University of Minnesota Receives $750,000 DEED Grant to Advance AI/ML Training

Upskilling the Minnesota Workforce

The University of Minnesota is launching a workforce development initiative focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) following a $750,000 "Advancing the Future of MedTech Workforce" grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Co-developed by the university's Technological Leadership Institute (TLI) and the recently launched AI Hub, the initiative is equipping professionals at Philips with AI and ML skills through training sessions held at Philips in Plymouth and Mayo Clinic in Rochester. The initiative began with training in February 2026 and will continue through 2028.

“The employees of Minnesota’s medtech companies understand their products and services but may not have developed an AI skill set yet,” said Allison Hubel, Director, Technological Leadership Institute. “Providing AI upskilling is critically important in preserving the state’s position at the forefront of medical innovation and leadership.”

Training with a Customized Curriculum

The initiative's curriculum, created by TLI and the AI Hub to address the specific needs of the medtech workforce, spans the lifecycle of AI-enabled medical solutions. Led by Dr. David Nguyen and Dr. Galin Jones, curriculum modules include:

• Medical AI Regulatory Processes: AI and Data considerations for medical environments.
• Strategic Foundations: Level setting for cross-functional, advanced-technologies teams in healthcare.
• Nuances of Regulated Development: Navigating the complex regulatory frameworks required for developing AI-powered medical devices.

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

• Advanced AI Methods in Medtech: Methods of improving the accuracy and reliability of generative AI models.
• Trustworthy AI: Designing and building AI for cross-functional teams to understand the system, explain the outputs, and inform the design making process.

Strengthening Minnesota's Position as a Medtech Leader

Part of a broader effort to foster collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners, the training programs align with statewide priorities to strengthen Minnesota's position as a global leader in medical technology by building a skilled and diverse talent pipeline. With more than 1.6 million jobs in Minnesota considered highly exposed to AI-driven transformation, the programs address emerging skill gaps and prepare employees for high-demand, senior-level roles in clinical fields and medtech leadership.

If you're interested in learning more about AI/ML training opportunities for your organization, please contact Allison Hubel (TLI Director).

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.