07 Oct Building the ‘I-Q Corridor’: Academic R&D assets theme of Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium talk
MADISON – Leaders of three of Wisconsin’s leading academic institutions will discuss how research partnerships are driving innovation and economic growth during a Nov. 13 opening panel discussion at the 2014 Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium.
UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank, UW-Milwaukee Interim Chancellor Mark Mone and Jacqueline Fredrick, president and CEO of the BloodCenter of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, will discuss how their institutions are working together and with industry partners, from larger firms to emerging companies, to enhance the state’s economy.
“Fostering innovation: Academic R&D powerhouses of the I-Q Corridor” will also examine how research and development collaborations in Wisconsin are helping to close the perceived cultural and economic gap between Madison and Milwaukee.
“Leveraging the assets of the I-Q Corridor – innovation, intellectual property, investment and quality – begins with having a strong research base that doesn’t rest on old ‘ivory tower’ models,” said Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. “These leaders will talk about how their institutions are embracing that idea.”
The plenary panel discussion will take place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the second day of the 2014 Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium, to be held Nov. 12-13 at Madison’s Monona Terrace Convention Center.
The annual symposium, known by different names over the past 30 years, has been a premier event where companies gained visibility among investors, other entrepreneurs and business leaders.
This year’s conference, with a theme of “30X10,” will celebrate a rich history dating to 1984. Originally the Madison Venture Fair, the event has been called the Wisconsin Venture Conference, the Wisconsin Life Sciences & Venture Conference – and for the past 10 years – the Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium. Nearly 500 companies have presented during the conferences in one format or another.
There are two separate presentation levels at the Early Stage Symposium: the Wisconsin Angel Network Investors’ Track and the Elevator Pitch Olympics. The deadline for company applications has passed; more than 60 companies applied.
Announced previously: Kevin Conroy and Maneesh Arora of Exact Sciences will tell the story of the company’s successful move from Boston to Madison. That will take place the morning of Nov. 12. Other speakers and highlights will be announced in coming weeks. The conference will also feature:
• A dozen panel discussions or plenary sessions featuring leading entrepreneurs, investors and others tied to the tech sector.
• “Office Hours,” offering the opportunity to meet with subject experts on a variety of topics in small discussion groups or one-on-one.
• SBIR/STTR awards luncheon to recognize grant recipients from the past year.
• The inaugural “Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education” award presentation.
• The annual “First Look” forum featuring selected campus-based technologies.
• Exhibit hall showcasing more than 40 Wisconsin companies.
• A first-night reception, two luncheons, two breakfasts and other networking opportunities, including an investors-only dinner.