University of Minnesota Receives 2nd $750,000 DEED Grant for AI/ML Training

Continuing to Bridge the AI Skills Gap

The University of Minnesota will continue its artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) workforce development initiative through a second $750,000 'Advancing the Future of MedTech Workforce' grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). This expands the initiative’s total funding to more than $1.5 million. 

The initiative is co-developed by the university's Technological Leadership Institute (TLI) and the recently launched AI Hub and will equip professionals at Medtronic, Inspire Medical Systems, and Endogenex with AI and ML skills through a series of training sessions. Training began this summer and will continue into 2029.

"Continuing to advance the AI skill sets of Minnesota's medtech workforce is vital," said Allison Hubel, Director, Technological Leadership Institute. "Sustaining this AI upskilling initiative helps preserve the state's position at the forefront of medical innovation and leadership."

Tailoring the Curriculum to Specific Needs

The training’s curriculum has been tailored to fit the needs of the medtech workforce and covers the lifecycle of AI-enabled medical solutions. Developed and led by Dr. David Nguyen (TLI) and Dr. Galin Jones (AI Hub), the curriculum spans from introductory topics to more advanced subject matter. Introductory modules include:

• Strategic Foundations and Patient Impact of Medical AI: Examining the impact of AI on patient care and how to strategically implement AI/ML.

• Regulated AI Development, Processes, and Quality: Navigating the complex regulatory frameworks required for developing AI-powered medical devices.

• Operations: Monitoring, Privacy, Security, and Change in Use: Ensuring the integrity, security, and privacy of clinical AI systems throughout their lifecycle.

Additional modules will address the more technical aspects of AI implementation, including:

• Core Architecture & Orchestration: Designing advanced AI orchestration architectures to build tool-integrated multi-agent systems and agentic frameworks.
• Emerging Concepts: Analyzing next-generation AI paradigms, including advanced reasoning architectures, protocol standards, and automated data generation loops.

Preparing Minnesota for the Future

The initiative aligns with a statewide effort to forge collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners to strengthen Minnesota’s position as a global leader in medical technology. With more than 1.6 million jobs in Minnesota considered highly exposed to AI-driven transformation, the training will help build a skilled and diverse talent pipeline to address emerging skill gaps and prepare employees for high-demand, senior-level roles in clinical fields and medtech leadership. The development of AI/ML skills will reinforce the expertise and leadership of larger organizations and allow smaller organizations to keep pace through nimble innovation.

More Information

About the University of Minnesota 

The University of Minnesota, with campuses in Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Rochester and the Twin Cities, is driven by a singular vision of excellence. We are proud of our land-grant mission of world-class education, groundbreaking research and community-engaged outreach, and we are unified in our drive to serve Minnesota.

About the Technological Leadership Institute

The Technological Leadership Institute (TLI) is an interdisciplinary center at the University of Minnesota that was established in 1987 by an endowment from the Honeywell Foundation. Its mission is to develop local and global leaders for technology-intensive enterprises through its Master of Science degree programs: Management of Technology, Medical Device Innovation and Security Technologies.

About the AI Hub

As the front door to data science and AI, the AI Hub’s mission is to make it possible for everyone in the Minnesota ecosystem to contribute to and benefit from the future of AI. By connecting people, ideas, and tools across the university to strengthen Minnesota’s position as a national leader in data science and AI, the AI Hub is ensuring the state’s growing AI ecosystem reflects the needs and values of our communities, industries, and public sector. 

About Medtronic

Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary.

About Endogenex

Endogenex, founded in partnership with Mayo Clinic, aims to revolutionize treatment options for individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The company’s innovations focus on resetting the body’s metabolic signaling system by harnessing its natural regenerative capabilities to improve metabolic function. Through the development of the Endogenex System and the novel application of precise, controlled, non-thermal pulsed electric fields, Endogenex is establishing a new era in T2D therapy, helping patients regain control of their blood glucose levels and slow disease progression.

About Inspire Medical Systems

Inspire is a medical technology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative, minimally invasive solutions for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Inspire’s proprietary Inspire therapy is the first FDA, EU MDR, and PDMA-approved neurostimulation technology that provides a safe and effective treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.