Special Minnesota startup opportunity closes this Friday, April 11

MN Cup, a startup competition and mentorship hub, is accepting applications through this Friday, April 11 for its 2025 competition. Minnesota companies that generate less than $1 million in annual revenue are invited to apply and share their innovative ideas for a chance at hundreds of thousands in prize money, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

For companies with a rural component to their solution, a special pilot partnership with AscendRural offers an additional chance at a contract worth $150,000 to address well-being challenges for rural communities in Minnesota…and potentially across the country.  

“Every year, we see new and innovative solutions to unique challenges, and we’re especially excited to see what this year brings,” says Kailin Oliver, Director of MN Cup. “This partnership with AscendRural adds another layer to that excitement: It offers entrants a chance to transform rural communities that so often miss out on programs like these.”

Oliver encourages all eligible companies to apply with their unique ideas: entrants will be automatically considered for the AscendRural pilot opportunity as part of the review process, which will take place between May and August of this year.

“If you’re uncertain, my advice to you is this: Just apply. I’m privileged to see so many incredible and unique ideas through this process, and your solution may be exactly what a community is looking for. You’ll never know if you can help someone if you never throw your hat in that ring.”

The deadline for applications is Friday: Don’t miss your chance to make an impact!

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Application tips and FAQ can be found at mncup.org. Reach out to hellomncup@umn.edu with any questions.