Minnesota Technology, Inc. and the Minnesota High Tech Association, in partnership with Medical Alley, MNBIO and Minnesota Project Innovation, named the recipients of the 2002 Tekne Awards in a gala event at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Fourteen Minnesota-based technology firms and individuals were recognized as leaders and innovators before an audience of 700 attendees representing a multitude of organizations.

The Tekne Award 2002 recipients represent technology innovators who have made lasting contributions to enhancing the quality of life and competitiveness of Minnesota.

Maplewood-based 3M Co. received the Lifetime Achievement Award for its 100 years of innovation.

Categories and Award Recipients are as follows:

Innovative Development Award
Seagate Technology, Shakopee, was honored for its leadership, dedication and excellence in the development of the Cheetah X15, the industry's first disc drive that rotates at 15,000 revolutions per minute for moving and processing data faster.

Technology Company Awards
This category recognizes an emerging company (annual revenues under $50 million) and an established company (annual revenues of $50 million+) or division within an established company that exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and promises continued economic growth through technology development and/or application in the following six categories:

• Advanced Manufacturing—Advanced materials and chemicals, machinery and equipment, electronics and components, measuring instruments, photonics, optics and lasers, and computer and peripheral equipment.
  
  The emerging company recipient is Minnetronix Inc., St. Paul, and the established company recipient is 3M, St. Paul.

• Communications—Communication services, networking and communications equipment and wireless.
  
  The emerging company recipient is Bermai Inc., Minnetonka, and the established company recipient is Onvoy, Plymouth.

• IT/Software—Software, application development and other IT services.
  
  The emerging company recipient is HighJump Software, Eden Prairie, and the established company recipient is Retek Inc., Minneapolis.

• Life Sciences—Industrial and agricultural biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, life sciences research and medical devices and equipment.
  
  The emerging company recipient is HeartStent Corp., Minneapolis, and the established company recipient is American Medical Systems, Minnetonka.

• Leadership — Outstanding individual whom, beyond a specific innovation or achievement, has contributed significantly to Minnesota’s technology expansion.
  
  The emerging company recipient is Dan Carr, founder, president and CEO, The Collaborative, Minneapolis.
  The established company recipient is Mike Wilens, president, West Group, Eagan.

• Technology Consulting—Innovative enablement of a client’s use of technology.
  The emerging company recipient is SafeNet Consulting, Minneapolis.  The established company recipient is Kroll Ontrack Inc., Eden Prairie.