The Strib joins the ranks of Waymo, Nvidia, Duolingo, and more
Minneapolis, Minn. (March 18, 2025) — The Minnesota Star Tribune announced today that they have been named to Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025. This year’s list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy. Alongside the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, Fast Company recognizes 609 organizations across 58 sectors and regions. The Minnesota Star Tribune is being recognized in two separate categories: media and teamwork.
“We are thrilled to receive this recognition from the world’s leading experts in business innovation,” said Steve Grove, Publisher and CEO of the Minnesota Star Tribune. “Our vision is to create the leading model for local news in America – driving innovation in media to make every Minnesotan’s life better; a vision that is validated by this prestigious honor.”
The Minnesota Star Tribune has taken significant steps to ensure the long-term viability of local news and reimagine the business model for local media organizations. Among the many achievements contributing to this Most Innovative Companies recognition, the Minnesota Star Tribune:
- Completely rebooted their digital backend including a new CMS, website and app.
- Transformed their newsroom structure to position themselves for the future of news
- Launched Strib Voices; a reimagined platform and approach to opinion
- Rebranded and relaunched the Minnesota Star Tribune to great
- Launched the Strib’s first-ever philanthropy effort to diversify revenue streams and position themselves for future
- Partnered with OpenAI and Microsoft to drive innovation in the news industry using game-changing AI
- Partnered with Google to launch a statewide news partnership including content sharing and future subscription bundling.
The Minnesota Star Tribune will announce additional innovation initiatives in the coming months.
The World’s Most Innovative Companies stands as Fast Company’s hallmark franchise and one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To determine honorees, Fast Company’s editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world.
“Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “This year, we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward.”
The full list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies honorees can now be found at fastcompany.com. It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 25.
Fast Company will host the Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala for honorees on June 5. The summit features a day of inspiring content, followed by a creative black-tie gala including networking, a seated dinner, and an honoree presentation.
About The Minnesota Star Tribune
The Minnesota Star Tribune is an innovative modern media organization building on an extraordinary 157-year legacy. With seven Pulitzer Prizes and hundreds of other awards, the Minnesota Star Tribune boasts the Midwest’s largest news organization and is an unrivaled force for journalistic excellence in Minnesota and beyond. As the heart and voice of the north, the Minnesota Star Tribune is on a journey to create the leading model for local news in America – driving innovation in media to make every Minnesotan’s life better. For more information, visit www.startribunecompany.com.
ABOUT FAST COMPANY
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com.