides exposure for their ideas, and offers numerous opportunities to expand their networks.
Who should apply:
The MN Cup annual new venture competition is for Minnesota entrepreneurs, researchers, and inventors. Whether you are at the point of inception or already have created a company and are pursuing your breakthrough idea, this program is intended to provide support for you as an entrepreneur.
The MN Cup competition provides:
MN Cup is a community-led, public-private partnership supporting Minnesota’s entrepreneurs. The organization hosts an annual competition that reaches emerging entrepreneurs from across the state and connects them with tools, resources, and support to launch and accelerate the development of their new ventures. The competition inspires entrepreneurs to begin their startup journey, supports them as they develop a solid business plan, provides exposure for their ideas, and offers numerous opportunities to expand their networks.
Who should apply:
The MN Cup annual new venture competition is for Minnesota entrepreneurs, researchers, and inventors. Whether you are at the point of inception or already have created a company and are pursuing your breakthrough idea, this program is intended to provide support for you as an entrepreneur.
The MN Cup competition provides:
- over $400,000 in prize money given away to competitors, with no equity taken or strings attached
- mentorship opportunities with industry leaders
- exclusive event access
- business plan feedback
- networking opportunities with potential investors
- media exposure
Startups compete in one of the following divisions:
- Education and Training
- Energy/Clean Tech/Water
- Food/Agriculture/Beverage
- General
- High Tech
- Life Science/Health IT
- Impact Ventures
- Student (current undergrad and graduate students)
- Youth (18 and younger)
To qualify for this competition you must:
- be based in Minnesota
- generate less than $1 million in annual revenue
The MN Cup is free to enter. For more information and instructions on how to apply, visit the MN Cup website.
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MN Cup
carlsonschool.umn.edu/mn-cup
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MN Cup
carlsonschool.umn.edu/mn-cup
