Season 4 · Partnerships open

Game-changing ideaspowered bycollaborative thinking.

Minnesota’s public think tank. A local business brings a real challenge. A room full of curious people brings the ideas.

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Innovate MN
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A Spotlight Business owner presenting her challenge

How the ecosystem works

Oneroom.Hundredsofideas.

Every jam runs on the same cycle. Each part feeds the next, which is why showing up, bringing a challenge and partnering all matter.

  1. 01

    People show up.

    Professionals from every industry, from tech to school teachers. It’s networking with a purpose, and members get drink tickets.

  2. 02

    A business brings a real challenge.

    Our Spotlight Business stays a mystery until the night, so every idea arrives fresh and unbiased.

  3. 03

    The room gets to work.

    Small groups, each led by a facilitator. At Brühaven’s jam, nine tables produced 284 ideas. Every one is compiled into a report for the business.

  4. 04

    Partners keep it free.

    Partner support keeps every jam free for members. The room stays diverse, more businesses get help, and the cycle starts again.

1000+

Active members from every industry

30+

Spotlight Businesses helped so far

24

Idea Jam recaps published and shared

14+

Partners who have invested to date

What a jam looks like

Networkingwithapurpose.

Two hours, a local venue, and a room full of people who came to think. Some come to meet people. Others come to give back.

Sticky notes and challenge sheets spread across a table
A full Idea Jam room working at long tables
Participants talking through an idea
A table mid-discussion at an Idea Jam

In their words

Goodideas.Kindwords.

Spotlight Businesses bring a real challenge to the room. Here is what one of them took away.

Being the spotlight business during an Idea Jam provided my startup invaluable access to a vibrant community and diverse insights that helped us overcome roadblocks and accelerate Ambit Media’s growth.
Chuck PetersChuck PetersSpotlight Business · Ambit Media

Have a real challenge you want fresh eyes on? Apply to be a Spotlight Business.

Become a Spotlight Business

Season 3 partners

  • Schulze School of Entrepreneurship at the University of St. Thomas
  • Next Mile
  • Intuitive Stack
  • Schmidt Consulting
  • CirrusNorth
  • Nrth Media
  • Venlo Studios
  • Folklore
  • Brooksource

Helpkeepitfree.BecomeaSeason4partner.

Partners fund free events for 1000+ members and real help for local businesses. Season 4 partnerships close December 1, 2026.

View Season 3 Partners
Lydia Venjohn, Innovate MN's Season 3 designer, framed by her Season 3 flower illustrations

Season Three: Pollinator Ecosystem

MeetOurSeason3Designer

Lydia has been creating for as long as she could hold a crayon. From entering art fairs and drawing contests to designing her own clothes, she was always making something. After earning her BFA in graphic design, she launched Venlo Studio—a Minnesota-based branding and photography studio dedicated to helping small businesses show up with clarity, confidence, and cohesive visual storytelling.

Learn more about Venlo Studios
Become a Partner