Dear readers-

The Tech Council brings timely topics to its members and others who attend our Tech Council Innovation Network meetings and related events across Wisconsin. These topics often reinforce our policy and advocacy roles – but they also keep you abreast of trends in technology, entrepreneurship and more. Upcoming examples include an April 13 investor pitch event in Green Bay, an April 19 event aimed at military veterans in La Crosse, an April 25 review of tech-based legislation in Madison, and the June 6-7 Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference in Madison. We hope to see you again soon!

Sincerely,
Tom Still, president

Find your seat at the table: Register today for June 6-7, 2017 Entrepreneurs’ Conference
We are excited to announce that the 15th annual Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference will be held June 6-7, 2017 at the UW-Madison's Union South. The two-day conference is one of the Midwest’s premiere “how-to,” hands-on events for entrepreneurs of all ages and experience levels. Attendees range from ‘treps who are still developing their ideas to emerging company leaders who have already attracted angel and/or venture funding. These businesses cover a broad span of categories, from information technology to cleantech, from advanced manufacturing to the life sciences, and from business services to consulting.

‘The Crucible’: How to (and not to) pitch to investors is April 13 Innovation Network-Northeast topic

Learn the “do’s” and “don’ts” of pitching to investors by watching a panel of seasoned investors critique an early stage company presentation during the Thursday, April 13 meeting of the Tech Council Innovation Network in Green Bay. The luncheon is in partnership with the Forum for Innovation, which will focus on high-growth companies in the region, and NEW North, the regional economic development group. It will be held at Lindquist Machine Corporation, 610 Baeten Road, Green Bay.

Tech talk in the Capitol: Status of key issues topic of April 25 Innovation Network-Madison

From broadband expansion to self-driving vehicles, and from investment tax credits to workforce needs, topics of importance to Wisconsin’s technology sectors are being debated in the state Capitol. Join us Tuesday, April 25, for a luncheon meeting of the Tech Council Innovation Network in Madison to learn how those issues will fare as the Wisconsin Legislature continues its review of Gov. Scott Walker’s budget bill as well as separate bills tied to the high-growth economy.

From social media to health tech to drones, Biz Plan Contest finalists show state’s tech range

Twenty-six entries representing sectors as broad as social media, health technologies and innovations in products or services are competing in the finalist round of the 14th annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest. The contestants have survived two rounds of judging in the contest organized through the Wisconsin Technology Council and its sponsors and volunteers. A lead sponsor is the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.

Record number of entries logged in youth biz plan contest

Wisconsin Youth Entrepreneurs in Science, a statewide youth business plan contest modeled after the successful Governor’s Business Plan Contest, received a record number of 148 entries this month from middle- and high-school students across the state. From Bangor to Wind Lake, and from Crivitz to Wauwatosa, public, private and home-schooled students submitted their science- and tech-based business plan ideas. Learn more about contest details at www.WisconsinYES.com.

It’s a wrap! See coverage from the 2017 Wisconsin Tech Summit

‘Muster Across Wisconsin’ veterans event in La Crosse to feature Marine Corps vet Don Weber

The first in a statewide series of events designed to connect military veterans with entrepreneurial resources, experts and inspiration will be held Wednesday, April 19 at The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern in La Crosse. The event will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., including a reception, and will feature two “how-to” discussion panels as well as remarks by Don Weber, founder and chairman of Logistics Health Inc.

Cheers for a Cure Happy Hour

You’re invited to kick-off your weekend with Stackhouse, one of Madison’s funkiest blues bands, at the April 21 Cheers for a Cure Happy Hour. The event will be held at the Bendyworks office located at 106 E. Doty St., Ste. 200, Madison, WI. Doors open from 4-6 p.m. with an admission fee of $25 per person (all proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). Beer and appetizers will be provided by 3rd Sign Brewery and Beyond Catering. Click here to register. Click here to learn more and donate to Cassidy Wartenweiler's Woman of the Year campaign.

Tech Council’s Still named to UW System Business Council

Wisconsin Technology Council President Tom Still is among about two-dozen business leaders named to the new UW System Business Council. The creation of the council was announced last fall and UW System President Ray Cross announced its members March 9.

Speaking a different language: Translating Cleantech from bench to business and back
A panel of experts discuss lessons learned during the process of pursuing research in both academic and industrial environments at the April 18 Wisconsin Cleantech Network Forum. Panelists include: Tim Donohue, UW–Madison professor and director, GLBRC; Colin Anson, UW–Madison graduate student, chemistry; Hans Liao, senior principal scientist, Cargill; and Edgar Steenwinkel, vice president of research and development, Virent. Click here to register.

WisBusiness: Lynx Biosciences undertakes funding round

Xconomy: With new debt round, Madison startup Kiio passes $5M in funding

BizTimes: EthoStream sale nets $12.8 million for Telkonet

JSOnline: Promentis Pharmaceuticals raises $26 million

WisBusiness: WEDC: Two Wisconsin startups certified as Qualified New Business Ventures

JSOnline: Wisconsin venture capital group resurrected

BizTimes: BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation has helped create 205 jobs

BizTimes: Connecture gets $17.5 million investment

Xconomy: Did Milwaukee-based startups really raise $111 million in 2016?

BizTimes: Intellivisit raising $500,000 for expanded marketing

Release: Local investors commit to invest in a new Fox Valley venture capital fund

Release: WEDC awards $700,000 in grants to support local efforts to provide seed funding for startups