Emerging companies can apply through Monday, February 19 at 5 p.m. to meet with major firms and explore potential business relationships around technology needs and innovation as part of the fifth annual Wisconsin Tech Summit.

The day-long event will be held Monday, March 19, 2018 at the GE Healthcare Institute in Waukesha, Wis. More information, including an application form, can be found at wistechsummit.com or can be downloaded here.

A selection process involving major companies and the Tech Council will follow. Selected companies may meet with multiple companies, depending on mutual interest. Repeat emerging companies are welcome to apply.

Participating major firms thus far include Accuray, American Family Insurance, AT&T, Aurora Health Care, BloodCenter of Wisconsin, Dedicated Computing, DXC Technology, Exact Sciences, Foxconn, GE Healthcare, Johnson Controls, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Northwestern Mutual, Promega, Rockwell Automation, TASC, WEA Trust and WIPFLi.

Large and small companies travel in different “orbits,” even if they’re in the same business sectors, and rarely collide except by chance. The Tech Summit will include a series of brief meetings, similar to a “speed-dating” exercise that will foster communication and partnership. It is produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council and partners that include the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.

Applications are welcome from early stage funds that may want to introduce portfolio companies and otherwise connect with major companies.

“The evolving information needs of major companies may require strategic partnerships with innovative young companies,” said Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. “Potential business relationships might include contracting for research and development, becoming part of a larger supply chain, and pursuing investment or acquisition strategies.”

A company registration fee is due at the time of application and are available online. Companies that are not selected to participate will receive a full refund.

Attendance at the event is limited to representatives of participating major companies, selected emerging firms or funds and event sponsors. Limited general admission may be opened prior to the event.

 The “speed dating” meetings on March 19 will run about 15 minutes each. Other features of the event will include:

  • Presentations by Erik Iverson, Managing Director at Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and Mark Mone, Chancellor at UW-Milwaukee.
  • Office Hours, which will be available to all participants during those times in which they are not scheduled for individual meetings;
  • An event overview and opening discussion to help set the stage for emerging companies by allowing major companies an opportunity to talk generally about their goals, needs and emerging markets;
  • A continental breakfast, networking lunch and onsite reception.

Sponsors thus far include American Family Insurance, American Transmission Company, AT&T, Baird Capital, BDO, BloodCenter of Wisconsin, Dedicated Computing, DXC Technology, Enbridge, Exact Sciences, Findorff, Flad Architects, GE Healthcare, IBM, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Northwestern Mutual, Omni Resources, Quarles & Brady, River Valley Bank, Rockwell Automation, UW-Green Bay, UW-Madison Office of Corporate Relations, UW-Milwaukee Research Foundation, von Briesen & Roper, WEA Trust, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. and Wisconsin Hospital Association.

Visit wistechsummit.com for more information on the event, the application process, registration and sponsorship opportunities.