
|
August 20, 2020
Dear readers:
Some people may wonder why major stock markets are surging at a time when much of the economy is lagging. It’s because markets are often moved by long-term value and opportunity, not just short-term gain. Please read my latest “Inside Wisconsin” column to learn why tech stock and IPOs are leading the way … and how that might help young companies that are not on Wall Street’s radar. Also, please read on to learn about upcoming events produced by the Tech Council and its partners.
Inside Wisconsin: Amid pandemic and other troubles, parts of tech economy surging
|
|
Make sure to check out our newsroom below for fast-changing information about Wisconsin's reopening process.
Stay tuned for announcements about virtual Tech Council webinars on COVID-19 issues of interest to our members and others.
Do you have news or best practices to contribute to a future edition of Tech Council Current?
Contact Laura@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com
Stay safe, wear your mask, and enjoy your weekend!
Tom Still, president
|
|
Could psychedelic therapy fight depression? Learn more at Aug. 25 Tech Council webinar
Treatment for addiction, depression and post-traumatic stress are among the targets of research into psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient found in so-called “magic” mushrooms. Learn how the Madison-based Usona Institute is a part of a worldwide research trend by attending the 10 a.m., Aug. 25 webinar hosted by the Wisconsin Technology Council.
Tech Council Innovation Network and Investor Networks members may register at no charge; the price for non-members is $20 for general admission and $10 for students and returning veterans. Click here to register.
|
|
|
|
The Tech Council is part of a statewide group that is tracking the progress of “The Endless Frontier Act,” which is a bipartisan federal bill aimed at dramatically boosting research and development assets in the United States.
Related to the federal proposal is a webinar series on how Midwest assets can help to drive a national recovery.
“Shaping the Endless Frontier: How the Midwest Can Spark the U.S. Economy” is hosted by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, the Wisconsin Technology Council, Michael Best Strategies and UW-Milwaukee.
What will The Endless Frontier Act do? / 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16
This 60-minute discussion will include congressional co-sponsors and advocates of the Endless Frontier Act who will explain why now is the time, and the Midwest is the place, for bold investments in science, technology and innovation. For the last century, the United States had been the undisputed, global leader in university and industry research. Our panelists will explain how targeted federal investment in emerging growth centers focused on quantum computing, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and manufacturing can extend and expand U.S. leadership into the 21st century and beyond.
U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-WI
U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-CA
Chancellor Mark Mone, UW-Milwaukee
Dr. Melissa Skala, Investigator, Morgridge Institute for Research; Professor of Biomedical Engineering, UW–Madison
Tom Still (moderator), president, Wisconsin Technology Council
Register here!
|
|
COVID-19
- WisBusiness: Local testing supply shortages, health officials weigh in
- CNN: New saliva-based COVID-19 test could be a fast and cheap ‘game changer’
- NYTimes: Scientists see signs of lasting immunity to COVID-19, even after mild infections
- Daily Mail: World is nowhere near reaching herd immunity, the WHO warns
- Reuters: WHO blasts ‘vaccine nationalism’ in last-ditch push again hording
- SciTechDaily: Researchers find early spread of COVID-19 was far greater than reported
- Madison Startups: Northstar partners with IsoTherapeutics
- CNN: Vaccine maker backed by the Gates’ soars 40%
- Wall Street Journal: Novavax starts mid-stage trial
- Forbes: After hydroxychloroquine, Trump now seeks FDA approval for oleadrin
- CNN: Inside the multibillion-dollar race for a vaccine
- Center Square: Wisconsin spent most of its coronavirus stimulus money on government
ECONOMY
- WisBusiness: The Podcast with Frank Frasetto, USDA Rural Development in Wisconsin state director
- Milwaukee Business Journal: Restaurant owners considering how to social distance in the winter
- Wisconsin Examiner: DNC rural council meeting leaves out rural Wisconsin
- Channel3000: The cancellation of the Wisconsin football season will cost local economy nearly $100 million
- Milwaukee Independent: Wisconsin farmers continue to suffer from the failed politics of the trade war with China
- WISN: Los Angeles mayor calls for DNC Milwaukee do-over for 2024
- Madison.com: Technology, policy changes could cut carbon, save money and create jobs
- WKOW: Wisconsin receives federal funds to aid small businesses
- Washington Post: The virtual Democratic convention ignores Milwaukee at its peril
- Wall Street Journal: Postmaster to suspend USPS changes until after election
- Economist: Walmart’s profitable pandemic
- Axios: A wave of early retirements trigged by COVID is bad for the American economy
- UpNorthNews: Late medicine and food gone bad as USPS delays hurt Wisconsin families, businesses
- Axios: Coronavirus forces rethinking of safety net for working women
- WIZM: La Crosse businesses asking public to follow health recommendations
- UpNorthNews: Quiet DNC means lost opportunities for Milwaukee’s working class
- Milwaukee Business Journal: Small businesses that took PPP face huge, unexpected tax hits
- Axios: House to vote on USPS legislation on Saturday
- Fox: China’s anti-Trump election meddling raises new alarm, as DNI calls country biggest threat
- Wall Street Journal: Remote work is reshaping San Francisco as tech workers flee
- Milwaukee Business Journal: As virus lingers, Wisconsin institutions methodically reopen
HEALTH
- WisBusiness: Rural hospitals feel financial pressure as Medicaid reimbursement uncertainty rises
- NBC: Cleared by doctors, but not by the public: survivors face stigma
- NYTimes: Fearing a ‘twin-demic,’ health experts push urgently for flu shots
- Insider: Doctors say patients are denying medical advice due to misinformation
- Madison.com: Dentists alter procedures as oral care resumes during COVID-19
- LinkedIn: Post COVID-19, the workplace must never return to normal
- STAT: LGBTQ youth say cost, parental permission pose major barriers to mental health care
ENTREPRENEURS + INNOVATION
- Cap Times: With virtual festival, UnderBelly aims to take attendees to another world – at home
- WisconsinINNO: The finalist companies for the 2020 Wisconsin Innovation Awards
- Herald Sheets: USPS files patent for a blockchain-based voting system
- BizStarts is accepting applications for their new BizStarts Institute, a year-long program to help underserved entrepreneurs
- WisconsinINNO: Concurrency helps create AI platform that assists workers with disabilities
- Release: SBDC releases free COVID response guide for entrepreneurs
- Milwaukee Business Journal: COVID-19 forced massive adoption of technology throughout Wisconsin
- Northwestern: Entrepreneurship is a deeply human endeavor, says NuMat Technologies founder
INVESTING
- Release: TitletownTech announces investment in Seattle-based StormSensor
- WisBusiness: LÜM partners with Grammy-winning artist Ne-Yo, secures $3 million in funding round
- Crunchbase: SpaceX value skyrockets with $1.9 billion boost, led by Fidelity
- Medium: American Family Ventures launches insurance industry-backed fund, AFV Fund III
EDUCATION
- NBC15: Wisconsin releases guidelines for reopening K-12 schools
- AP: Universities scramble to deal with virus outbreaks
- Channel3000: Thompson wants $95.7 million boost for UW in state budget
- NBC: Coronavirus is spreading in schools, but the federal government isn’t keeping count
- CBS: Pandemic learning pods may deepen inequalities in education
- Madison.com: New UW program aims to diversify, attract teachers in Wisconsin schools
- Social Media Today: Facebook launches new ‘Educator Hub’ as students head back to school
- Madison.com: No good options: Working parents face tough choices
- WISN: Teacher builds outdoor classroom for social distance learning in all weather
- Madison.com: UW school navigate new, controversial Title IX changes
- Urban Milwaukee: UW-Milwaukee professor studying how to improve pandemic communication
|
 |
|
|
· Gov. Evers’ office regularly updates a statewide COVID-19 website that aggregates information and resources throughout state government, including the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. and the departments of Financial Institutions, Revenue and Workforce Development. Some specific sites:
· The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development produced this FAQ document.
· The Wisconsin Department of Revenue offers these information sources:
· The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has guidance for businesses.
· Wisconsin Department of Health Services: COVID-19 Outbreaks in Wisconsin
· NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers are providing services to small- and medium-sized manufacturers such as connecting businesses that are pivoting their production in response to the coronavirus to new supply chains, connecting firms with state resources, advising companies on new operational issues, and providing workforce support.
· “Wisconsin COVID-19 Startup Talent” is a new project to help those displaced from jobs and employers now hiring
· Wisconsin Hospital Association releases a COVID-19 dynamic Situational Awareness Update
· View an interactive map of public wi-fi “hot spots” in Wisconsin
|

|
|