Minnesota’s hub for national security innovation.

The Minnesota National Security Ecosystem 

The Minnesota National Security Ecosystem (MN-NS-ECO) is an industry, academic, and nonprofit-driven 501(c)(6) organization with a mission to support members in advancing innovation, building collaborative networks, and developing talent to grow and sustain Minnesota's contribution to U.S. national security. 

Why is the MN-NS-ECO needed? 

Every year, Congress appropriates nearly $850 billion in support of national security. Historically, Minnesota has ranked near 50th in defense spending per capita. We can do better. There is a need to support our businesses, entrepreneurs, and world-class academic institutions to compete more effectively for federal funding that supports national security-related innovation and job creation in Minnesota.

What is the mission of
MN-NS-ECO? 

  • To provide capacity-building, networking, and information sharing among member businesses, academic institutions, and entities engaged in supporting our country’s national security.

  • To showcase and promote Ecosystem companies and academic research across the national security sector.

  • To strengthen and sustain the sector's engagement with federal, state, and local policymakers and government entities.

  • To support the education, training, and workforce development needs of the sector to foster job growth in Minnesota.

  • To enable rapid response to emerging national security issues and the needs of Ecosystem members.

Board of Directors

Membership

If you are interested in becoming a member of MN-NS-ECO, please fill out this form and we will be in touch shortly.

  • $1,000: Individuals

  • $2,500: Universities, nonprofit organizations, and startups with 10 or fewer employees

  • $5,000: Businesses with 11-100 employees

  • $10,000: Companies with more than 100 employees

  • Complementary membership for government officials (event meals will be charged on a per person basis)