MILWAUKEE — As a member of the Wisconsin Technology Council, Marquette University will sponsor the 21st annual Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference. Themed “Celebrating Wisconsin’s Crossroads of Innovation,” the event will be held Wednesday and Thursday, May 31-June 1, at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee, 631 E. Chicago St.
Marquette alumnus Charles Ross, CEO of the International Business Innovation Association, will deliver a keynote address on global entrepreneurship and tangible best practice examples for Wisconsin entrepreneurs and companies. The conference will also feature the final “Diligent Dozen” pitches for the Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest and panel discussions to help companies launch, grow and succeed.
Registration for the conference is available online through May 28. A conference agenda, with more information on presenters and panels, is available on the Wisconsin Technology Council’s website.
The Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference is one of the Midwest’s premier how-to, hands-on events for entrepreneurs of all ages and experience levels. Attendees range from entrepreneurs who are still developing their ideas to emerging company leaders who have already attracted angel and/or venture funding.
Dr. Kalpa Vithalani, executive director of technology transfer at Marquette, is co-chair of the event and a member of the Wisconsin Technology Council’s board of directors. She spoke on “WisBusiness.com: The Show” about the importance of transforming academic research and innovations into products and services that benefit society. She has supported or mentored 13 Marquette affiliated start-ups, including some who participated in the conference in years past. Rapid Radicals Technology won the 20th annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest in 2022, Marquette Energy Analytics, is expected to forecast 28% of the nation’s natural gas demand this year, and Estrigenix Therapeutics took second place in the business plan contest in 2021.
The Wisconsin Technology Council is the science and technology adviser to the Governor and the Legislature. Launched in 2001, the Tech Council is an independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan board with members from tech companies, venture capital firms, higher education, research institutions, government and law. It serves three main functions, providing policy guidance to lawmakers, the governor, state agencies and other institutions in Wisconsin; serving as an important in-state networking role through the Innovation Network; and being an economic catalyst through programs such as Innovation Network, Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference, Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium, Wisconsin Tech Summit, Monthly Innovation Network Events, Governor’s Business Plan Contest, and Investor Networks.
About Marquette University
Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, Marquette prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, Marquette is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a Marquette degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.
