(02/08/2025) Max Minakov, Andover High School (AndHS) alum (22’), realized a potential career pathway at Oak View Middle School (OVMS) when his sixth grade Science project kick-started an idea that has snowballed into a pretty ‘cool’ invention: A snowplow robot.

His Science teacher, Tim Quigley, tasked students with completing a project — around the same time that Minakov had turned a cold shoulder to a chore at home: Shoveling the driveway. 

Minakov designed and presented a robotic snowplow to his class, creating a buzz in school that earned him a reputation as the “robot kid” before advancing to the districtwide Science Fair.

Focused on his dream
From there, Minakov embraced the rigor of advanced placement (AP) chemistry and calculus courses at AndHS. While he participated in basketball, tennis and track with his friends — he remained focused on school and refining his robot in his free time.

As a junior and senior, Minakov earned college credits through the Post-Secondary Education Option (PSEO) at Anoka-Ramsey Community College part-time. While there, he kept in touch with his past teachers. “They really cared about my growth and helped me find ways to connect my learning to the real world,” he said.

Minakov credits Industrial Technology teacher Thomas Gallagher for teaching him about CAD and 3-D printing; Ann VanGheem with challenging him in AP Chemistry; Kate Tverberg for assisting with writing algorithms for his robot outside of Calculus; and Justin Brama, a history teacher who supported him in his business journey. “They were genuinely excited to work with me on problems I encountered [with the robot]. That mentorship was invaluable and set the foundation for what I’m building today.”

Snow business
Minakov will graduate this spring from the University of Minnesota (U of M) Carlson School of Management with a degree in entrepreneurial management — in just three years. He remains focused on turning his middle school idea into a sustainable business.

Nivoso, the Latin word for “snowy,” is the company he has launched — specializing in snow removal robots — already gaining significant recognition. 

• In 2023, he took first place in a business competition at the U of M among 3,200 applicants. 

• Last year, he earned second place at the University of St. Thomas’ e-Fest®, an undergraduate entrepreneurship competition, adding $30,000 to Nivoso’s funding.

The goal is to adapt the robot for lawn mowing and agricultural applications. “Snow is a great testing ground because of its harsh and unpredictable nature, but the technology has potential far beyond that,” he explains. His current design is built for commercial use, but Minakov plans to launch a pre-order for a residential grade of snowplow robots after he graduates this summer.

Coming full circle
Minakov enjoys collaborating with other dreamers at the U of M, where he serves as a director for Atland Ventures — a student-run Venture Capital firm that invests in technology-based startup companies. His involvement offers opportunities to understand finance, research prospective investees, listen to business pitches and network with business leaders. He and fellow undergrads raised $1 million over the past year to replenish the fund for future startups developed by aspiring inventors like him.

“It’s cool to think that what started as a sixth-grade project has turned into something real, and I’m excited to see where it goes next.”