A group of Midwest technology advocates launched the Heartland Technology Alliance on Monday, an association that aims to educate consumers, businesses and policymakers on high-tech issues and trends across five states.

The alliance will span Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska.

The group said it hopes to offer six to eight educational events a year. The first such event will be held on Oct. 28 at St. Thomas University in St. Paul. The event will discuss what's needed in education to give young people critical thinking skills and use technology to propel them forward.

"Technology affects nearly every aspect of our lives. It is more important than ever for Midwesterners to have a better understanding of how we relate to technology, how we can harness it for positive change, and what we need to do in order to help it grow and drive our economy," said Dawn Ainger, president of the alliance's board and CEO of Cedar Rapids-based Genova Technologies.

John Stineman, the alliance's executive director, said his group doesn't want to step on the toes of other state specific technology associations, saying he views them as allies and partners.

"What we're trying to do is bring more people into the discussion," Stineman said. "We're trying to get people thinking about (how) technology can be an economic driver."

The group said it plans to raise money through its member groups and are looking for partnerships and sponsorships. Currently, the alliance has around 30 member companies.