Highlighting technology leaders in the state, the Minnesota High Tech Association (
MHTA) announced winners for the 2012 Tekne Awards, handing out top honors to companies like
MakeMusic,
ReconRobotics,
JAMF Software.
The award program, now in its 13th year, recognizes innovations from 2011 that impact the lives of Minnesotans, through lifestyle improvement or education. Forty-four finalists were named in fifteen categories. Winners were unveiled at a special event on November 1st.
According to MHTA president Margaret Anderson Kelliher, the awards draw attention to the breadth of innovative and competitive technology companies in the state. Greater awareness of the efforts being done here will boost Minnesota's stature as a "silicon prairie" where tech companies can thrive.
Fifteen winners show the range of businesses here, and the list includes both large companies like
Seagate Technology (winner in the advanced manufacturing category) and smaller companies like
Code 42 Software and
SparkWeave.
Other winners included
PeopleNet,
Agosto,
GiveMN,
OrthoCor Medical,
Starkey Hearing Technologies,
Imation, and
The University of Minnesota Rochester.
In addition to showcasing the work of technology-fueled businesses, the awards also honored seven individuals who provided leadership to advance technology and innovation in Minnesota, particularly in state government. The public officials led the effort to consolidate IT services from more than 70 state agencies into a single organization called MN.IT Services.
Speaking about all of the awards, Kelliher says, "This year's recipients, once again, raised the bar with the quality and originality of their entries and should be very proud of their accomplishments."
Source: Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Minnesota High Tech Association
Writer: Elizabeth Millard