Twin Cities Startup Week is upon us

Twin Cities Startup Week, a 150-event celebration of fledgling businesses, innovators, makers, artists, hackers and even a beer tasting or two, begins on Monday.

"This is our fourth year and we have 150 events, and some are existing events such as the finals of the Minnesota Cup competition [Monday]," said Startup Week Co-founder Nels Pederson. "And some are events started just for Startup Week. We are a platform where businesses, nonprofits and passionate individuals host events and we help coordinate and funnel those events and coordinate the promotion.

"We took our events and put them all in the same week and turn it into a time where Minnesota can show up and celebrate innovation in a fun way."

Pederson said Startup Week has grown from 15 events in year one to 150 this year, showcasing about 500 different business and social entrepreneurs (nonprofits) along the way.

Events are spread out across the metro area, giving attendees an opportunity to explore buildings, spaces and neighborhoods of the Twin Cities. The events range from a look at the Minnesota Cup finalists, to drone racing to exploring food as an economic tool for social justice.

Tickets are free, but necessary for all Twin Cities Startup Week events.