UMN Launches Record 27 Startups in Fiscal 2026
The University of Minnesota's startup count reached a new high as its fruit-breeding program expands access to cold-hardy varieties for growers.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Startups
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The University of Minnesota launched a record 27 startups in fiscal year 2026. The university ranks second among public universities for startup creation according to AUTM.
Why it matters
The startup surge reflects the university's growing role in turning research into commercial ventures across Minnesota. Its spin-off record and new grower-access programs could shape how university innovations reach regional businesses and agriculture.
The University of Minnesota launched 27 startups in fiscal year 2026, a record, and ranks second among public universities for startup creation according to AUTM. Over the past 20 years, more than 300 spin-offs attracted over $3.7 billion in investment, acquisitions, and public offerings and created more than 2,000 jobs.
The players
University of Minnesota
A public research university in Minnesota that operates technology commercialization programs and has a long record of spinning research into companies.
AUTM
The Association of University Technology Managers, a professional group that publishes benchmark rankings of university technology transfer performance.
The details
The university's Superior Fruit Innovations program, launched in 2025, gives small and mid-size growers direct access to university-developed cold-hardy apples and grapes. More than 200 growers have joined, and the program will soon expand to Canada. Researcher Vlad Pribiag and co-founder Katelyn Espe also launched the startup D-Rez in 2026.
Timeline
2025: Superior Fruit Innovations program launched.
Fiscal year 2026: University of Minnesota launched a record 27 startups.
2026: Pribiag and Espe launched D-Rez.
Market Landscape
The 27-startup record extends a 20-year run of more than 300 university spin-offs that together attracted over $3.7 billion in investment, acquisitions, and public offerings. It places Minnesota among the leading public universities for startup creation alongside its sixth-place rank for inventions disclosed.
Minnesota growers can now access university-developed cold-hardy apples and grapes through Superior Fruit Innovations, which has already drawn more than 200 participants. Consumers may eventually see new regional fruit varieties as the program scales and expands into Canada.
The takeaway
Growers and entrepreneurs in Minnesota have a growing set of university-backed resources for turning research into products. Those interested in new fruit varieties or startup opportunities can follow the university's programs as they expand.
Further reading
Explore more on Startups coverage for the University of Minnesota's record launch year.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Freshplaza.
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