Dear readers-

So much for a lazy summer! The prospect of landing Foxconn Technology Group in Wisconsin has mobilized the Tech Council, which serves an advisory role to state government, through a steady stream of commentary, testimony and board resolutions highlighting the historic opportunity for the state’s tech sectors. Beyond the Foxconn debate, a number of Tech Council events focused on Wisconsin’s emerging companies are on the late summer calendar. Read on to learn more and how to join us in the weeks ahead.   

Sincerely,
Tom Still, president

Calling all companies! Apply for three chances to pitch at Early Stage Symposium
Applications are being accepted now from young companies that want to tell their stories to investors at our annual Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium #ESSWI, to be held Nov. 15-16 at Madison’s Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. The 2017 format includes two pitch opportunities – the Tech Council Investor Networks track and the popular Elevator Pitch Olympics – as well as a repeat segment that debuted in 2016, “Investor Intros,” which will allow pre-selected companies brief, one-on-one meetings with targeted angel and venture investors.

Tom Still testimony: Assembly Committee on Jobs and the Economy, Special Session AB 1

Read Tech Council President Tom Still’s prepared remarks to the Assembly Committee on Jobs and the Economy on efforts to bring Foxconn Technology Group to the state.

Startups in northeast Wisconsin: Call to action with gener8tor at Aug. 10 Innovation Network luncheon

Northeast Wisconsin has the raw materials to build a high-growth startup ecosystem. Hear Troy Vosseller, co-founder of gener8tor, and Maggie Brickerman, managing director of gBETA, share gener8tor's vision for a high-growth future at the Thursday, Aug. 10 meeting of the Tech Council Innovation Network in Appleton. The luncheon will be held at the Fox Valley Technical College D.J. Bordini Center, 5 N. Systems Drive, conference center BC112A. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m., lunch at noon and the presentation at 12:30 p.m.

Erik Iverson to reflect on first year at WARF at Aug. 22 Innovation Network lunch in Madison

A little more than a year into the job, managing director Erik Iverson will reflect on developments at the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and talk about the organization’s plans at the Tuesday, Aug. 22 luncheon meeting of the Tech Council Innovation Network in Madison. Iverson formally joined WARF in July 2016 after serving more than a dozen years in key leadership roles within the Infectious Disease Research Institute and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, both in Seattle. 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.

Brew, Bites & Bytes: Sign up now for Aug. 24 Tech Council celebration at Wisconsin Brewing Co.

Join us Thursday, Aug. 24 at Wisconsin Brewing Co. in Verona from 6 to 9 p.m. for a casual evening of food, craft beer and live music to celebrate Wisconsin’s innovation and technology culture. Hosted by the Wisconsin Technology Council, Brew, Bites & Bytes is a relaxed evening open to people and groups who are a part of the state’s tech and innovation scene. Beverages will be provided by Wisconsin Brewing Co. and a traditional pig roast with all the fixings and vegetarian options will be served. The Grooving Needles, a classic rock band from Madison that includes “techies” in the group, will provide the live music from the brewery’s Backyard Bar and patio.

Fire captain who designed device to save lives on deck for Sept. 19 Tech Council luncheon

Firefighters who risk their lives to save others stand to get help from an innovative device that can guide them out of smoke-filled buildings. Jeff Dykes, owner and founder of Northern Star Fire, is an Eau Claire firefighter captain who won the 2017 Governor’s Business Plan Contest with a headgear compass to maintain or regain a firefighter’s orientation during a fire. Dykes was this year’s grand prize winner of the 14th annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest. He also spoke recently at the White House. Hear him pitch his startup and give updates at the Tuesday, Sept. 19, Tech Council Innovation Network luncheon meeting in Menomonie. The event will be held at the UW-Stout. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m., lunch at noon and the presentation at 12:30 p.m.

Wisconsin State Journal: Madison Vaccines expands clinical trial for prostate cancer treatment

Wisconsin State Journal: FluGen brings in more funds from investors

Xconomy: FluGen, Startup Developing Universal Flu Vaccine, Raises $5.5M

Release: $100,000 Pitch Investment Opportunity – Apply by August 15th

BizTimes: Novascan raising up to $2 million round

Release: Exact Sciences announces earnings

Madison Startups: Errund earns QNBV certification

Madison Startups: Next SBIR advance grant open

BizTimes: Idea Fund of La Crosse raises $13 million

Forbes: Angels, let’s improve the funding environment for women entrepreneurs

BizTimes: Seven Marine to be acquired by Volvo Penta