Building Minnesota's Innovation Community, Together
Introduction by Meg Steuer, Executive Director of Minnestar
In Minnesota, we solve problems. For ourselves. For our communities. And for the world.
And we build better when we build together.
We have incredible technologists, founders, investors, universities, corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, and everyday people working to build new things, make an impact, and help good ideas go further.
That's why collaboration matters.
No one organization or person has all the connections, resources, or answers. But when we share what we have, open doors for each other, and bring the right people together, we create more opportunities to solve problems at scale.
And we see it happening across the state.
Twin Cities Startup Week brought our entrepreneurial community together to connect, celebrate, and help startups succeed. Then the North Star Summit brought together leaders to exchange ideas, build relationships, and think about what's next.
Partners at Twin Cities Startup Week 2026
Meg Steuer, Minnestar, and Eve Poeschl, Minnestar Board Member, at Minnedemo41
On October 1, we're bringing that same community spirit to Saint Paul!
Minnestar and Full Stack Saint Paul, alongside the St. Paul Area Chamber and Saint Paul Parks & Recreation, are teaming up for two free events: Innovation @ the Park and Minnedemo42 — bringing technology, community, and a whole lot of curious people together in downtown Saint Paul.
First, Innovation @ the Park will fill Rice Park with entrepreneurs, community organizations, emerging technology, food trucks and interactive activities.
Explore the park, discover local resources, experience innovation firsthand, and make a new connection (or two!).
Then, cross the street and geek out at the Ordway.
At Minnedemo42, seven local techies will get seven minutes on stage to show off what they've built — live, no slides, and surrounded by one of the best audiences around!
Continue reading to find out who will be presenting on stage!
For over a decade, Meg has worked at the intersection of community, innovation, and economic development. As Executive Director of Minnestar, she leads one of Minnesota’s largest technology communities, bringing thousands of people together each year through events like Minnebar and Minnedemo. She believes big things happen when you get the right people in the right room — and has built her career around making connections, opening doors, and creating more opportunities for people to participate.
Innovation Events in Saint Paul
Innovation @ the Park
Thursday, October 1, 3:30-6:30 PM
Join Full Stack Saint Paul and the City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation for Innovation @ The Park in Rice Park on Thursday, October 1! The event will feature local innovative entrepreneurs, resources for growing your business or tech career, and networking, food trucks, interactive demos, and more!
A brief program will take place at 5 PM with remarks from City of Saint Paul and St. Paul Area Chamber leaders, and other innovation ecosystem leaders.
Innovation Partners and Resource Providers have been announced on our website. Check out the list of 20+ vendors you can visit at the event!
Minnedemo42
Thursday, October 1, 5:30-10:00 PM
After you check out Innovation @ The Park, join us at Minnedemo at The Ordway to see live demos on stage! Seven local techies will get seven minutes on stage to show off what they've built — live and no slides.
Get your free ticket before they're gone! Demos start at 7 PM after Innovation @ the Park.
Congratulations to Octin Health CEO and Founder Dr. Meghana Helder for winning the Minnesota Cup 2026 Grand Prize! Dr. Helder and her team aim to make aortic arch operations safer for patients, simpler for surgeons, and reduce healthcare costs for hospitals. As the 2026 Life Science Division winner of the Minnesota Cup, UEL in Saint Paul is providing Octin Health space free of charge for one year.
New Entrepreneur Ecosystem Hive Opening in Saint Paul
This September, ConnectUP! Institute will move into a new office space in the Vandalia Tower in Saint Paul. The new space will serve as Minnesota’s first Entrepreneur Ecosystem Hive and will create additional space for accelerators, workshops, networking events, coaching, and ecosystem gatherings.
Local Tech & Workforce Snapshots
Quick local hits you shouldn't miss.
University of Minnesota quadruples biomanufacturing capability to fast-track innovations at new facility in Saint Paul.
TCB selects Christophe Beck, Ecolab CEO, as its 2026 Person of the Year.
Attend Weekly Virtual Info Sessions for Entrepreneurs. Beginning September 8, African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS) will offer free, drop-in Weekly Virtual Info Sessions every Tuesday from 2–3 p.m. via Zoom—no appointment necessary. Each session will feature a brief discussion on a specific business topic, followed by an open Q&A where you can ask questions on any topic.
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
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