Mojo and Ecumen officially launched the AgePower Tech Search today at the Carlson School of Business at the U of M.
Hosted by Mojo co-founding agitator Ernest Grumbles the event was the first public information meeting to reinforce the mission of AgePower: to locate, reward and help launch new technologies that have a positive, near-term impact on the aging experience. That means the search is on for companies, startups or individuals who have a testable technology that serves that aging population.
In his opening remarks, Grumbles noted AgePower is interested in providing real-world feedback with a desire to move the technology and the companies that develop it forward. With that in mind, AgePower will take submissions until October 31, 2013. Up to four finalists will be selected with a 6-month field evaluation to follow.
Eric Schubert of AgePower partner Ecumen highlighted that serving the aging population is global, not just a Minnesota issue. Perhaps that’s the reason the search is not limited to only those within Minnesota’s borders. What is for certain, Minnesota’s Ecumen and Mojo will split a small equity stake in the chosen company and/or technology.
Update: I was curious about the opening of the search to those outside Minnesota, especially in light of Mojo’s focus on promoting Minnesota tech growth. I asked Ernest about it and he sent this response:
“In an innovation economy, we need to do two things: (a) support our talent here in birthing startups and (b) attract startup talent to come here. MOJO tries to do this with internal support/advocacy and external marketing/messaging/networking. We want innovative people to want to stay here and to want to move here. So, the reason why AgePower will welcome submissions from those outside the state…they have to come here to participate, and if they come, well, the life is good here…”