Smart North

Empowering Futures: Bring Digital Access to Every Minnesota Community

Our Purpose: At SmartNorth, we envision a Minnesota where everyone, regardless of race, background, or zip code, has the opportunity to thrive in a digital world. The rapid shift to a technology-driven society has exposed deep disparities in access and opportunity, disparities that impact marginalized communities the hardest. SmartNorth works to ensure that the digital economy uplifts everyone, empowering underrepresented communities to not only access technology but to use it as a tool to overcome barriers, build careers, and create change.

Our Impact: SmartNorth’s work is driven by three core pillars that provide access, support, and advocacy for digital equity across Minnesota. We have already made significant strides—engaging more than 5300 youth, launching 3 Community Tech Hubs (South Minneapolis, Deer River/Leech Lake, and Grand Rapids), and starting a women's program to empower more women to obtain roles in tech.

Community Tech Hubs: These physical spaces within underserved neighborhoods offer hands-on access to emerging technologies, education, and workforce development. Here, youth, women, and families can explore technology in safe, culturally sensitive environments. Through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and industry professionals, we offer project-based learning, boot camps, certification programs, and essential support services like warm meals, clothing, mentorship, and social-emotional resources. This comprehensive approach ensures participants are fully supported on their path to tech literacy and employment.

At just 15, Patience* joined SmartNorth’s Metaverse Design Program with a passion for painting on canvas. When asked what world she’d create, she immediately envisioned a virtual art gallery featuring her own artwork. With guidance, Patience carefully curated her gallery, uploading images of each painting and setting up a link for visitors worldwide to tour and purchase her creations online.

Through this experience, Patience transformed from an artist into an entrepreneur. She not only showcased her talent but also discovered how her creativity and skills could open new doors in the tech world. Now, Patience sees exciting career possibilities she hadn’t imagined before.

Smart Infrastructure: Smart North collaborates with local communities to implement smart technologies that improve daily life and city operations. Initiatives like smart street lighting with free Wi-Fi and traffic monitoring make cities safer and more accessible. This pillar brings 21st-century innovations to communities that need them most, addressing environmental and digital inequities and making cities smarter and more inclusive.

Smart North implemented Minnesotas first Smart Streetlights Pilot in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. 

Thought Leadership: Smart North hosts annual events and year-round dialogues that bring together community, academic, government, and industry leaders to advance inclusive tech solutions. These gatherings spark conversations about the role of technology in creating equitable futures and influence the development of solutions that prioritize marginalized communities.

Our annual thought leadership and innovation showcase brings the civic, public, private, entrepreneurial, and academic ecosystems together to discuss and share insights and innovations.

This Give to the Max Day, your support will help fund Smart North’s critical programs, from building Community Tech Hubs to advancing Smart Infrastructure projects. Join us in making Minnesota a place where all can thrive in the digital economy. Donate now to help us expand access, improve communities, and drive technology equity forward.