MADISON, Wis. – Leaders from four Wisconsin higher-education institutions will discuss the growing role of colleges and universities in fostering entrepreneurship during a Wisconsin Technology Council luncheon on Wednesday, April 15, in Whitewater.
Panelists are Phyllis King, chief innovation strategist of Waukesha County Technical College; Lewis Sheats, executive director of the UW-Madison Entrepreneurship Hub; Elizabeth Thelen, executive director of the Whitewater University Innovation Center; and John Wright, Coleman Chair and assistant professor of practice in entrepreneurship at Marquette University. The discussion will be moderated by Maggie Brickerman, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council.
The luncheon will be held at the Whitewater University Innovation Center, 1221 Innovation Dr. Registration and networking will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by a buffet lunch at noon and the program at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $10 for entrepreneurs, students and veterans; $25 for individual members; $40 for general admission; and free for Tech Council corporate members. Click here to register.
The conversation will focus on how higher-education institutions are helping launch startups, support student and faculty entrepreneurs and strengthen regional innovation economies through research, partnerships and workforce development. Panelists will share examples of campus-based programs, collaborations with industry and efforts to move ideas from the classroom to the marketplace.
“Wisconsin’s colleges and universities play a critical role in developing the next generation of entrepreneurs,” Brickerman said. “This discussion will highlight how higher-education leaders are building stronger connections between students, faculty, researchers and the business community to support innovation across the state.”
This luncheon is sponsored by the Whitewater University Innovation Center. The Wisconsin Technology Council is the independent, non-profit science and technology adviser to the governor and Legislature, with events, publications and outreach that contribute to Wisconsin’s tech-based economy. To join, go to www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com or call 608-442-7557.
