What Minnesota High Tech Association does

The Minnesota Technology Association (MnTech), formerly the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA), is a nonprofit membership-based trade association founded in 1982 and headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota. It functions as the recognized convening body for Minnesota's technology ecosystem, linking more than 250 member companies spanning IT, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, fintech, agtech, cleantech, and edtech with technology professionals, educators, students, and state policymakers. Its mission is structured around three pillars: advocating for technology-friendly public policy at the state capitol, developing top talent through workforce and education programs, and fostering community growth through events and peer networks.

MnTech operates a portfolio rather than a unified software product. Signature events include MnTech Connect (flagship, 600+ attendees), MnTech Talent Conference, MnTech Elevate, Outlook, Coffee Connect, Tech on Tap, and the WLiT women-in-tech series. Talent development programs include ACE Leadership (six-month cohort, $4,000 tuition for members), Minnesota Aspirations in Computing (MnAiC, the NCWIT state affiliate serving high school students), SciTech Internship Program (state-funded 50% wage match up to $2,500 per intern), and getSTEM (educator-industry portal). Supporting infrastructure includes the MnTech Job Board, Tech Talent Dashboard, State of Tech Talent Report, Tekne Awards, MnTech Foundation, and Policy Pulse newsletter. The underlying "technology" is programmatic infrastructure and web portals (getstem-mn.com, scitechmn.org, careers.mntech.org, the Whova event platform, and the eImpact analytics dashboard), not proprietary technology products.

Revenue mechanics rely on three primary streams: (1) annual membership dues scaled to each member company's Minnesota revenue, (2) tiered event sponsorships ranging from Bronze at $6,500 to Platinum at $17,500 for members (non-members pay roughly 15–25% more), and (3) event ticket sales and premium program tuition such as ACE Leadership. Supplementary funding includes grants — notably a $100,000 Verizon workforce development grant in December 2023 — and state pass-through funding for SciTech via the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The organization runs a lean staff of approximately six direct professionals under President & CEO Joel Crandall, with governance provided by a board drawn from its largest member enterprises (Target, Optum, 3M, Medtronic, Best Buy, U.S. Bank, Accenture, IBM, Land O'Lakes).

Name

Minnesota High Tech Association

Legal name

Minnesota Technology Association

Website

https://mntech.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Minnesota Technology Association (MnTech) is a nonprofit trade association serving Minnesota's tech ecosystem through 250+ member companies, operating signature events, talent development programs, workforce initiatives, and public policy advocacy statewide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Technology Industry Trade Association

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920), Professional Organizations (81392)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

General & Multi-Industry Trade Show Organizers (THAHABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

STEM, Digital Literacy & Maker Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAG), Executive Summits & Invitation-Only Forums (MPAGAGAK)

Keywords

• Technology trade association
• Membership association
• Talent development programs
• Technology events
• Policy advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Minneapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Companies in Minnesota pay membership dues to join MnTech, with rates based on revenue in the state. Members gain access to high-impact networking, increased visibility, public policy advocacy, and talent pipeline resources. Employees of member companies receive full access to MnTech's events, insights, and professional development.
2. Event Ticket Sales: Revenue generated from ticket sales to signature events including Tech Connect, Tech Talent, MnTech Elevate, Outlook, Coffee Connect, Tech on Tap, and WLiT events. Members receive discounts on all signature event tickets.
3. Event and Program Sponsorships: Sponsors pay to support events and programs (e.g., Platinum sponsorships for Tech Connect at $17,500 for members, Gold at $12,500, Silver at $9,500, Bronze at $6,500). Sponsors gain brand visibility, event tickets, speaking opportunities, and access to registrants.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Minnesota High Tech Association (doing business as MnTech) is a nonprofit membership-based technology trade association that supports Minnesota's tech ecosystem through three core pillars: policy advocacy at the state legislature, signature events and conferences (MnTech Connect, Tech Talent, Elevate, Outlook), and talent development programs (ACE Leadership, Aspirations in Computing, SciTech Internship Program, WLiT, getSTEM). The association generates revenue through membership dues, event tickets, and sponsorships, serving 250+ member companies across Minnesota's technology sector.

Product overview

Minnesota Technology Association (MnTech) is a membership-based association, not a unified software product. The organization operates a portfolio of event-based programs (signature conferences like MnTech Connect, MnTech Talent, Tekne Awards, and MnTech Elevate), talent development initiatives (ACE Leadership Program, Aspirations in Computing, SciTech Internship Program, and Women Leading in Technology), and resource platforms (getSTEM education portal, Tech Talent Dashboard, and MnTech Job Board). These offerings serve the association's mission of building a vibrant tech ecosystem through advocacy, talent pipeline development, and community building rather than offering a single integrated software product.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MnTech Foundation: The workforce development arm of MnTech focused on inspiring and growing technology talent in Minnesota through programs like Aspirations in Computing and getSTEM.
• Minnesota Aspirations in Computing (MnAiC)
• Women Leading in Technology (WLiT)
• Tekne Awards
• getSTEM
• SciTech Internship Program
• ACE Leadership

Products and services

• MnTech Connect Minnesota's flagship annual technology conference bringing together 600+ leaders, builders, and innovators for a day of learning, networking, and insight on AI and leadership topics. Held at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.
• MnTech Talent Conference Annual conference focused on building dialogue among educators, workforce development agencies, and employers around hiring, inspiring, developing, and retaining tech talent. Hosted at Best Buy HQ in 2025.
• Tekne Awards Annual awards program celebrating excellence and innovation within Minnesota's technology ecosystem, honoring leaders and organizations across Advocacy, Community, and Talent categories. Free to nominate.
• MnTech Elevate Premier annual tech celebration event recognizing award winners and bringing together Minnesota's tech leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts for networking and recognition. Hosted at U.S. Bank Stadium in 2025 with 345 attendees.
• MnTech Outlook Annual event bringing together technology, business, and state policy leaders to discuss emerging tech policy, strategic trends, and innovations fueling growth across Minnesota. Member tickets $90; non-member $140.
• ACE Leadership Program Six-month leadership development program helping emerging and mid-level technology leaders define their leadership style, develop skills, and connect with experienced tech executives. Includes executive coaching, peer cohort, and capstone presentation. Priced at $4,000 for MnTech members.
• Minnesota Aspirations in Computing (MnAiC) Flagship program of the Minnesota Technology Foundation encouraging high school students in grades 9-12 (women, trans women, genderqueer, nonbinary) to explore technology and computing careers through awards, scholarships up to $2,000, paid internships, mentorship, and job shadows. Since 2012, 1,102 honorees recognized and 4,000+ students served.
• SciTech Internship Program State-funded internship program providing small Minnesota employers with a 50% wage match (up to $2,500) for STEM college interns, connecting companies with pre-qualified students statewide. Free to participate.
• getSTEM Free web portal connecting Minnesota educators with science and technology businesses to better prepare students for STEM education and careers. Includes STEM Ambassadors volunteer matching. Originated as partnership between MnTech and Minnesota Department of Education.
• Women Leading in Technology (WLiT) Community promoting, educating, and empowering women in technology across Minnesota through quarterly networking events, thought leadership, and scholarship awards. Events are open to all.
• Coffee Connect Informal monthly networking event series bringing professionals together over coffee to learn and make meaningful connections in Minnesota's tech community.
• Tech on Tap Casual after-hours networking event series for tech industry colleagues featuring craft drinks and peer connections.
• MnTech Job Board Online job board at careers.mntech.org featuring hundreds of technology positions from companies across Minnesota and remote opportunities. Open to both members and non-members.
• MnTech Membership Program Annual membership sold directly to companies in Minnesota with dues scaled to company revenue in the state. Members gain access to high-impact networking, public policy advocacy, talent pipeline resources, and signature event discounts. Coalition of 250+ member companies.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,102 honorees and 4,000+ students served since 2012 through Aspirations in Computing
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers24 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.

• VerizonminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 December 2023Verizon awarded $100,000 to MnTech to support workforce development programs in Minneapolis aimed at providing underserved communities with access to technology careers.
• TECNA (Technology Councils of North America)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMnTech serves as the local affiliate of TECNA, the Technology Councils of North America. This affiliation connects Minnesota's tech community to a broader North American network of technology councils, providing cross-regional collaboration, best practice sharing, and advocacy coordination.
• National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMinnesota Aspirations in Computing (MnAiC) is the flagship offering of the Minnesota Technology Foundation and Official State Affiliate of NCWIT's Aspirations in Computing program. The partnership coordinates national and state-level award applications, mentorship programs, and diversity-in-tech initiatives targeting high school students.
• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSciTech Internship Program is funded by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. DEED provides the state funding that enables MnTech to administer the 50% wage match for STEM college interns at small Minnesota companies.
• Minnesota Department of EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe getSTEM-MN web portal originated as a partnership between MnTech and the Minnesota Department of Education. The portal connects STEM teachers with technology businesses and professionals to provide resources, equipment, and expertise for Minnesota classrooms.
• EcolabminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEcolab provides sponsor support for the getSTEM program. Ecolab has previously supported getSTEM along with Thomson Reuters, Microsoft, Avtex, and 3M.
• DatasiteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDatasite is a sponsor of Minnesota Aspirations in Computing, hosting job shadows for honorees and providing financial support for the program.
• General MillsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGeneral Mills is a sponsor of Minnesota Aspirations in Computing, hosting paid internships and providing financial support for the program.
• Securian FinancialminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSecurian Financial sponsors Minnesota Aspirations in Computing, hosts job shadows for honorees, and provides support for the MnAiC program offerings.
• Minnesota TwinsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Minnesota Twins are a sponsor of Minnesota Aspirations in Computing and host job shadow experiences for honorees at their organization.
• Best BuyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBest Buy is a sponsor of Minnesota Aspirations in Computing, supporting the program's mission to inspire and empower diverse students in technology careers.
• SPS CommerceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSPS Commerce is a sponsor of Minnesota Aspirations in Computing, hosting paid internships and job shadow experiences for MnAiC honorees.
• U.S. BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerU.S. Bank is a sponsor of Minnesota Aspirations in Computing, supporting the program's scholarship and internship opportunities for high school students.
• Land O'LakesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLand O'Lakes is a sponsor of Minnesota Aspirations in Computing and hosts job shadow experiences for MnAiC honorees at their organization.
• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPwC is a sponsor of Minnesota Aspirations in Computing, supporting the program's diversity-in-tech mission and internship opportunities.
• Thomson ReutersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThomson Reuters previously sponsored getSTEM and currently sponsors Minnesota Aspirations in Computing, hosting job shadow experiences for honorees. Previously provided sponsorship support for getSTEM along with Ecolab, Microsoft, Avtex, and 3M.
• MicrosoftminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMicrosoft previously sponsored getSTEM and is a current sponsor of Minnesota Aspirations in Computing, supporting STEM education and diversity initiatives in Minnesota.
• 3MminorGTM or Marketing Partner3M previously sponsored getSTEM and is a sponsor of MnTech Elevate 2025 and other MnTech programs, supporting the broader Minnesota tech ecosystem.
• Optum (UnitedHealth Group)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerOptum served as a presenting sponsor of MnTech Connect 2026 and a Gold sponsor of the MnTech Talent Conference 2025. Represents the highest tier of MnTech event sponsorship.
• TargetmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerTarget served as a presenting sponsor of MnTech Connect 2026, a Gold sponsor of the MnTech Talent Conference 2025, and hosted the MnTech Talent Conference at Best Buy HQ. Represents the highest tier of MnTech event sponsorship.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Technology Association of Georgia (TAG): State-level technology trade association serving Georgia's tech ecosystem. Highly comparable to MnTech: membership-based, runs signature events and awards programs, advocates on tech policy, and operates workforce/talent pipeline programs targeted at the state's tech employers.
• MassTech Collaborative (formerly MassTLC): Massachusetts technology council and trade association with a comparable membership, events, and advocacy model. Operates signature gatherings, awards, and talent-development programs in a competing state tech hub — directly analogous to MnTech's role in Minnesota.
• Ohio Technology Council (formerly OHTec): State-level technology association serving Ohio's tech industry with membership, advocacy, talent programs, and signature events. Closely parallels MnTech's structure, revenue model, and value proposition at the state level.
• Colorado Technology Association: Colorado's state-level technology trade association offering membership, networking events, advocacy, and workforce programs to the state's tech employers — directly comparable to MnTech's Minnesota-focused association model.
• Illinois Technology Association (ITA): Illinois state-level technology association providing membership, networking, advocacy, and signature events to a major Midwest tech ecosystem. Closely mirrors MnTech's community-led GTM motion and signature-event-based revenue model.

Broad incumbents

• CompTIA: National technology industry trade association serving the broader IT channel and workforce. Overlaps with MnTech on advocacy and tech-talent pipeline work but operates nationally and at much greater scale; useful benchmark for an incumbent peer in the same trade-association space.
• Consumer Technology Association (CTA): Large national trade association producing CES and broader consumer-tech advocacy. Compared to MnTech, CTA is a much larger, broader incumbent; comparable on the trade-association business model but not on geographic scope or target member profile.

Regional players

• Tech:NYC: Regional technology council serving the New York City tech ecosystem with advocacy, events, and community programs. Operates a comparable model to MnTech in a much larger tech market and a different geography; relevant as a regional peer benchmark.
• Silicon Valley Leadership Group: Regional business and technology advocacy organization serving the Silicon Valley area. Comparable to MnTech on the advocacy and community-building axis but operates in a different, larger geography and skews to corporate policy work.

Others

• National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT): National non-profit focused on increasing women's participation in computing. NCWIT is an active partner of MnTech's Minnesota Aspirations in Computing (MnAiC) program and shares the talent-pipeline mission; classified as an ecosystem partner rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MHTA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/minnesota-high-tech-association
• Facebookfacebook.com/237160406314562
• Instagraminstagram.com/mntech_

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Minnesota High Tech Association