Ramsey County TechPak Initiative Wins MnTech Tekne Award

Press release from Ramsey County Government:

November 18, 2021

At the November 17, 2021, Tekne Awards hosted by The Minnesota Technology Association (MnTech) Ramsey County's TechPak Initiative received first place in the Tech For Good category which recognizes novel implementations of technology to serve an unmet community need. Awards are given in 13 categories that span a wide range of leading-edge technologies. For the past two decades, the Tekne Awards have recognized organizations that are innovators in science and technology throughout Minnesota.

“Each year, the Tekne Awards celebrate Minnesota’s leaders and innovators in the technology field,” said Jeff Tollefson, president and CEO of MnTech. “Even amidst an ongoing pandemic, we are excited to recognize these companies and their efforts in spearheading technology and innovation both locally and globally.”

TechPak, a partnership between Tech Dump, Literacy Minnesota, Saint Paul Public Library and Ramsey County, brought computers, internet and digital literacy training into the homes of 2,150 Ramsey County residents who have experienced economic impacts due to COVID-19 in 2020.

"Our TechPak initiative allowed us to meet the needs of residents through an innovative partnership with critical community partners to ensure we continue to close the divide on digital equity for our community," said Workforce Solutions Director Ling Becker. “We are honored to be recognized by the Minnesota Technology Association for this project.”

The Ramsey County TechPak initiative was a part of the Ramsey County Investment and Support Efforts (RISE) program, which will invest $56 million of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding in the community by the end of 2020.

For additional information and a full list of Tekne finalists, visit MnTech.org.

View TechPak impact data

This press release was produced by Ramsey County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.