Minneapolis: A Thriving Center for Innovation and Culture
BrightAI’s roots run deep in the Minneapolis tech hub, a growing center of innovation in the Midwest. While our team is spread across the U.S.—from California to Florida—nearly half of us, including one of our founders, proudly call Minnesota home.
Over the last decade, we’ve built more than a company. We’ve built a micro-IoT hub in a city known for its balance of nature, culture, and cutting-edge engineering.
From SmartThings to BrightAI: A City for Builders
BrightAI was founded in 2019 by leaders from previous startups, including SmartThings. What brought them together? A shared drive to solve big problems with the fusion of AI and IoT, or what we now call AIoT.
It’s a little bit infectious when you have a group of people who really like getting stuff done and working on interesting problems,” says co-founder Doug Burman.
That same spirit has shaped our Minneapolis presence—and continues to attract top talent.
Why Minneapolis Works for Tech Talent
Doug calls it a “micro-tech hub,” and that’s exactly what’s formed within the city. As more engineers joined BrightAI, a local network of cross-disciplinary collaboration took root.
Senior Engineer Barry Andersen agrees.
When I was looking for a new engineering job, there was no other place in the Midwest like Minneapolis. You just can’t find these kinds of opportunities elsewhere.
With its strong university system, diverse industry base, and vibrant startup scene, Minneapolis offers what many larger cities promise—with more livability.
A City That Feeds Innovation
Our lab in Northeast Minneapolis is home to 18 of our 45 team members. Located near Jackson Square Park, the area blends city energy with a neighborhood feel. Walkability, bike paths, and beloved local spots like Young Joni and Dangerous Man Brewing are just part of what keeps the team energized.
Many BrightAI team members commute by bike—even in the snow. Minneapolis regularly ranks as one of the top U.S. cities for bikeability and green space, with 95% of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park.
This mix of access to nature, arts, and industry makes the Minneapolis tech hub a magnet for creative thinkers and builders alike.
A Unique Culture, A Shared Purpose
BrightAI’s team culture reflects the character of the city. We’re engineers, product designers, technologists—and curious learners. Many of us pick up hobbies like woodworking, gardening, or music in our free time. And we bring that same curiosity to how we solve problems for customers.
We planted the seed with some really good people,” Burman says. “Now we’re attracting elite talent from different backgrounds to do more together.
That culture of learning and collaboration fuels our work in AIoT, where solving tough infrastructure problems takes both technical range and human empathy.
BrightAI in Minneapolis: Small Hub, Big Impact
From summer lake days to winters filled with snowmobiling, skiing, and cozy creativity, Minneapolis offers variety that keeps life interesting. The local arts scene is thriving—from world-class museums to indie theaters and live music venues.
Our Minneapolis tech hub is more than just a location—it’s where ideas come to life. The city continues to shape how we think, build, and collaborate.
