The Tekne Awards

Recognizing Minnesota’s Tech Leaders
Awards Reimagined for 2025
The Tekne Awards are a celebration of the excellence and innovation within Minnesota’s technology ecosystem. The Minnesota Technology Association continues to honor the leaders and leading organizations who are fueling Minnesota’s tech-driven economy.
After 26 years, MnTech is reimagining the award format to better align with the community’s needs. Beginning in 2026, award winners will be recognized and celebrated throughout the calendar year.
The nomination form has been greatly refined to lower the barrier for those wishing to nominate their peers to be honored.
Award winners will be notified of their recognition and the award will be presented at a time and place that is most special to them. Those moments will be captured and shared with the community online and through social media. Award winners will be recognized at MnTech programming throughout the year and will receive special recognition at the annual MnTech Elevate event.
The Tekne Awards are structured with clear alignment of the MnTech mission and programming. Awards have been selected around the three categories of: Advocacy, Community, and Talent.
The Tekne Award winners will be given special honors and recognition at the first annual MnTech Elevate event on November 20, 2025.
The Awards
Advocating for Technology
Technology Advocate of the Year
Honors an individual who has shown outstanding leadership in promoting and advancing the tech industry.
Nomination deadline: Friday, October 24, 2025
Public Service Excellence
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.
Nomination deadline: Friday, October 24, 2025
Fostering Community Growth
Community Leadership Award
Honors a person for their excellence in managing and growing the tech community.
Nomination deadline: Friday, October 24, 2025
Women in Tech Leadership Award
Celebrates outstanding women who have made significant contributions through technical innovation or visionary organizational leadership, breaking barriers and inspiring others.
Nomination deadline: Friday, October 24, 2025
Developing Top Talent
Rising Star
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.
Nomination deadline: Friday, October 24, 2025
Tech Educator of the Year
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. Educators who have made remarkable achievements, have an unwavering commitment, innovative teaching methods, and profound impact on the field of technology education.
Nomination deadline: Friday, October 24, 2025
Preserving Legacy
Legacy 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.
Nomination deadline: Friday, October 24, 2025
Award Process
Community Nominations
MnTech calls upon the Minnesota technology community to turn a spotlight on the individuals and organizations that are creating the greatest impact on our community. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to submit a nomination form but priority consideration is granted towards member submissions.
Nominees must to be in alignment with MnTech’s mission.
Individuals/organizations may nominate themselves or others.
Membership is preferred but not required to nominate or be nominated.
Individuals/organizations may be nominated for multiple categories.
There is no cost to nominate or be nominated.
MnTech reserves the right to modify rules and eligibility at any time.
Industry Evaluators
Tekne Award finalists and winners are carefully selected by MnTech staff, board members, and specially-selected community experts.
Honors
The Tekne Award winners will be notified by the MnTech team. Award winners will be announced in TECHTuesday, the weekly MnTech newsletter and through social media. In 2025, awards will be presented at the MnTech Elevate event. Starting in 2026, awards will be presented at a MnTech event or scheduled to be presented at a time and place of the award winner’s choosing.
All award winners will receive special honors and recognition at the annual MnTech Elevate event.
Past Award Winners
2024 Tekne Award Winners Honored
November 18, 2024
2023 Tekne Award Winners Announced
November 20, 2023
2021 Tekne Awards Winners
November 18, 2021