Advancing the Future MedTech Workforce in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has released a request for proposals under the program “Advancing the Future MedTech Workforce.” This grant opportunity seeks to support projects that address the evolving skillsets required in the MedTech sector as it adapts to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies. With more than 1.6 million jobs nationwide highly exposed to AI-related change, Minnesota’s strong concentration of employment in this area places urgency on building training pipelines that prepare workers for the fast-paced and highly technical roles within this sector. DEED is positioning this grant to strengthen the MedTech industry by supporting both workforce development and educational capacity within the state. The purpose of this funding is to foster collaboration between accredited Minnesota educational institutions and businesses in the MedTech industry to design and implement training programs. Proposals must include at least one accredited Minnesota educational institution and two Minnesota-based businesses within the MedTech field. The partnership structure is designed to ensure alignment between industry demand and workforce preparation. Training should focus on AI-related skills, as well as related advanced technology areas including data privacy, cybersecurity, and data analytics. The long-term aim is to improve worker recruitment, training, and retention while ensuring family-sustaining wages and advancing Minnesota’s competitiveness as a MedTech hub. Funding for this program totals up to $750,000, with a minimum award threshold of $500,000. Only one project will be funded. Businesses are required to provide at least a one-to-one match in cash or in-kind contributions directly related to the training project. Eligible expenses under this grant include curriculum development, training materials, equipment, training delivery, instructor travel, assessment fees, and administrative costs. Additional allowable costs may include career outreach efforts, K-12 integration, training wages, support services, and work-related language training. Indirect costs are permitted up to 10% of direct costs or at the organization’s federally negotiated indirect cost rate. Applications will be evaluated on a 125-point scale across four main categories: project design, economic development impact, capacity building, and economic opportunity and equity. Points will be awarded based on the alignment of training plans with program objectives, measurable business outcomes, job creation or retention, the development of new curricula or credentialed programs, acquisition of training-specific equipment, and efforts to increase wages and provide durable, stackable skills. Additional weight is given to projects that demonstrate strong collaboration and leverage higher private sector contributions. The Commissioner of DEED will make the final funding decisions based on committee recommendations. Applications are due by November 3, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Questions must be submitted no later than October 20, 2025, and responses will be posted on DEED’s Competitive Grants and Contracts webpage. The grant timeline anticipates reviews in November, funding decisions in December 2025, and contract execution by January 2026. Projects are expected to conclude within three years, with the possibility of a one-year extension if necessary. Grant activities may not begin until a fully executed contract agreement is in place. The application package must include grant application forms, budget forms, and, where applicable, certifications and required documents for nonprofit or for-profit applicants. Selected grantees will undergo a pre-award risk assessment and financial review before contract execution. Reporting requirements include semiannual progress reports, financial statements, reimbursement requests, and participant tracking. Participating businesses must also submit in-kind contribution documentation and evaluation reports. The program administrator is Fun Fun Cheng, Program Administrator, Minnesota Job Skills Partnership, who can be reached at deed.mjsp@state.mn.us or 651-259-7514. The mailing address is Great Northern Building, 180 E 5th Street, Suite 1200, St. Paul, MN 55101.

Collaboration is key; preference for strong partnerships and higher private contributions; demonstrate measurable outcomes, equity strategies, and curriculum sustainability