Gene Rebeck

The news last week that Rolls-Royce opened a new $24 million expansion of its Mankato facility probably has many people wondering: What is Rolls-Royce doing in a Greater Minnesota city of 45,000 people? For most of us, Rolls-Royce means fabulously luxurious automobiles. And those cars are still being manufactured. But there’s another Rolls-Royce that doesn’t make cars. Sound confusing? Here’s an abridged version.

On April 22, the White Earth Reservation in northern Minnesota activated what it calls a “resilience hub”—a solar and electric battery system located at the tribal school and community center in the White Earth village of Pine Point. The word “resilience” in the name was very intentionally chosen. According to Pine Point resident and Anishinaabe social activist Winona LaDuke, residents in her village often experience disconnection from their electric service, particularly during strong storms.

School’s almost out, but several Minnesota startups in the education technology (ed tech) space are already preparing for the next school year. They’ve developed technology meant to make life a little easier for those teachers—and, in many cases, for parents.