For Immediate Release: Red Wing, MN – IgniteMN, in collaboration with the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), is proud to announce the Top 5 Finalists for the 2026 Ignite Cup, showcasing some of the most innovative and high-potential startups emerging from Southeastern Minnesota.
These standout entrepreneurs will take the stage on Thursday, March 26th from 6:00–9:00 PM at IgniteMN in Red Wing to pitch their ventures live in front of judges, investors, and community leaders for a chance to advance to the prestigious Minnesota Cup.
The 2026 Ignite Cup finalists represent a diverse range of industries, from advanced outdoor living solutions to digital platforms, health innovation, experiential entertainment, and mental fitness tools.
Meet the 2026 Ignite Cup Finalists:
- Deck Air Pro – A patent-pending under-deck airflow system designed to cool outdoor spaces, improve comfort, and extend usability of decks in residential and commercial settings.
- FanSpark – A subscription-based platform empowering athletes and teams to generate sustainable revenue through premium, direct-to-fan digital content.
- ForkIt by DietMetrix – An AI-powered nutrition platform delivering personalized, evidence-based guidance to improve health outcomes at scale.
- Taproot-Productions – Creators of neuroscience-informed, play-based tools that build mental fitness, self-awareness, and decision-making skills through experiential learning.
- TRACK’D LLC – An innovative indoor entertainment venue described as “Topgolf for R/C,” bringing immersive, family-friendly remote-control racing experiences to Albert Lea.
“This year’s finalists truly reflect the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of Southern Minnesota,” said IgniteMN Board Chair, Jerry Olson. “Through our continued partnership with SMIF, we are able to provide opportunities like the Ignite Cup to entrepreneurs from across the region.”
Event Details:
📅 Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: IgniteMN
419 Bush Street
Red Wing, MN 55066
🎟️ Tickets: Available now on Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983420649555
Why Attend?
- Experience live startup pitches from emerging regional innovators
- Connect with entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders
- Support local economic development and innovation
- See which company advances to the Minnesota Cup, the state’s largest startup competition
About Ignite Cup
The Ignite Cup is a regional pitch competition co-led by IgniteMN and Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) to elevate entrepreneurs across Southern Minnesota. The program provides mentorship, exposure, and a pathway to larger statewide opportunities like the Minnesota Cup, while strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem.
Sponsors
The 2026 Ignite Cup is made possible through the generous support of:
- Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
- Associated Bank
- Destination Medical Center
- Red Wing Shoes
- IgniteMN
Media Contact:
Valerie Lockhart
Director of Communications, IgniteMN
val@ignitemn.org
612-709-5908
