The Minnesota Technology Association hosted the 26th annual Tekne Awards on Thursday, November 14, recognizing trailblazing individuals, innovative organizations, and the amazing impact being made on Minnesota’s tech ecosystem. The Tekne Awards are an annual celebration and recognition of the tremendous work being done by Minnesota’s best and brightest. This year, 15 awards were handed out across three categories: business impact, community impact, and individual achievement.

“Each year, it’s a privilege to gather together all of the Minnesota-based organizations and individuals that are driving innovation across our state’s technology landscape,” said Jeff Tollefson, president and CEO of MnTech. “Our winners this year highlight the very best of what makes Minnesota’s tech industry great, ranging from Fortune 100 companies to non-profits to individuals.”

The award winners were selected by a panel of peer judges who are experts in the relevant areas. The winners of each award are included below.

Advancements in Artificial Intelligence
Winner: Seagate

Seagate’s wafer production generates tens of thousands of images daily from various microscope tools, creating a vast data set. Their AI-enabled generic image focus quality system analyzes this data across hundreds of processes, improving quality control, defect detection, and tool monitoring. This scalable project has delivered $30 million in realized value and is being deployed globally across Seagate’s factories, optimizing processes, and setting new standards for manufacturing innovation and efficiency.

Advancements in Data Security & Privacy
Winner: Minnesota IT Services

Minnesota IT Services and the Minnesota Cybersecurity Task Force launched the whole-of-state cybersecurity plan to enhance local government defenses and strengthen cybersecurity statewide. Backed by $3.5 million in federal and state funding, the plan builds on Minutes Statewide Security Monitoring Initiative and partners with local entities like counties, cities, and school districts. It delivers advanced tools, conducts assessments, and improves cyber resiliency through collaboration benefiting critical infrastructure and increasing protections against growing cyber threats.

Outstanding Achievements in Data Analytics
Winner: Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins’ player evaluation once relied on standard stats and scouting reports, but now the team uses biomechanical data to gain an edge. For pitchers, this data analyzes key body movements during the throwing motion to assess and project performance or identify improvements. For hitters, it tracks body positioning throughout the swing to understand how players position themselves to hit the ball, offering deeper insights into potential enhancements and future performance.

Excellence in Customer/User Experience
Winner: HealthPartners

HealthPartner’s online scheduling allows patients to self-schedule over 140 appointment types across 45 specialties, either with or without an account. The new Next Available feature offers real-time visibility into open slots for primary care, screenings, lab visits and more. Developed from patient feedback, this function simplifies finding the right appointment. HealthPartners is the region’s only system offering full transparency of available appointments, enhancing convenience and care access for patients.

Outstanding Achievements in Market Innovation
Winner: Niron Magnetics

Niron Magnetics has developed the world’s first rare earth-free permanent magnet, the clean earth magnet, made from iron nitride. This sustainable alternative to traditional rare earth magnets is critical for electric vehicles, wind turbines and more. With demand for rare earth magnets projected to outpace supply by 2030, Niron’s technology offers a secure, eco-friendly solution. Their Minneapolis pilot plant produces 10 tons of magnets annually, with plans for expansion, supported by a $17.5 million ARPA-E grant.

Excellence in Partnership
Winner: Sleep Number and Mayo Clinic

Sleep Number presented new research with the Mayo Clinic at the Heart Failure Society of America’s annual scientific meeting, analyzing the connection between sleep abnormalities and heart failure. The study, leveraging longitudinal data from Sleep Number smart beds and Mayo Clinic’s clinical expertise highlights potential life-changing impacts on heart health. This collaboration, started in 2020, includes a dedicated research fund to advance sleep science and improve clinical outcomes.

Tech for Good
Winner: REM5 Studios

REM5 Studio’s project, Polio’s Last Mile, uses cutting-edge virtual reality to support global polio eradication efforts. In partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, REM5 documented a national immunization campaign in Zambia in October 2023, where over 30,000 healthcare workers vaccinated millions of children. The immersive 360-degree video, featured on the MetaQuest 3 headset, enhances engagement and advocacy. Over 4 ,000 people, including influential figures, have experienced the VR, with 88% motivated to support eradication efforts.

Tech Talent Development
Winner: Minnetronix Medical

After the COVID pandemic, Minnesota faced a talent crisis with tight labor markets in manufacturing, engineering, and technology – key industries for Minnetronix. To meet 30% business growth, their HR team implemented a creative recruitment and development strategy. This included partnerships with educational institutions, the RISE internship program, and the Leap Employee Group for Young Professionals. These efforts helped recruit diverse talent, create study work programs, and retain employees with hands-on real-world experience.

Building Our Tech Future
Winner: CSforAll-MN

CSforAll Minnesota is a statewide initiative dedicated to providing equitable computer science education for every K-12 student in Minnesota. Established in 2018, it brings together leaders from industry, and non-profits to advance computer science education policies. CSforAll focuses on state-level policy recommendations by convening stakeholders, gathering data, and disseminating resources. As part of the National ECEP Alliance, it aims to increase the number and diversity of students with access to computing education.

Exceptional Technology Leadership
Winner: Steve Buchanan

Steve Buchanan has significantly impacted Minnesota’s tech community through leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for diversity. As a principal program manager at Microsoft, he’s authored over 25 courses and eight books, earning recognition in Onalytica Who’s Who in Cloud Top 50. Steve co-authored Minnesota’s Computer Science Plan, mentored young professionals and organized events like Amplify and ManCode to introduce more African American men to tech.

Outstanding Technical Achievement
Winner: Shantanu Sarkar

A senior distinguished scientist and technical fellow at Metronic, Shantanu developed atrial fibrillation detection algorithms for the LINK II cardiac monitor, benefiting over 2 million patients in over 60 countries. He also pioneered heart failure risk score algorithms, impacting 5 million patients globally. With 60 U.S. patents and numerous publications, Shantanu has earned Medtronic’s highest technical honor for his groundbreaking work in cardiac rhythm management, setting new industry standards.

Rising Star
Winners: Kaileigh Hayden & Mariana Verdugo

Kaileigh Hayden, principal research scientist at Medtronic, has led key cardiac therapy innovations with three patents granted and nine pending. She plays a pivotal role in Medtronic’s largest R&D program, designing next-generation pacing platforms and collaborating with international physicians. A dedicated mentor through Medtronic’s Women in Science and Engineering program, Kaileigh’s leadership is set to impact hundreds of thousands of lives in cardiac care over the next decade.

Mariana Verdugo, new product introduction engineering manager at Collins Aerospace, leads the team developing avionics sensor manufacturing processes. In just five years, she advanced from engineer to manager, earning the SEMI 20 Under 30 Award and Collins Aerospace Wings of Excellence recognition. A role model for young Hispanic women in STEM, Mariana serves on the Code Savvy Board and mentors early career professionals through Collins’ Next Gen Group, making her a rising star in aerospace.

Tech Educator of the Year
Winners: Rajeev Bukralia & Alexandra Holter

Dr. Rajeev Bukralia, associate professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato, developed the Master of Science in Data Science Program, the fastest growing in the state system. He oversees four master’s programs and mentors over 120 graduate students. Dr. Bukralia founded DREAM, an award-winning student organization, and created STEM Ready, a summer program for underrepresented students. He also chairs the Midwest undergraduate data analytics competition, impacting data science education regionally.

Dr. Alexandra Holter, K-12 Computer Science and CTE Coordinator for Bloomington Public Schools, leads computer science programs across multiple schools and high school pathways. An active member of the Computer Science Teachers Association, she builds partnerships with organizations like Target and US Bank to support teacher development. Dr. Holter advocates for expanding computer science access statewide and has secured grants and presented at numerous conferences promoting STEM education.

Public Service Excellence
Winner: Representative Steve Elkins

Representative Steve Elkins, elected to the Minnesota House in 2018, represents Western Bloomington and authored the landmark 2024 Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act, which passed with broad in support. Known for his collaborative approach, he incorporates feedback from all stakeholders. With over 25 years of IT experience, including a decade at Optum Health, Elkins leverages his expertise on the state’s Technical Advisory Commission to shape technology-focused legislation.

Career Achievement
Winner: Archie Black

Archie Black led SPS Commerce from a small Minneapolis software company to the World’s Retail Network that today employs over 2,400 people and serves more than 105,000 customers worldwide. During his time at SPS Commerce, he led a successful IPO, drove 95 quarters of consecutive growth, and made SPS Minnesota’s most successful software-as-a-service company. He retired as CEO in 2023.