Wisconsin Technology Council

Policy guidance - a core purpose of the tech Council is to provide policy advice to the governor, the legislature, state agencies, and others on how to enhance Wisconsin's tech-based economy. This includes preparation of reports, news releases, surveys, testimony and more to inform those policy makers as well as the public about major issues affecting the tech economy.

Tech Council investor networks built angel network and venture capital capacity throughout Wisconsin in order to increase the number and amount of seed stage equity investments in Wisconsin companies, thus creating jobs and improving the economy.

Tech Council innovation network held 30 inperson and virtual events held around Wisconsin on varying timely topics: madison area, milwaukee area, the fox valley, the chippewa valley, western Wisconsin and northwwest wisconisn are recurring locations.

Wisconsin governor's business plan contest - the contest is an opportunity to compete for cash and in kind prizes, but its also a chance to get constructive feedback on a business plan and to help move it from "virtual business" to reality. Over 19 years, 4,500 people from 330 Wisconsin communities have participated. About $2.5 million in cash and service prizes have been awarded since its inception. In the latest tax year, there were 150 contestants. The business survival rate for finalists in about 75% over five years, according to follow up surveys, which is significant.

Wisconsin entrepreneurs' conference this annual conference in june attracts about 300 people and focuses in stimulating more entrepreneurial activity, especially with young, pre-revenue, often pre-investment companies. It is where the Wisconsin governor's business plan contest and the Wisconsin yes contest culminated during the tax year.

Wisconsin early stage symposium - open to Technology companies seeking all types of capital, the tech Council's annual investment oriented conference is held in november for 350 to 400 attendees.

Wisconsin tech summit - the tech summit is a controlled matchmaking event that brings together major companies and emerging firms, allowing them to build business relationships around Technology needs and innovation. Major companies have also invested in emerging companies. There were 220 participants in the tax year, with 22 major companies meeting with 60 plus emerging companies in a series of 300, 15 minute meetings.

Various other programs and events including play at the lake and women's reception