Wearables in Wisconsin: Join us at Jan. 12 Innovation Network-Milwaukee
From military and medical equipment, to smart watches and headphones, the market for wearable technology continues to explode. Learn about this rapidly growing technology sector at the Thursday, Jan. 12 meeting of the Tech Council’s Innovation Network in Wauwatosa. Tech Council President Tom Still will moderate as a panel of experts from around Wisconsin discuss their work with wearable technologies and what lies ahead for the state. They are: Zhenqiang “Jack” Ma, professor in the department of electrical and computer engineering at UW-Madison; David Troup, CEO and founder of Xensr; and Andrew Hampel, CEO and co-founder of Seiva Technologies. Please note: Pre-registration for this event is sold out. Walk-ins welcome to register on-site for standing room only.

Extending high-quality broadband statewide topic of Innovation Network lunch in Madison
Is Wisconsin making progress when it comes to extending high-quality broadband coverage to all parts of the state? Find out Jan. 24 at the Tech Council Innovation Network luncheon meeting in Madison. A panel of experts will describe the “Connect America Fund 2” and how this federal initiative stands to help in many communities through a number of providers. Panelists include: Jim Jermain, regional vice president of external affairs, AT&T Wisconsin; Carl Ruedebusch, Wisconsin developer, investor and chairman of the Vilas County Economic Development Corp.; and Angie Dickison, Wisconsin state broadband director.

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.

Veteran mentors on call for Biz Plan Contest entrants

Experienced mentors from across Wisconsin will be available to offer advice to contestants during the 14th annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest. Initial entries of 250 words are due by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017. There is no cost to enter. Visit www.govsbizplancontest.com for more information and to get started. Over time, the contest has led to valuable public and media exposure for the top business plans and spurred economic growth in Wisconsin. Finalists will share in more than $100,000 in cash and in-kind prizes. Questions about the contest, contact Angela Schlobohm at angela@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com. To become a sponsor email Tammy Ehrmann at tammy@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com.

Michigan VC leader to keynote March 27 Tech Summit

Chris Rizik, the chief executive officer and fund manager for the Renaissance Venture Capital Fund in Michigan, will be the featured speaker at the 2017 Wisconsin Tech Summit, to be held March 27 at the GE Healthcare Institute in Waukesha. Rizik leads what is essentially a corporate “fund of funds” that was launched by some of Michigan’s largest companies with the goal of improving the state’s economic diversity while achieving a strong return on investment. The Renaissance Venture Capital Fund, along with Cintrifuse in Cincinnati, are the leading examples of such funds. Read Tom Still’s recent column on those funds here. The fourth annual Tech Summit is a “speed dating” event for major companies and emerging firms, who may apply to meet with the major companies in a series of 15-minute meetings throughout the day. Learn more about this year’s Tech Summit and past summits 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

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BizTimes: Titan Spine raises Series B funding

Xconomy: Xemex raises $250K for adhesive-mixing nozzle

Madison.com: Madison draws a startup from Chicago with a novel way to track cancer

Milwaukee Business Journal: ParqEx, ‘Airbnb of parking,’ raises $1.3M led by Wisconsin investors

TechCrunch: 11 reasons we didn’t invest in your company

BizTimes: Wantable raises Series C round