Winona, MN – March 20, 2025 – Nestled amidst the scenic bluffs and winding Mississippi River, Minnesota State College Southeast, in the heart of Winona, is preparing to ignite a spark of innovation. On May 2, 2025, the college will host the high-stakes invention competition, Make48, bringing a surge of creative energy to its vibrant campus.
Eight teams of talented local students will converge on the newly remodeled, state-of-the-art facilities of Minnesota State College Southeast's Winona campus to tackle a real-world challenge presented by Fastenal, North America's leading fastener distributor. The focus? "Safety in Manufacturing," a crucial theme that demands practical, innovative solutions.
Minnesota State College Southeast
The 48-Hour Sprint: From Idea to Reality
The teams will enter the competition with only this broad theme in mind. The precise challenge and judging criteria will remain a mystery until the official start, setting the stage for an intense 48-hour sprint of creativity and problem-solving.
Minnesota State College Southeast, a public, open-access institution, is the perfect backdrop for this dynamic event. Its commitment to hands-on learning, coupled with a diverse range of programs spanning Engineering, Manufacturing & Trades, and Business & Management, fosters an environment where innovation thrives. The college’s small class sizes and personalized instruction ensure that every participant receives the support they need to excel.
Learning by Doing: The Southeast Way
As the clock ticks down, the campus will transform into a hub of activity. Brainstorming sessions, rapid prototyping, and collaborative problem-solving will fill the air, punctuated by the hum of 3D printers and the clang of tools. Teams will leverage the college’s cutting-edge resources to refine existing concepts and develop entirely novel solutions.
The college’s dedication to accessible education aligns seamlessly with the inclusive spirit of Make48. Just as Minnesota State College Southeast welcomes students from all backgrounds, the competition celebrates diverse skill sets and perspectives, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose.
The Thrill of Competition
While only one team will emerge victorious, all participants will gain invaluable experience, a deeper understanding of the design process, and lasting connections within the college community. The pressure will be palpable, but so will the excitement, as teams push their limits and discover their potential.
This event will not only highlight the ingenuity of the participants but also underscore the vital role that Minnesota State College Southeast plays in cultivating innovation and preparing students for success in the evolving landscape of the 21st-century workforce.
Ready to witness the innovation firsthand?
Visit https://www.make48.com/2025-mn-state-college-southeast to learn more and stay updated.
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About Southeast:
Located in the historic river towns of Red Wing and Winona, Minnesota State College Southeast is a community and technical college that provides a flexible, affordable, inclusive, and equitable college environment and offers a clear sense of direction to all students. College faculty and staff genuinely care about students’ end goals, whether that be earning an academic award, transferring to a university to complete a bachelor’s degree, or attaining career skills. Minnesota State College Southeast is a member of the Minnesota State system.
About Fastenal:
Fastenal provides a broad offering of industrial supplies, including fastener, safety, and metal cutting products, to manufacturing, construction, and state and local government customers through more than 3,600 in-market locations (branches and customer-specific Onsite locations) spanning 25 countries. With continual investment in tailored local inventory, dedicated local experts, and flexible FMI® (Fastenal Managed Inventory) and digital solutions, Fastenal helps its business partners achieve product and process savings across the supply chain – a "high-touch, high-tech" approach encapsulated by its tagline, Where Industry Meets Innovation™ . Fastenal's local service teams are supported by 17 regional distribution centers, a captive logistics fleet, multiple teams of industry specialists and support personnel, and robust sourcing, quality, and manufacturing resources, enabling it to grow by getting closer to customers and providing innovative and comprehensive solutions to customer supply chain challenges. Additional information regarding Fastenal is available on the Fastenal Company website at www.fastenal.com.
About Make48:
Make48 is a nationwide invention-competition docuseries, distributed and aired in partnership with This Old House Makers Channel (Roku), that gives teams a challenge at the start of a two-day event. With just 48 hours, teams must create a prototype, promotional video, sales sheet, and finally present their idea to a panel of judges. The teams have access to a makerspace and numerous Tool Techs (that can make almost anything), patent attorneys, marketing experts, and more. This format allows everyone to have a level playing field and the chance to win, with no prior technical knowledge necessary.Â
Make48 Media Contact:
Cassandra Muñoz
816-226-8385