The Tekne Awards are a celebration of the excellence and innovation within Minnesota’s technology ecosystem. Now in its 26th year, the Minnesota Technology Association hosts this event to honor the leaders and leading organizations who are fueling Minnesota’s tech-driven economy, with 15 Tekne Awards across 3 categories: Business Impact, Community Impact, and Individual Achievement. We invite you to join your colleagues to cheer on the Tekne Award finalists and recipients and celebrate the strength of our exceptional tech community on this very special occasion!
Date
November 14, 2024Location
Minneapolis Convention CenterAwards
15 Teknes AwardedAbout the Tekne Awards / Minnesota's Premier Technology Celebration
Featuring Angela Davis / Host of the 2024 Tekne Awards
This year, we are excited to be joined by radio host and journalist Angela Davis who will serve as the emcee for the 2024 Tekne Awards. Davis is the host of MPR News with Angela Davis, a weekday talk show. She joined MPR News in November 2018 after more than 25 years of television reporting and anchoring in the Twin Cities and other cities throughout the country. Davis leads conversations on a wide variety of topics including how the state is changing, Minnesota’s persistent racial disparities, economic issues, education, mental health and the climate crisis.
About Angela
Finalists & Honorees / 15 Awards Across 3 Categories
The Minnesota Technology Association will announce winners of the following Tekne Awards at the gala on November 14, 2024. Expand each award to see the finalists and honorees.
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.
FINALISTS
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.
FINALISTS
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.
FINALISTS
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.
FINALISTS
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.
FINALISTS
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.
FINALISTS
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.
FINALISTS
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.
FINALISTS
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.
FINALISTS
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.
FINALISTS
- 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
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.
RECIPIENT
- Shantanu Sarkar, Sr. Distinguished Scientist and Bakken Fellow, Medtronic
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.
FINALISTS
- Kaileigh Hayden, Medtronic
- Tali Neidenfeuhr, Minnetronix
- Mariana Verdugo, Collins Aerospace
- Carrie Wright, Seagate
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.
RECIPIENTS
- Dr. Rajeev Bukralia
- Dr. Alexandra Holter
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.
RECIPIENT
- Rep. Steve Elkins
This prestigious award celebrates individuals who have made sustained and significant contributions to Minnesota’s technology industry. Nominees will be reviewed and chosen by the MnTech Executive Committee. 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.
RECIPIENT
- Archie Black, CEO (Retired), SPS Commerce
Schedule
4:00 PM – VIP check in and reception
4:45 PM – Tekne event check in and networking
5:30 PM – Guests are seated, dinner begins
6:30 PM – Awards Ceremony
8:00 PM – Afterparty
Ticket Prices / Purchase Individual Tickets or Tables of 10
VIP Table of 10
$3,250
*MnTech Member Price*
A table for 10 guests at the Tekne Awards Gala.
$200 voucher for wine for the table
Preferred seating at the gala
Access to the VIP Reception before the event.
Table of 10
$2,250
Individual
$275
FAQ
The Tekne Awards dress code is best described as "cocktail attire." This often encompasses a cocktail dress for women and a suit and tie for men. However, we encourage guests to wear what makes them comfortable, and historically guests have decided to dress up or down, depending on their own style and comfort level. You can view photos of last year's event to see examples of attire.
There are several ramps adjacent to the Minneapolis Convention Center, but the closest is the Plaza Municipal Ramp at 117 S 12th St, Minneapolis MN 55403. The Convention Center is accessible via the ramp’s skyway. For more information about parking and rates, visit the Convention Center’s website.
Numerous leading organizations and individuals applied for Tekne Awards in 2024. Finalists were selected by a panel of judges with industry expertise. The winner of each award will be announced at the award ceremony on November 14th.
The Tekne Awards are a celebration of the excellence and innovation within Minnesota’s technology ecosystem. Now in its 26th year, the Minnesota Technology Association hosts this event to honor the leaders and leading organizations who are fueling Minnesota’s tech-driven economy, with 15 Tekne Awards across 3 categories: Business Impact, Community Impact, and Individual Achievement.
If you purchased a VIP Table or are a sponsor of the 2024 Tekne Awards, please arrive at 4:00 PM to attend the VIP Reception, sponsored by Digineer. If you are a general attendee, please arrive at 4:45 PM to take advantage of networking opportunities and a cash bar before the program begins.
Event Sponsors / Supporting Tech Excellence
Presenting Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Contact Us / Questions?
If you have any questions about the event, awards, sponsorship, or purchasing tickets, please contact MnTech at Info@MnTech.org.