In recognition of the excellence and innovation within Minnesota’s technology ecosystem, the Minnesota Technology Association (MnTech) proudly announced 52 Finalists at the Tekne Awards Finalist Event on Wednesday, September 25th.

The finalists were selected from a competitive pool of applicants and nominees by a 40-member judging panel. Each judge was assigned to specific award categories, ensuring their evaluations were informed by deep expertise in the respective fields.

“These finalists are not only shaping the future of technology here in Minnesota, but many are also driving innovation on a global scale,” said Jeff Tollefson, President and CEO of MnTech. “The Tekne Awards highlight the incredible achievements of these trailblazing companies and individuals. We’re excited to celebrate their leadership and unveil the winners at this year’s Tekne Awards gala, honoring their contributions to the tech community and beyond.”

The winners of the Tekne Awards will be revealed on November 14th at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Now in its 26th year, this prestigious annual gala celebrates the strength and innovation of Minnesota’s technology ecosystem. The event honors the visionary leaders and groundbreaking organizations driving the state’s tech economy, presenting 15 Tekne Awards across three major categories: Business Impact, Community Impact, and Individual Achievement.

Tekne Award Finalists and Honorees

Achievements in AI
This award celebrates companies that have made notable advancements in the field of artificial intelligence, whether through research, application, or implementation. Finalists demonstrate that they have leveraged AI to create revolutionary solutions, solve complex problems, and push the boundaries of what is possible.

Excellence in Partnership
This award recognizes a partnership between a vendor or service provider and their client which has produced remarkable results for the client’s business. Finalists have accomplished an exemplary level of collaboration and demonstrate tangible results through working in partnership to address the challenges faced by the client.

Advancements in Security
This award category recognizes outstanding achievements and advancements in safeguarding data integrity, security and confidentiality. Finalists demonstrate excellence in developing and implementing robust measures to protect sensitive information, mitigate risks, and preserve individual privacy rights.

Achievements in Data Analytics
This award celebrates advancements in the field of data analytics and recognizes organizations that have demonstrated innovation, expertise, and impact in leveraging data to gain valuable insights and drive meaningful outcomes. We seek to honor organizations and teams who have made remarkable contributions to the field, advancing the way data is collected, processed, analyzed, and interpreted.

Excellence in Customer/User Experience
This award category acknowledges outstanding achievements in enhancing the overall experience for customers or users. Finalists have successfully transformed their products, services, or platforms to provide exceptional and memorable interactions that exceed customer expectations.

Achievements in Market Innovation
This award recognizes organizations which have introduced innovations that have caused a significant disruption within a market. We seek to celebrate the visionary leadership and groundbreaking achievements of organizations who have pushed the boundaries of what was previously thought possible and caused a paradigm shift in their industries or service areas.

Tech for Good
Whether through innovative solutions or impactful collaborations, the Tech for Good award celebrates organizations that have leveraged technology to address critical challenges in our society and create lasting positive change. This award shines a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of those who have gone above and beyond to create a better future.

Tech Talent Development
This award recognizes innovative approaches or operating excellence in the hiring, development, and retention of tech talent. This award will recognize organizations for embracing forward-thinking approaches and initiatives, serving as role models for the industry and setting new standards in talent acquisition, management, and development.

Building Our Tech Future
This distinguished award recognizes the impactful programming and initiatives undertaken by solution providers, agencies, and non-profit organizations, aimed at inspiring youth to consider careers in technology and equipping students with the skills and experiences needed for success in this field. Finalists are driving positive change by investing in the future of Minnesota’s tech workforce and contributing to the economic and technological advancement of our state.

Exceptional Tech Leadership
We seek to honor extraordinary leaders in our community for their ability to drive innovation, inspire teams, and make significant contributions to the industry while supporting the growth and career success of other technologists as a mentor, influencer, or role model. Finalists provide effective organizational leadership and demonstrate a positive impact on our next generation of technologists.

  • Steve Buchanan, Microsoft
  • Justin Grammens, Recursive Awesome, Lab651, Applied AI
  • Yanina Grinberg, Medtronic
  • Greg Larson, Target
  • Amy Patton, SPS Commerce
  • Dr. Michael Wulf, Minnesota STEM Partnership

Outstanding Technical Achievement
This award category celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to their field through innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is achievable. Their technical expertise has positioned them as trailblazers and recognized thought leaders within their industry.

HONOREE:

  • Shantanu Sarkar, Sr. Distinguished Scientists and Bakken Fellow, Medtronic

Rising Star
This award recognizes promising individuals who are early in their tech careers, with less than 10 years of experience, but who have already made remarkable contributions and demonstrated exceptional potential within their technology area.

  • Kaileigh Hayden, Medtronic
  • Tali Neidenfeuhr, Minnetronix
  • Mariana Verdugo, Collins Aerospace
  • Carrie Wright, Seagate

Tech Educator of the Year
This award celebrates educators who have helped advance the field of technology education in Minnesota in such a way that their impact reaches beyond just the students they directly serve. Finalists have made remarkable achievements, have unwavering commitment, innovative teaching methods, and profound impact on the field of technology education.

HONOREES:

  • Dr. Rajeev Bukralia
  • Dr. Alexandra Holter

Public Service Excellence
This award recognizes elected officials or those working in public agencies for their contributions towards building a stronger future for Minnesota. It recognizes their personal and professional commitment to supporting our technology industry, bolstering the potential economic contributions of tech-enabled businesses and helping foster a thriving technology ecosystem in Minnesota.

HONOREE:

  • Rep. Steve Elkins

Career Achievement
This prestigious award celebrates individuals who have made sustained and significant contributions to Minnesota’s technology industry. Award recipients will be selected based on the indelible mark they have made on our technology community through their career achievements and impact on our broader community.

HONOREE:

  • Archie Black, CEO (Retired), SPS Commerce

Congratulations to all 2024 Tekne Award finalists and honorees and we look forward to celebrating your achievements on November 14th! Register for individual tickets or tables of 10 at TekneAwards.org.