2021 KEY DATES:
June 1 – Applications open
August 10 – Applications deadline
September 22 – Finalists announced (up to four per category)
November 17 – Tekne Awards Gala

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Science or technology companies and organizations doing business in Minnesota, as well as non-profit, higher education and government institutions are eligible to apply. 
• The majority of the work for the project, product or service and the team dedicated to the project, product or service for which the application is being submitted, must be Minnesota-based.
• Companies/Organizations do not have to be a member of MnTech to apply.
• There is no cost to apply.
• Previous Tekne Award recipients are not eligible to apply with the same initiative for which they previously received an award.
• Previous applicants or finalists not selected as a recipient may submit a new application for the same initiative.  However, it must demonstrate specific, measurable growth and improvement over the past year.
• Maximum of two applications per organization per year.  If submitting two applications in a given year, each must be for a different initiative.  Limit of one submission per award category.
• The Minnesota Technology Association reserves the right to modify rules and eligibility.

APPLICATION TIPS FROM TEKNE JUDGES:

• Be clear!  Remember that reviewers may not be familiar with your company, product or service. Don’t rely on us to guess!
• Be as specific as possible with all information.  Use facts and figures to support your application.  Stay away from flowery language.  Judges prefer facts, not fluff.
• Applications should focus on achievements and innovations made within the last year – not the entire history of the company.
• Diversify your accomplishments (awards, milestones, etc.)
• If appropriate, give us an idea of who your competitors are and where you stand compared to them.  Illustrate why your project, product or service cannot be easily replicated by competitors.
• Include supporting documents or links to pertinent information that will make your Tekne application a standout during our review of your submission. 

QUESTIONS:
Contact Patty Carruth at 952-230-4554 | patty@mntech.org