MINNEAPOLIS - June 2, 2014- Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) today opened 2014 award applications for the Bakken Invitation, a global program designed to celebrate and connect people who, with the help of medical technology, have overcome health challenges and are now selflessly giving back to their communities.

In its second year, the Bakken Invitation Award honors ten inspirational people who use their "extra life" to serve others with a $20,000 charitable grant, donated to a non-profit organization selected by the honoree, and a trip to Hawaii in 2015 for a celebration event to meet Medtronic co-founder Earl Bakken.

Medtronic also is unveiling a new global online community for patients to share how they are giving back after receiving extra life from a medical device, and an opportunity to connect with other people who share similar health conditions, geographies, and charitable passions.  For every story shared, Medtronic Philanthropy will donate $10 to Project HOPE (Health Opportunities for People Everywhere) to help ensure that medical technology is available in underserved communities around the world. Project HOPE provides medical training and health education and conducts humanitarian assistance programs in more than 35 countries.

"It's my dream that patients all over the world are using their 'extra life' to give back to humanity.in big and small ways," says Earl Bakken, co-founder of Medtronic and inspiration for the program.   "We hope each of these stories will inspire others with medical devices to live their fullest lives, and Live On. Give On." The inaugural Bakken Invitation awarded 10 honorees in 2013. See their stories at www.LiveOnGiveOn.org.

To qualify for the Bakken Invitation Award, applicants 14 years or older must use a medical device therapy to treat the following disease categories: heart disease, diabetes, chronic pain, spinal disorders, or neurological, gastroenterology and urological disorders. All applicants with eligible medical technology are welcome to apply, regardless of device manufacturer. Applicants must have an established relationship of involvement with a legal non-profit organization for six months or more.

Applications for the 2014 award will be accepted June 2 until July 18, 2014. To apply or refer someone for this honor, visit www.LiveOnGiveOn.org. A selection committee will review all nominations, and applicants will be notified by September 1.

Follow the program and stay inspired with real-time updates on Facebook.com/LiveOnGiveOn and on Twitter with #LiveOnGiveOn

About Medtronic Philanthropy
Medtronic Philanthropy focuses on expanding access to quality chronic disease care among underserved populations worldwide, in addition to supporting health initiatives in communities where Medtronic employees live and give.

About Medtronic
Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology-alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. 

About Project HOPE
Founded in 1958, Project HOPE (Health Opportunities for People Everywhere) is dedicated to providing lasting solutions to health problems with the mission of helping people to help themselves. Identifiable to many by the SS HOPE, the world's first peacetime hospital ship, Project HOPE now provides medical training and health education, as well as conducts humanitarian assistance programs in more than 35 countries.  http://www.projecthope.org Follow us on Twitter: @projecthopeorg

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Contacts:
Rich Fischer
Public Relations
+1-763-505-2975