Build a tech solution, like a web or mobile app, that tackles a real-world problem, develop technical and entrepreneurial skills, and connect with a community of innovators through Technovation Minnesota.
What is Technovation?
The Technovation Challenge is a technology entrepreneurship competition for students ages 8 to 18. Teams identify a real problem in their community, build a working tech solution to solve it, like a web or mobile app, create a business around it, and pitch their venture to a panel of judges. Participation is free and open to all students, with a Girls Track and a coed Mixed Track. Each team is supported by a mentor or teacher and usually meets weekly from November through May. No coding experience is required for students or mentors.
In Minnesota, Code Savvy coordinates the local Technovation Minnesota chapter. The global Technovation organization provides the challenge framework and curriculum, while Code Savvy supports Minnesota teams through workshops, mentor connections, community events, and the local pitch event.
Since Technovation launched in Minnesota in 2014, over 2,000 students and mentors from across the Twin Cities area have participated in the Technovation Challenge.
Hear directly from Minnesota participants as they share what the Technovation Challenge is all about:
Technovation Global Provides
- Challenge framework
- Official curriculum
- Global registration platform
- Global judging and competition process
Code Savvy Provides in Minnesota
- Local workshops and events
- Mentor support and community connections
- Appapalooza pitch event
- Regional celebration and awards
2026–2027 Season Timeline
Follow the key dates, workshops, and milestones for this year’s Technovation Minnesota season.
Technovation Registration Opens
The Technovation Challenge Season officially starts on October 29, 2026. Students and Mentors may register between October 29, 2026 and March 11, 2027.
Launchapalooza
4:00 PM CT · Virtual
Teams form, register, name, and ideate.
View Event →Design Thinking Workshop
Virtual · Participants arrive with an app idea in mind.
View Event →Registration Deadline for Students and Mentors
Last day to register in the global portal to be judged at the regional and global levels.
TMN Regional Submission Deadline
All teams, girls and co-ed, submit by 7:00 PM CT to be judged at Appapalooza.
Teams that submit in the global portal by April 28 are automatically entered in global judging. One week before global gives local judges review time.
Global Submission Deadline
7:00 PM CT (5:00 PM PDT). Final global deadline for all teams. Teams that submitted by April 28 are already entered.
Appapalooza
Virtual
Celebrate teams presenting their technology projects!
View Event →Code Savvy Celebrate 2027
Hyland Hills, Bloomington
Celebrate students, mentors, educators, and regional award recipients.
View Event →Dates and event details are subject to change.
Minnesota Chapter Events
Launchapalooza
Start the season, learn what to expect, and meet other Technovation Minnesota participants.
View Event
Design Thinking Workshop
Define your app, identify your audience, and create a prototype.
View Event
Who Can Participate?
Help Bring a Team’s Ideas to Life
Technovation Minnesota mentors support teams as they turn ideas into technology solutions for real community problems. You do not need to be a programmer or technology expert to mentor. What matters most is being ready to encourage students, ask questions, help them work through challenges, and keep their project moving forward.
As a mentor, you can help your team:
- Set goals, manage their time, and stay on track throughout the season
- Work through challenges and find answers when they get stuck
- Develop confidence as they build and refine their project
- Prepare to communicate and pitch their ideas
- Connect with additional resources and expertise when needed
The mentor signup above is for Technovation Minnesota. General mentor information and resources are maintained by Technovation Global.
2026 Minnesota Regional Winners
Meet the 2026 Technovation Girls Minnesota regional winners and celebrate the students who shared their technology projects during the season.
Meet the 2026 MN WinnersQuestions?
For Technovation Minnesota questions, email technovationmn@codesavvy.org .
For questions about global Technovation Challenge registration, rules, curriculum, or judging, visit technovationchallenge.org .
Ready to Start the Challenge?
Registration opens in October of each year. Sign up below, and follow Technovation Minnesota for local workshops, events, mentor support, and Appapalooza updates.
Sign Up for Technovation MN