The Wisconsin Technology Council produced its first virtual conference with the theme of “Crossing the Coronavirus Chasm” on Thursday, June 4th, 2020.  Over 300 attendees logged in to participate in the insightful, multi-faceted conference that focused on Surviving and prospering during a ‘new normal’ for young companies in the wake of COVID-19. UW-Madison grad Brian Pinkerton ’86 kicked off the conference with a view into his journey from Wisconsin to being the chief architect for Siri at Apple. Read more on his session below. Congratulations to Kevin Conroy, CEO of Exact Sciences accepted the annual Ken Hendricks Memorial “Seize the Day” award.

Six informative panel sessions filled the agenda, staffed with season investors, successful entrepreneurs and industry experts. In addition, five concurrent workshops were a chance for collaborative conversations were held on a variety of topics (Read more on both below.)

The Governor’s Business Plan Contest awards ceremony concluded the eventful day with multiple winners, including the Wisconsin Youth Entrepreneurs in Science (YES!) winner.  Congratulations to all of the finalists on your progress and on-going journey.

Grand Prize Winner: Plumb Pharmaceuticals
Bright New Idea Award: eCourt Reporters
People’s Choice Award: AGent+ Solutions
Wisconsin YES! Award: Ayla Mollen, Lakeland Union High School, Seninaturals

The online SaaS platform allowed the conference sessions to be recorded for attendees, in addition to 1:1 private video conference meetings for all attendees. The virtual exhibitor booths also were enhanced by video meetings between the companies and the attendees visiting their booths. Attendees will also be able to access the sessions for up to a year. Thanks to our sponsors, attendees and participants for a great day of learning!

Catch up on all things #WiTreps on Twitter! Click here to read more…
Articles written by UW-Madison LSC students on the 2020 BPC companies can be found here.

Post-event news:
Extended-release drug delivery platform winner of the 2020 Business Plan Contest
Minocqua student wins annual ‘Wisconsin YES!’ youth business plan contest with dog treat line
Wisconsin State Journal: Business competition awards Madison-based opioid treatment developer top prize

Madison Startups: Plumb Pharmaceuticals Wins 2020 Biz Plan Contest
WisBusiness: Entrepreneurs’ Conference keynote says how people use technology is what matters
Conference participants reflect on economic recovery, more
Congratulations to our Wisconsin Tech Trivia winners from June 4 Entrepreneurs’ Conference
Minocqua student who is headed to UW-Green Bay wins 2020 Wisconsin YES! youth business plan contest
InsideWis: Doing ‘right” in tech is part of the job in a world of inflammatory posts
InsideWis: Signs of life in the investment community as angels, VCs pivot

Pre-event news:
‘Siri, did you know your boss will speak June 4 at the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference?’
‘Virtual’ Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference will offer plenty of ways for attendees to engage
Panels at virtual Entrepreneurs’ Conference will focus on COVID-19 economic recovery
Kenosha News: Young companies should make presence known during COVID-19 pandemic
Five interactive workshops to target post-COVID strategies at June 4 Entrepreneurs’ Conference
WisBusiness: The Podcast with Deb Archer, president and CEO of Destination Madison
Exact Sciences CEO Kevin Conroy to receive the 2020 ‘Seize the Day’ award June 4 at ‘treps conference
WisBusiness: The Podcast with Buckley Brinkman, Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing and Productivity
Tech Council’s virtual event platform launched for June 4 Entrepreneurs’ Conference
Wisconsin State Journal: Chief architect of Apple’s Siri to give Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference keynote speech
WisconsinINNO: Here are the 12 startups pitching at WI’s Governor’s Business Plan Contest
iLounge: Apple Siri chief architect is a keynote speaker at Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference
WisBusiness: The 2020 Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference is Thursday
UW Comp Sci: UW alum’s Last Lock named Top 12 in Governor’s Business Plan Competition, receives $100k investment