Minnesota has a deep technology background. From the early days of the 1950’s and 60’s where William Norris and Seymour Cray founded the Control Data Corporation to the 90’s when a team at the University of Minnesota created one of the early internet protocols, Minnesota has been a leader in new technologies.  We feel Minnesota continues this trend currently boasting a broad and active technology ecosystem complete with an impressive history, active community, Fortune 500 companies, startups, a savvy investment community, and a strong base of technology developers. Additionally, Minnesota has a large presence in medical device companies, software, and custom development.

Minnesota truly has some of the smartest and most talented people in the nation.  The current technology ecosystem is grounded with talented people from Fortune 500 companies like 3M, Target, UHG, General Mills, and many others to growing technology firms such as Digital River, Code42, and JAMF.  These, along with the Medical Device startups, other technology startups, local/national technology consulting firms, and regional offices for outside firms clearly make Minnesota an overachiever in technology.  In 2015 Minnesota was named the fastest growing state in the nation for technology jobs by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and has been featured on mainstream news networks as a “Best of” state for technology.

There are almost 200 post-secondary institutions in the state of Minnesota, the University of Minnesota being the largest with enrollment at over 50,000 students.  In addition to state-supported schools, Minnesota has many private schools including  Carleton, St. Olaf, Macalester, and many others.  It also is headquarters to For-Profit schools such as Walden University and Capella University.

The Minnesota education system is equipped to excel at helping to educate the technologists of the future.

While Minnesota is 22nd among the population of the 50 states, it currently ranks 9th for Fortune 500 headquarters anchored by 5 corporations within the top 100 including UnitedHealth Group, Target, Best Buy, CHS, and 3M. Minnesota ranks 3rd in Fortune 500 companies per 1 Million people. In addition, private companies such as Cargill, Prime Therapeutics, Land O’ Lakes, Thrivent, all of which are Fortune 500 level, and Minnesota boasts one of the most vibrant corporate communities in the world.

This strong corporate presence provides a deep base of technologists, experience, and ideas; and will provide key knowledge for startups in the blockchain space as well as support the overall community.

There is no single reason why people love to live in Minnesota.  More likely, it is a combination of career opportunities, urban amenities, recreation, a strong healthy environment for raising families, and affordability. Minnesota presents an ideal place to anchor a technology revolution such as blockchain, an environment known for progressive thinking and early adopters — the ideal combinations for attracting investment.