Lt. Governor Tina Smith and DEED Launch #InnovateMN Campaign
February 15, 2017
Lt. Governor Tina Smith and Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Shawntera Hardy launched the #InnovateMN campaign, celebrating emerging technologies and discoveries in Minnesota. Throughout the next year, the campaign will highlight Minnesota’s culture of innovation by sharing stories of businesses and entrepreneurs on the cutting edge.
“Innovation is embedded in our identity. Minnesota annually ranks among the top five states in new patents and is home to leading technology businesses,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “Our campaign will highlight the contributions of Minnesota’s innovation economy and connect the next generation of entrepreneurs to available resources. I encourage Minnesotans to share their #InnovateMN stories and contact the Department of Employment and Economic Development to learn how to make their ideas become a reality.”
The Milken Institute’s 2016 State Technology and Science Index ranked Minnesota among the national leaders for patents issued per capita (fourth), technology and science workforce (fourth) and overall technology and science strength (seventh).