Three Rochester tech startups awarded Launch Minnesota grants

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – On April 16, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced $673,280 in Launch Minnesota Business Operation Innovation Grants to 26 startups statewide; three of these grantees are based in Rochester.

Championed by DEED, Launch Minnesota is a statewide collaborative effort aimed at supporting startups and growing Minnesota’s innovation ecosystem.

Promising, innovative and scalable technology companies are the kinds of businesses that Launch Minnesota grants are awarded to, providing up to $35,000 to use toward operational costs such as research and development, direct business expenses and technical assistance. Since its inception in 2019, Launch Minnesota has awarded $8.2 million in grant funding and 62% has been awarded to targeted founders.

“It’s great to see the continued growth and impact of Launch Minnesota in communities across the state,” said Neela Mollgaard, DEED Office of Small Business and Innovation Executive Director. “We’re excited to support these companies’ efforts to launch, grow and contribute to Minnesota’s vital small business economy.”

QoL Devices, Inc. is one of the grant’s recipients and is based right here in Med City. QoL has developed a gamified mobile technology solution called ‘Alvio’ which functions as a respiratory muscle trainer and symptom tracker for individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis and Parkinson’s.

“QoL Devices is honored to be selected for a competitive Launch Minnesota grant. We are deeply appreciative of the commitment that the people of Minnesota have to improving the lives of those suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, and Parkinson’s disease,” said CEO of QoL Devices Inc. Richard Hinds. “We are very fortunate to be in Southeast Minnesota and firmly believe that the region’s unique medical, manufacturing, and advanced computing workforce make it the natural epicenter for the newest evolution in gamified health and wellness.”

Another company that received money from DEED was Tam Technologies, Inc. This BIPOC, woman-owned information software startup, titled ‘TrueToForm’, generates highly accurate personal 3D avatars form a scan on a smartphone to help shoppers find clothes that fit.

“We are thrilled that TrueToForm was awarded the Launch MN Innovation Grant,” said Janice Tam, Co-Founder and CEO of Tam Technologies, “This funding comes at a critical juncture for us, as we gear up to bring our new precision fitting technology to market to help shoppers find clothes that fit.”

“These startups focus on developing technologies that improve lives and help individuals and businesses solve problems,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “Launch Minnesota is dedicated to supporting innovators statewide, not only with grant funding but also consulting services and networking opportunities to help them grow and thrive.”

Vista BioMedical, Inc. is another Rochester based company that is developing a urinalysis kit and a proprietary mobile app for preventative health screening of chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.

“This grant round includes a diverse range of startups – from state-of-the-art medical technology to sustainability innovations to consumer-focused technologies that simplify and improve our daily lives,” said Rob Cimperman, Launch Minnesota Director.

Other companies that were awarded grants include: