Wisconsin major firms to meet with emerging firms at March 18 Tech Summit at Lambeau

Wisconsin major firms to meet with emerging 
firms at March 18 Tech Summit at Lambeau

Twenty major firms will meet with emerging companies at the 2019 Wisconsin Tech Summit, to be held March 18 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Participating major firms are Accuray, Associated Bank, AT&T, Advocate Aurora Health, Aurora Research Institute, CGI, Dedicated Computing, Exact Sciences, GE Healthcare, Johnson Controls, Marshfield Clinic Health Systems, Microsoft, Northwestern Mutual, Promega, Rockwell Automation, Schneider, UW Health, Versiti, WEA Trust and WIPFLi.

Emerging companies may apply through Feb. 15 to be eligible for possible “speed dates” with the major firms. More information, including an application form, can be found at wistechsummit.com. Repeat emerging companies are welcome to apply.

Summit objectives for the major companies are summarized at wistechsummit.com.

Major firms will be able to hear from emerging companies with innovative products or services tied to areas such as Internet of Things, imaging, data storage, blockchain, software and data analytics in sectors ranging from health care to information systems, and from power electronics to telecommunications.

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.”

Emerging companies may apply to participate at wistechsummit.com with a deadline of Feb. 15. A company registration fee is due at the time of application. Companies that are not selected to participate will receive a full refund. A selection process involving major companies and the Tech Council will follow. Selected emerging companies may meet with multiple major firms.

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

The “speed dating” meetings will run about 15 minutes each with 5 minutes between. Other features of the event will include:

• Educational seminars, 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 firms an opportunity to talk generally about their goals, needs and emerging markets;
• An optional tour to the Lambeau Field apron through the players tunnel.
• A continental breakfast, networking lunch and onsite reception.

Sponsors thus far include American Family Insurance, American Transmission Company, Axis Communications, Baird Capital, BDO, BloodCenter of Wisconsin/Versiti, Burish Group at UBS Financial Services, CGI, Concordia University, Cupertino Electric, Dedicated Computing, Findorff, Flad Architects, GE Healthcare, Greater Green Bay Chamber, Green Bay Packers, Herzing University, IBM, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Northwestern Mutual, Novo Group, OneNeck IT Solutions, Rockwell Automation, RSM US, UW-Green Bay, UW-Madison Office of Business Engagement, UWM Research Foundation, von Briesen & Roper, WEA Trust, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. and WIPFLi.

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

Download the emerging company application here.