Trailblazer Challenge Returns to St. Cloud Thursday, March 12th

(KNSI) — The Trailblazer Challenge is returning in 2026, with this year’s event scheduled for next month at Pioneer Place on Fifth in downtown St. Cloud.

The competition is organized by Greater St. Cloud in partnership with ILT Studios and is open to residents of Central and East-Central Minnesota who have a new business idea or a company incorporated within the past year. The deadline to apply is March 2nd. Learn more here. Five finalists will pitch their concepts to a panel of judges during the live event on March 12th, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Cash prizes of up to $5,500 will be awarded, and one top finalist will earn an automatic semifinalist spot in the 2026 MN Cup, Minnesota’s statewide startup competition run by the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. MN Cup semifinalists receive mentorship and judge feedback as they advance through multiple rounds toward a grand prize competition.

“The Trailblazer Challenge plays an important role in strengthening our region’s entrepreneurial pipeline by creating opportunities for new businesses to emerge and grow,” said Leslie Dingmann, Business Development Director at Greater St. Cloud. “By connecting early-stage founders with mentors, resources, and regional partners, we’re helping turn new ideas into long-term economic opportunity for Central and East-Central Minnesota.”

Several past participants have gone on to compete at the state level.

Talknician, co-founded by John and Andrew Dahlberg, reached semifinalist status in the MN Cup after competing in the 2023 Trailblazer Challenge and later won the MN Cup Greater Minnesota Grand Champion title. Modern Kind, founded by Maria Thompson, also advanced to the MN Cup semifinal round following her 2024 appearance. Buzz Care, founded by Stephen Rider and Levi Lowell, reached the MN Cup semifinals, and Impacks, founded by Clare and Brandon Richards, advanced to the MN Cup finalist round.

___