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Dear readers- August 2018
As summer winds down, the state’s tech-based economy continues to generate its own heat wave. The latest evidence came from the annual Inc. magazine rankings of the nation’s 5,000 fastest-growing private companies, which included 41 Wisconsin companies overall – about half of which operate in the tech space. Holding down the No. 1 spot is Swan Leap, a Madison firm that leverages artificial intelligence to improve transportation logistics. That’s the first Wisconsin company to top the growth list since ABC Supply in the late 1980s. Read on to learn more about the events, trends and policies that are helping Wisconsin’s innovation economy sizzle.
Sincerely,
Tom Still, president
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Adding diversity to STEM field Aug. 28 Innovation Network luncheon in Madison
A leading UW-Madison researcher who served as a key White House science advisor will discuss efforts to improve worker diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at the Tuesday, Aug. 28 luncheon. Dr. Jo Handelsman, director of the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery at the UW-Madison, will discuss why not enough women and minorities enter STEM professions - and how to retain those who plan to do so. She'll also outline the evolving work of WID, one of the nation's leading interdisciplinary research centers.
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Tech Council events coming up: Save the dates!
* Madison luncheons to feature Morgridge Institute researchers (Sept. 25),
UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank (Oct. 16) and how tech can fight the opiate epidemic (Nov. 27)
* Milwaukee luncheon to feature the Data Science Institute (Sept. 27)
* Northeast luncheon to cover Cellectar – a company case study (Oct. 11)
Stay tuned for updates and follow us on Facebook for event information.
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Wisconsin
tech-based economy is a vital work in progress. Advancing the public
discussion around Wisconsin’s high-growth economy is core to the Tech
Council’s 2018 white papers, “Pathways to Success.” Improving
access to capital for Wisconsin entrepreneurs, expanding the supply of
human capital, improving the tech infrastructure and making it easier to
be an entrepreneur are four major themes of the Wisconsin Technology
Council's 2018 "white papers" report.
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Registration open for Barrels, Bites & Bytes on Thursday, Sept. 6
Join us for Barrels, Bites & Bytes from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 6 at Yahara Bay Distillery for a casual evening of
local distilled spirits and cocktails, craft beer, live music, great
food and social networking to celebrate Wisconsin's innovation and
technology culture. Event is open to members and everyone who is a part
of the state's tech and startup scene. The Grooving Needles,
whose sound includes classic rock hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s, will
set the tone with local band members including Frank Byrne. Registration now open! Follow our Facebook event for more details as we get closer!
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Madison to host 2019 TECNA Conference
The Tech Council is pleased to announce that Madison has been selected as the host city for the 2019 Technology Councils of
North America (TECNA) Conference. The Conference will take place July 23-25, 2019.TECNA
represents more than 50 IT and Technology trade organizations that, in turn,
represent more than 22,000 technology-related companies in North
America. The organization supports regional technology organizations and
delivers valuable services to member organizations fostering
collaboration, innovation and the exchange of ideas at events like the
annual TECNA Conference. More details to be announced. Visit tecna.org. |
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Foxconn 'Smart Cities-Smart Futures' competition to open in September
With the goal of engaging faculty, students and staff at Wisconsin's public, private and tech colleges and universities, Foxconn Technology Group will open its "Smart Cities-Smart Futures" competition for entries in late September. Foxconn is committing $1 million in award prizes over the next three years to the contest as they work to develop smart, connected communities and systems throughout Wisconsin. Faculty, students and staff from state colleges and universities are eligible to submit their ideas. The competition focuses on smart mobility, smart buildings, smart homes, smart energy and smart health, as well as quality of life, efficiency, productivity and management fo resources. Follow @SmartCitiesWI on social media and visit wismartcities-smartfutures.com to learn more. |
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Stay on top of the real-time news and events coming out of the Tech Council.
We're on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram!
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TECH COUNCIL NEWS SERVICE:
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WEEK of AUGUST 13
PRNewswire: URP breaks ground on corporate headquarters building for Exact Sciences
Wisconsin State Journal: Madison-based SwanLeap leaps into No. 1 spot on the Inc. 5000
PRNewswire: Green Bay Packers, Cologuard's “Crossing the 50” colon cancer awareness campaign
Milwaukee Business Journal: NEWaukee, Startup Milwaukee, The Commons launch civic accelerator for young professionals
WEEK ending AUGUST 10
Madison Startups: 2018 Forward Festival Preview
BizTimes Milwaukee: $200,000 in prizes available in first year of Foxconn smart city competition
CapTimes: Girls get crash course in AI and robotics through Maydm summer program
JSOnline: Bublr voices support for Bird and asks state to legalize electric scooters
BizTimes Milwaukee: Gateway Technical College launches two Foxconn-related programs
BizTimes Milwaukee: Entrepreneurs’ Organization to launch Milwaukee chapter
BizTimes Milwaukee: State planning sessions to connect small firms to Foxconn work
BizTimes Milwaukee: Marquette biologist awarded $900,000 National Science Foundation grant
WisBusiness: John Koskinen, chief economist for the state Department of Revenue, says the often-cited last-place startup ranking for Wisconsin doesn’t tell the whole story
JSOnline: How a Milwaukee millennial used LinkedIn video to start a company
JSOnline: Exact Sciences CEO Kevin Conroy explains how to get things done
Kenosha News: Foxconn becoming an ever-expanding Wisconsin franchise
BizTimes Milwaukee: Gateway’s Launch Box to close
UW System: Wisconsin Idea Summit explores a smart future: How will smart technology create tomorrow’s Wisconsin?
Wallethub: Most & Least Educated Cities in America
WEEK ending AUGUST 3
Milwaukee Business Journal: OwnersEdge CEO goal: $200M tech holding company
WisBusiness: The Podcast with Craig Doriot, CEO for Dodles
Milwaukee Business Journal: Startup backed by Chelsea Clinton launches birth control, HIV delivery service in Wisconsin
JSOnline: Foxconn, WEC Energy discussing a huge potential solar array for Mount Pleasant complex
BizWomen: Diversity in STEM ‘critical,’ advocacy group president says
JSOnline: The Oak Creek Ikea store has Wisconsin’s largest solar array
Green Bay Press Gazette: Foxconn to buy building, solicit proposals, hire staff this year
JSOnline: New reports cite growth of Madison and Milwaukee as tech employment clusters
WEEK ending JULY 27
BusinessWire: NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes announces FDA approval of Beloit facility
WisBusiness: Dodles animation platform launches in select markets
USA Today: Denver, the Midwest emerge as new hubs for tech workers
BizTimes Milwaukee: Wisconsin GDP grew 1.2 percent to start year
JSOnline: Foxconn names 37 subcontractors for construction of first building
Journal Times: From Reno to Racine: How the Tesla Gigafactory compares to Foxconn
WisBusiness: Women in Technology Wisconsin has recognized several companies and organizations
JSOnline: Manpower supports Trump’s workforce development initiatives with job skills program
Milwaukee Business Journal: Promega shifts facilities, jobs from California to Madison area
Wisconsin State Journal: Rowheels introduces its ‘next-gen’ wheelchair
CapTimes: Promega announces another expansion on heels of new facility
JSOnline: WEC Energy bets on solar, wind and natural gas. So, what about coal?
Milwaukee Business Journal: E-commerce company Wantable leases space near Mitchell airport
WisBusiness: Madison company achieves 94 percent tumor reduction in clinical trial
WEEK ending JULY 20
JSOnline: In mobile internet speed, MN and Minneapolis run laps around WI and Milwaukee.
WisBusiness: New method could identify targets for bio-produced chemicals
WisconsinInno: Northwestern Mutual’s new VR game helps kids who are fighting cancer
Milwaukee Business Journal: Comply365, one of WI's most innovative tech companies has new CEO
PRNewswire: UW-Madison 'treps create next-generation streaming app to focus on emerging artists
Market Business Insider: JNL Technologies unveils new wander monitoring transmitter
TechCrunch: Midwestern success stories show innovation ecosystems are taking root in the heartland
Green Bay Press Gazette: Cross: Foxconn, UW System can build a better future for Wisconsin
Milwaukee Business Journal: Look to entrepreneurs for job growth, Milwaukee community leaders say
BizTimes Milwaukee: Young Enterprising Society launches entrepreneurship training program
WQOW.com: CVTC, JAMF react to Foxconn coming to Eau Claire
Release: BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation at five-year mark, announces investment in Socialeads
Madison.com: Baraboo woman’s gunshot alarm system named finalist for Wisconsin Innovation Awards
UW-Madison: Data Science Initiative
WisBusiness: Amazon employs over 4,000 full-time workers in Wisconsin
Milwaukee Business Journal: Milwaukee’s lawsuit against scooter startup Bird moves to federal court
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Tom Still,
Tech Council
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TOM STILL'S INSIDE WISCONSIN COLUMNS:
InsideWis: 8/10/18: As trade war escalates, China emerges as the primary target
InsideWis: 7/31/18: How I spent my summer vacation: Talking about research
InsideWis: 7/27/18: Early computer science education vital to continued growth
InsideWis: 7/19/18: Court decision on collecting online taxes could hurt entrepreneurs
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Ross Leinweber,
Bold Coast Capital
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WISBUSINESS: THE SHOW:
Episode 210: Covers Tech Metrics, Tom Still commentary; interview with Ross Leinweber
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GET INVOLVED:
Tech Council Innovation Network membership:
Experience for yourself why the Innovation Network has been a Tech Council tradition for over a decade.
With more than two dozen events annually, you'll expand your network while learning from top-notch speakers. When you become a member, your membership applies to all chapters, statewide. With a variety of membership types to choose from, you and/or your company will be sure to find a membership that fits your business goals. Join today!
Thank you to the following individuals and organizations that have recently joined or renewed their memberships:
Need help finding the membership level right for you?
Please contact Angela Schlobohm, development & member relations director:
angela@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com or 608-442-7557.
Tech Council Investor Networks membership:
Your $750 Investor Networks membership entitles you to one free pass to our two major conferences (Entrepreneurs' Conference and Early Stage Symposium), as well as regular Tech Council Innovation Network events.
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Mark your calendars!
Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium
Monona Terrace
Nov. 7-8, 2018
#ESSWI
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