Why Minnesota Is Positioned to Lead in Food and Agricultural Innovation
Introduction by JoAnne Berkenkamp, Managing Director of MBOLD
Minnesota has one of the most complete food and agriculture ecosystems in the world. We are home to global food and agriculture companies, leading research institutions, entrepreneurs, growers, processors, food manufacturers, retailers, and investors—all operating within a relatively compact geography. Few regions can match that combination of assets.
From crop production to food manufacturing and consumer insights, Minnesota has expertise and nation-leading capabilities across the entire value chain.
But our greatest advantage may be our culture of collaboration. At MBOLD, we see how collaboration accelerates innovation every day. One of the most exciting examples of this approach is the MBOLD Protein Catalyst.
Continue reading to learn about this new initiative designed to accelerate innovation and sustainability across protein value chains.
JoAnne Berkenkamp is Managing Director of MBOLD, a coalition of leading food and agriculture companies, research institutions, and nonprofit partners working together to accelerate innovation and sustainability across the food system.
MBOLD, based in downtown Saint Paul within the Greater MSP headquarters, brings together organizations including Cargill, General Mills, Target, Schwan's Company, Naturally Minnesota, AURI, the University of Minnesota, and others to tackle challenges that no single organization can solve alone. JoAnne leads MBOLD's efforts to advance protein innovation, support high-growth startups, strengthen agricultural resilience, and foster collaboration across the food and agriculture value chain.
JoAnne will be retiring from her role at MBOLD this summer, and Full Stack wants to extend a special thank you to her for the contributions she has made towards innovation in the food and agriculture industry! The search for a new Managing Director to lead the MBOLD Coalition is underway.
Full Stack Saint Paul Joins Regional Innovation Leaders in Detroit
Earlier this month, Full Stack Saint Paul Steering Committee representatives traveled to Detroit for a regional innovation gathering led by Dr. Paul Campbell, Brown Venture Group, and the Federal Mashup Lab teams.
The convening brought together leaders from business, startups, economic development organizations, federal agencies, and research institutions to explore strategies for technology commercialization, workforce development, community access, and cross-regional collaboration.
Dr. Paul Campbell and Justin Turk, ConStrat AI
Newlab Detroit
Hosted at Newlab Detroit—a leading innovation hub featuring advanced prototyping equipment, collaborative workspaces, and dedicated pilot testing sites—the event showcased how place-based innovation ecosystems can accelerate economic growth and technology adoption.
Participants included representatives from the Federal Laboratory Consortium, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), NASA Glenn Research Center, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Huntington National Bank, and other public and private sector partners committed to advancing innovation.
These conversations strengthen relationships across regions and create new opportunities to connect Saint Paul entrepreneurs, researchers, and ecosystem partners with national innovation networks. Full Stack Saint Paul is proud to contribute to this growing movement to leverage technology and innovation as drivers of equitable, resilient economic development.
Securian Financial unveiled a new fitness center at their downtown St. Paul headquarters campus, which is one piece of a $50 million investment to its downtown facilities.
Additionally, employees have refreshed workspaces designed with their well-being in mind that offer flexible seating, more natural daylight, private work pods, and new amenities throughout the campus.
Congratulations to Zepto Life Technology on receiving FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for its FungiFlex® Mold Panel! Zepto Life Technology is one of the innovative companies housed within UEL in Saint Paul, where groundbreaking research and entrepreneurship are helping advance the future of healthcare and life sciences.
This milestone highlights the strength of Saint Paul's innovation ecosystem and the incredible work happening across our region. From medical technology and diagnostics to clean energy and advanced manufacturing, local companies are developing solutions with global impact while creating economic opportunity right here at home.
NovoClade, housed in UEL, was recently named one of 40 "breakthrough projects" by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expand its work to develop biological technologies to address invasive species.
America’s first comprehensive Wellness City is coming to downtown Saint Paul.
AI automation firm, Tonzo Tech, recently launched in Saint Paul and is led by Toni Dandrea with her husband.
Momentum Aeronautics, a Saint Paul engineering company, helped fight northern MN wildfires from the sky with an airplane apparatus that can scoop up eight hundred gallons in about 15 seconds.
Full Stack Saint Paul is a public-private collaboration leveraging the power of tech and innovation to drive equitable, resilient economic development in Saint Paul.
Powered by the City of Saint Paul and the St Paul Area Chamber
Full Stack Saint Paul, 15 Kellogg Blvd. West, Saint Paul, MN
