MADISON – Emerging companies can apply
through Feb. 18 to meet with major firms and explore likely business
relationships around technology needs and innovation as part of the second
annual Wisconsin Tech Summit.
The day-long event will be held Monday, March 23, 2015, at the GE
Healthcare Institute in Waukesha, Wis. More information, including an
application form, can be found at www.wistechsummit.com.
The Tech Summit, produced by the
Wisconsin Technology Council and partners that include the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corp., is based on the assumption that large and small companies
travel in different “orbits,” even if they’re in the same business sectors, and
rarely collide except by chance. The summit will include a series of brief meetings, similar
to a “speed-dating” exercise
that will foster communication and partnership.
“In some parts of the country, there are
well-established ways for larger companies and emerging firms to connect,” said
Toni Sikes, chief executive officer of CODAworx and chair of the Tech Council.
“This is a way to enhance that kind of connectivity in Wisconsin and our
region. There are benefits to entrepreneurs and major companies alike.”
Major companies will be able to hear
from emerging firms with innovative products or services tied to areas such as
“big data,” connected devices and data analytics in sectors ranging from health
care to information systems, and from power electronics to telecommunications.
“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.”
Participating major companies thus far
are American Family Insurance, Aurora Health Care, BloodCenter of Wisconsin, Dedicated
Computing, Direct Supply, Faith Technologies, GE Healthcare, HP Enterprise
Services, Intel, Johnson Controls Inc., Kraft Foods/Oscar Mayer Information
Systems, Marshfield Clinic, Rockwell Automation and TASC (Total Administrative
Services Corp). Others are being invited.
Emerging companies can apply to
participate at www.wistechsummit.com. The deadline is Monday, Feb. 16. A
selection process involving major companies and the Tech Council will follow.
Selected companies may meet with more than one company, depending on mutual interest.
There is no cost to apply. If
selected, a company registration fee will be charged; registration discounts
will be available at that time for Wisconsin Innovation Network corporate
members.
Attendance at
the event is limited to representatives of participating major companies,
selected emerging companies and event sponsors.
The “speed dating” meetings on March
23 will run about 15 minutes each. Other features of the event will include:
·
An
opening panel 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;
·
“Office
Hours” meetings and presentations, which will be available to all participants
during those times in which they are not scheduled for individual meetings;
·
Closing
keynote speaker who will bring perspectives that will be helpful for major companies
as well as emerging firms;
·
A
continental breakfast, networking lunch and onsite reception.
Sponsors thus far include American Family
Insurance; AT&T; BDO; BloodCenter of Wisconsin; Center for Technology
Commercialization; GE Healthcare; Madison Gas & Electric; Milwaukee
Institute; Rockwell Automation; UW-Madison Office of Corporate Relations;
UW-Milwaukee; Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek; Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. and
Wisconsin Health and Education Facilities Authority.
Visit www.wistechsummit.com for more information on the event, the application
process and sponsorship opportunities.
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