Minneapolis, MN, October 31, 2008:   The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA), in partnership with Enterprise Minnesota and LifeScience Alley, celebrated Minnesota’s status as a hub for technology innovation with the 2008 Tekne Awards last night at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The Tekne Awards acknowledged companies and individuals who have demonstrated superior technology advancement and leadership in Minnesota.

“This year’s recipients are outstanding examples of innovation and leadership,” said Kate Rubin, president, MHTA. “All of tonight’s finalists and recipients are helping to secure Minnesota’s place as a center of innovation in the global economy. We are proud to recognize these exceptional nonprofit, business and individual leaders.”

The evening also featured the induction of the first class to the Minnesota Science and Technology Hall of Fame, a partnership between MHTA and the Science Museum of Minnesota. Created for and inspired by heroes in the realms of science and technology, the Minnesota Science and Technology Hall of Fame honors Minnesotans whose achievements in science and technology have made a lasting impact not only to the state of Minnesota, but globally as well.

Judges selected one recipient out of the three finalists in each of 17 Tekne Awards categories recognizing the best and brightest in development, education, commercialization and management of technology. Company awards included separate categories for small and growing businesses (with annual revenues under $50 million) and established businesses (with annual revenues of $50 million or more). In addition, two new awards were presented this year: Technology Executive of the Year Award and Cleantech Award.

Syntiron is the winner of the 2008 Tekne Award in the biotechnology category.

BIOTECHNOLOGY AWARD

The Biotechnology Award is presented to a company that excels in the field of agriculture, food science and pharmaceuticals.

• Biotechnology Award recipient is Syntiron, based in St. Paul. Using a breakthrough technology designed to recognize key proteins in the body, “siderophore receptor proteins” (SRP), it provides a method to better treat strain-to-strain variations of infections. Syntiron is diligently working toward being able to use SRP technology to prevent virtually all bacterial infections. 

For a complete listing of 2008 Tekne Awards categories and recipients go to www.tekneawards.org.

About Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA)

The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) accelerates the growth, sustainability and global competitiveness of Minnesota's technology-based economy through public-policy advocacy, member collaboration and education, and community outreach. MHTA is the only membership organization that represents Minnesota’s entire technology-based economy. MHTA members include organizations of every size − involved in virtually every aspect of technology creation, production, application and education in Minnesota. MHTA works in partnership with AeA, which represents Minnesota's technology organizations nationally. Find out more online at www.mhta.org.