Greetings from Minnesota Blockchain Initiative!
Last year introduced many “firsts” we’re excited to build upon in 2025.
We unveiled our Membership program, seeing 40+ folks in the community sign up to offer their support, help in our initiatives, and enjoy the Membership benefits along the way. This year, we’re expanding the benefits, including free courses from our new partner, The Blockchain Academy (one of many new partners).
We also premiered the MNblockchain Conversations podcast! Featuring several local builders, shakers, and thought leaders—and thanks to the studio space sponsored by Quantum Lex law firm (another great partner)—we covered everything from crypto banking to AI development, government regulation, and much more. This year, we have several guests lined up and many more to book. The pool of talent, wisdom, and topics to showcase is vast!
Speaking of showcasing, our Spotlight Meetups increased to being monthly events at Frankie’s Chicago Style in New Hope. Like our podcast, each month highlighting in-person a local builder, founder, or thought leader in the industry. In May, we combined this event with the annual Bitcoin Pizza Day party, something we’re also looking forward to building upon for 2025.
In addition to the Meetups were our Spring and Fall conferences, each featuring several speakers around a theme—Spring was the Bull Market; Fall was Blockchain & Government.
What will this year’s events be? Stay tuned…
Our Fall 2024 event was held for the second straight year at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. We’re excited to continue working with them for an even larger event for Fall 2025!
Merchant & Gould law firm—an annual sponsor of MNblockchain—had a starring role at another 2024 first for Minnesota. New organization NFT-MSP kicked off their first annual NFT Art Fair, where they also featured panel discussions featuring MNB leaders and area experts (such as IP law firm Merchant & Gould).
Finally, we were humbled to gain two new annual sponsors in 2024! Fredrikson law firm and Otter Tail Power Company, the latter representing our entrance into the Bitcoin mining space. This introduction was kicked off at The Mining Conference here in Brainerd in September.
All this and more will be a part of our 2025—more community, more events, more media, education, partnerships, and collaborations.
Come be a part and help see Minnesota become a hub for blockchain education and development for the world!
-Brandon Ferdig
President, Minnesota Blockchain Initiative
