Dept. of Commerce: Governor Doyle Encourages Nominations for the 2005 Small Business Technology Transfer Award

Contacts:
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661
Masood Akhtar, Center for Technology Transfer, 608-661-4081
Ethnie Groves, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2156

Governor Jim Doyle today encouraged nominations for the 2005 Small Business Technology Transfer Award. Governor Doyle established this award last year to recognize and reward the Wisconsin small business that shows outstanding achievement in moving a technological innovation from idea to commercialization. The award will be presented during the Wisconsin Entrepreneur’s Conference in Milwaukee from June 7-8, 2005.

“Wisconsin is home to many entrepreneurs who are critical to our state’s economic growth,” Governor Doyle said. “My Grow Wisconsin plan encourages entrepreneurs to translate their innovations into good, family-supporting jobs. This award will not only recognize a company for bringing a new product to market and providing high-quality jobs for our citizens, but will also provide an example to future entrepreneurs on how to achieve success.”

The award, jointly sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce and the Center for Technology Transfer, will be presented by Governor Doyle each year at the Wisconsin Entrepreneur’s Conference. The award will include a plaque and $5,000.

A panel of technology and business experts from around the state has been be selected to review applications: a Department of Commerce designee; Ralph Kauten, Quintessence Biosciences; Mark Burwell, Urban Hope Entrepreneur Center; Peter Zaballos, Frazier Technology Venture Vice President; Dr. Phil Sobocinski, Office of Corporate Relations; Tom Still, Wisconsin Technology Council; Michael Falk, WARF/WiSys; Mathew Wagner, Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation; Joseph Hill, Medical College of Wisconsin; Dr. Graham Siegel, WeEnergies; Dan Schooff, Department of Administration Division of Energy Administrator; and Masood Akhtar, Center for Technology Transfer.

Applicants must be a small business located in Wisconsin, and successful in the commercialization of a technological innovation (TI). The applicant must be selling product(s) linked to the specific TI commercialized by the applicant. A TI that originated outside of Wisconsin, but was commercialized by the applicant is considered eligible. Successful applicants will comply with all Submission Procedures.

All applicants must be able to clearly describe the technology transfer experience unique to their TI. Nominations must be postmarked by or received via email on March 21, 2005. Copies of the nomination package can be found at www.cttinc.org. Contact Preston Schutt at 608-661-4080 or email pschutt@cttinc.org with questions.