Emerging firms may apply for big company ‘speed dates’ at March 27 Tech Summit

Emerging companies can apply through February 24 to meet with major firms and explore potential business relationships around technology needs and innovation as part of the fourth annual Wisconsin Tech Summit. The day-long event will be held Monday, March 27, 2017 at the GE Healthcare Institute in Waukesha, Wis. More information, including an application form, can be found at www.wistechsummit.com. Repeat emerging companies are welcome to apply.

How Fox Valley firms raised angel, venture: Learn more Feb. 9 at Innovation Network-Northeast

Hear from two emerging firms in the Fox Valley on the ins and outs of raising angel and venture capital during the Thursday, Feb. 9 meeting of the Tech Council Innovation Network in Appleton. 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 the Fox Valley Technical College D.J. Bordini Center, 5 N. Systems Drive, conference center BC112A.

It’s not just the Russians: Cyber-threats topic of Feb. 21 Innovation Network lunch in Madison

How to better protect your data and devices from cyber-attacks will be the topic of the Feb. 21 the Tech Council Innovation Network luncheon meeting in Madison. The luncheon will be held at the Sheraton Hotel on Madison’s John Nolen Drive. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m., lunch at noon and the presentation at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $10 for students, $25 for individual members, $35 for non-members and included for Tech Council corporate members.

How music plays into Chippewa Valley growth topic of Feb. 28 Tech Council event in Eau Claire

With five large music festivals each year and a major cultural center in the works, the Eau Claire region is hitting the right notes when it comes to setting itself apart as an attractive place for companies and young talent. Learn more about the role of music and culture in the region’s economic growth at the Tuesday, Feb. 28, Tech Council Innovation Network luncheon meeting in Eau Claire.

Investing in Wisconsin’s Future: 2017 White Papers
The 2017 edition of the Tech Council’s “white papers” report to the governor, Legislature and other policymakers have issued. This 28-page report includes the Tech Council’s recommendations in four broad areas: investment capital, human capital, entrepreneurial climate and technology development. Past editions of the report have helped spur changes in state programs and laws that have stimulated the tech-based economy. Read the full report here.

‘Wisconsin YES!’ student business plan contest open for middle, high school entries through April 3, 2017 Wisconsin Youth Entrepreneurs in Science, a statewide youth business plan contest modeled after the successful Governor’s Business Plan Contest, is open for online entries from Wisconsin middle- and high-school students through 5 p.m. April 3, 2017. Public, private and home-schooled students across Wisconsin are eligible to turn their science- and tech-related ideas into business plans and compete for cash and prizes. The contest begins with a 250-word summary submitted through www.WisconsinYES.com. Entries that advance to Phase 2 of the competition will expand their idea into a 1,000-word executive summary. Throughout the process, students get feedback from professionals across Wisconsin who will serve as judges. Questions about the contest, contact Angela Schlobohm at angela@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com. To become a sponsor email Tammy Ehrmann at tammy@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com.

Tech Council at annual CompTIA DC Fly-In

Head Start on HIMSS

Before you head to HIMSS 2017 in Orlando, join us for a pregame networking mixer in Madison Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 5-7 p.m. at Brocach Irish Pub on the square. Co-hosted by the Wisconsin Technology Council, Symphony Corp and Healthtech Capitol, an initiative of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, this event is a great way to connect and get a head start on strategizing your HIMSS game plan with other Wisconsin-based attendees. Registration is free to members of the Wisconsin Technology Council or Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce; $10 for non-members. Click here to register.

Technology Law Seminar 2017: Dissecting a data breach and mitigating the risks

Every company faces risks relating to data privacy and security. The concern is no longer if a data breach will occur, but when. However, most companies are not adequately prepared for a potential breach or loss of data. Join Husch Blackwell, M3 Insurance, Sikich and the Wisconsin Technology Council from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Milwaukee Athletic Club for an in-depth discussion of the risks that data breaches pose to large and small companies, what to expect when confronted with one and how to mitigate the effects of a breach. Registration required by Feb. 16. Early registration is $100 and the full rate is $125. Click here to register.  

Xconomy: Seed-Stage deals show growing diversity of agtech investments

Wisconsin State Journal: EatStreet adds delivery service to its meal-ordering app

Indianapolis Business Journal: Lawmakers propose bill to expand venture capital tax credit

Xconomy: Northwestern Mutual VC fund leader discusses investment approach

BizTimes: Rockwell investing in regenerative tissue technologies

Xconomy: Elucent, with $7.2M in tow, advances breast cancer treatment device

MarketWired: Redox raises $9M led by RRE Ventures to scale interoperable network of health systems

Madison.com: For the founders of the now-dead MobileIgniter, no regrets

JSOnline: Abele: Politician, philanthropist and entrepreneur

BizTimes: Gener8tor working on new three-week program for early-stage entrepreneurs

Milwaukee Business Journal: Andy Nunemaker on startup community: ‘There’s tons of money in Milwaukee’

WisBusiness: Engineered Propulsion Systems completes funding round for $765,000

WisBusiness: Midwest investment stays steady with increased funding and deals, report says

Reuters: Northwestern Mutual launches $50 million fintech venture fund

Xconomy: GrocerKey parlays Woodman’s success into new sales, raises $700K

Xconomy: Edtech Venture Funding down in 2016, but still tops $1B