Technology Commercialization News & Announcements

Illustration of a human head with gears representing the mind. Text: Blueprint Medtech

UMN Startup Receives $1.6M from NIH MedTech Program’s Inaugural Funding Cycle

November 29, 2023

UMN startup SecondWave Systems was included in the first round of funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Blueprint MedTech Program with a $1.6 million award.

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Nurse and patient using the RetiSpec camera in a lab

Specialized Camera for Early Alzheimer’s Disease Detection in Clinical Trials

November 9, 2023

RetiSpec, a startup based on UMN research, is currently conducting clinical trials of a hyperspectral camera that can detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. 

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Niron Magnetics CEO standing in front of equipment in a warehouse

Niron Magnetics Partners with General Motors to Improve Electric Vehicle Efficiency

November 9, 2023

UMN startup Niron Magnetics announces strategic partnership with General Motors and completes $33M financing round to advance its clean energy magnet technology.

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Efraín Torres portrait

Efraín Torres: Making MRI’s Accessible to All

November 3, 2023

Efraín Torres increased the reach and impact of his research by launching a startup company offering affordable, silent, and compact MRI systems. 

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researchers in lab holding jars with organs

UMN Startup Miromatrix Sells to Biotech Company for $91M

October 31, 2023

UMN life sciences startup Miromatrix, which engineers organs for transplant, is being acquired by United Therapeutics Corporation.

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Niron Magnetics

UMN Startup Honored by Time Magazine for Green Energy Innovation

October 31, 2023

UMN startup Niron Magnetics was recently included in Time Magazine’s “The 200 Best Inventions of 2023” for its Clean Earth Magnet, which has 90% less impact on the environment and can be used to power electric vehicles.

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Early Innovation Fund: Office of the Vice President for Research

Early Innovation Funds Available

October 9, 2023

Up to $10K in funding is available for short-term projects that advance early-stage innovations. All UMN researchers and employees are eligible, including faculty, postdocs, grad students, and staff. The application opens October 16.

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Two people holding an award plaque

UMN Startup Carba Wins MN Cup Grand Prize

September 26, 2023

UMN startup Carba was awarded a $50,000 grand prize from startup competition MN Cup. This award comes on the heels of an earlier MN Cup cash prize of $25,000 for winning the Energy, CleanTech & Water division.

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UMN startup Niron Magnetics' staff, at their Minneapolis pilot plant. Credit: Rob Levine

Tech Comm Sets New Record Number of Startups in 2023

September 15, 2023

Tech Comm’s years of careful program growth and refinement pay off with a record-breaking 23 startups launched in fiscal year 2023. 

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