At Innovate MN's idea jams, a local business (our "Spotlight Business") presents a real challenge they're facing. Our diverse community of professionals then breaks into small groups, each led by our facilitator, to brainstorm innovative ideas.
These sessions (idea jams) combine networking, creative problem-solving, and collaboration. The Spotlight Business receives fresh perspectives and actionable ideas while participants gain valuable experience and expand their professional networks.
Each idea jam is unique, as we feature different businesses and challenges. We keep the Spotlight Business a mystery until the event to ensure unbiased, fresh thinking from all participants.
Post-event, we compile and analyze all ideas using AI, providing comprehensive insights to both the business and our community members. Recaps posted here: Event recaps
Review past event recaps and learn more about the challenges that each spotlight business overcame.
Season 3 · Idea Jam 6
For the Season 3 finale, Members filled nine boards with 267 ideas for Giften Market, a Minnesota corporate and custom gifting company. The topics: how Giften can become the gifting partner a company uses all year, and what would convince a company that Giften could run its whole gifting program. Standouts include a Moments Audit, teaching people to give great gifts, and a real estate program.
October 29, 2026
Season 3 · Idea Jam 5
Brühaven Craft Co. opened its taproom to the Innovate MN community and asked two honest questions: how do you market a non-alcoholic wellness line that people do not have words for yet, and what do you do when the things hurting your business are outside your control? The room produced 284 ideas across nine tables, and answered the second question in a way nobody expected.
September 24, 2026
Season 3 · Idea Jam 4
VARY makes single-serve frozen pasta sauce, built for one perfect portion and no waste. At Idea Jam 4, Summer brought her four bold flavors to Brühaven and asked our community two questions: how do we unlock accessibility across channels, and how do we turn every first taste into a loyal fan? Here's what the jam came up with.
July 30, 2026
Discover your jam
At Innovate MN, we believe in the power of bringing diverse minds together to solve real challenges. Our community members generously contribute their time, creativity, and expertise to help local businesses thrive through collaborative innovation.
We ask our Spotlight Businesses to contribute to our event fund to maintain our commitment to keeping events free for participating members. This contribution helps cover essential event costs while ensuring our innovation community remains accessible.
Two types of jams to fit your business or your team. Learn more about each type below.
Ideal for: Businesses seeking fresh, unbiased perspectives
Our classic model, in which the spotlight business remains a mystery until the event, is perfect for those who thrive on surprise and adaptability.
Meet new people, network through activities, and connect with the community. Experience the thrill of spontaneous collaboration!
Ideal for: Company teams, community engagement leads, and HR and learning teams
Your team's best day of work might be spent helping someone else.
A half-day, facilitated Idea Jam where your team takes on a real challenge from a Minnesota nonprofit. The nonprofit gets a room full of ideas. Your team gets to practice working together on something that matters.
Note: Each Spotlight Business session is customized to your organization's specific needs and challenges. Apply to discuss the engagement options that best suit your goals.
