Minnesota State seeks to support student, faculty, and staff innovation that shows great potential for improving teaching, learning, and access for students across its 37 colleges and universities.
Funded projects will aim to address obstacles to student success by using existing technologies, resources, or practices in innovative ways. Priority will be given to innovations that align with the strategic goals of Minnesota State and explicitly address the success of our students, our commitment to diversity and equity, and the financial sustainability of our colleges and universities.
Faculty, staff, and student innovators are invited to apply for either of two innovation funding grants.
In the spirit of the television show “Shark Tank,” selected innovators who apply for a large innovation grant will be invited to compete for funding by pitching their innovative project to an “investor panel” (students, Minnesota State educators, business and non-profit community members) at the 2019 Shark Tank Open. In preparation for the pitch, individuals or teams will complete an application packet for the panel to review in advance and will be offered presentation coaching to help them prepare for the pitch.
Innovators are also invited to apply for small innovation grants that focus on piloting, enhancing, or sustaining an innovation program.
All students, faculty, and staff who are currently enrolled in or employed by a Minnesota State college or university are eligible to submit an application by January 11, 2019 for consideration.
For more information, download the official Call for Proposals.
Visit the SO-Innovators group site for more resources on Innovation Funding. To access the SO-Innovators Group Site, use your StarID@minnstate.edu as your username along with your regular password.
To receive updates regarding innovation funding, subscribe to the ASA Newsletter.
To view a selection of previously funded innovation projects, visit the Shark Tank Open Stories page or the ASA Newsletter’s Stories of Innovation Series.
