Fifty-two entries from 25 distinct communities have advanced to the semi-final round of the annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest, contest producers announced.
Contestants emerged in first-round competition involving an independent panel of about 70 judges organized through the Wisconsin Technology Council and its programs, the Tech Council Innovation Network and the Tech Council Investor Networks. There were 153 first-round entries spread over four categories.
The semi-finalists represent those same four categories: advanced manufacturing (12), business services (13), information technology (13) and life sciences (14). Within those broad groups, plans range from novel metal separation technologies to turning dairy waste into sugars; from PFAS filtration for municipal water systems to new medical tests, treatments and devices; and artificial intelligence solutions for a variety of uses.
Those 52 plans also represent the geographic diversity of Wisconsin, with 25coming from outside the state’s two largest cities. Communities represented include Appleton, Coon Valley, Eagle, Janesville, Kohler, Muskego, Neenah, Oshkosh, Rhinelander, Waupaca and Whitewater.
“Trends reflected in the top 52 entries match up well with Wisconsin’s traditional and emerging strengths,” said Gary Frings, chairman of the Tech Council. “Good ideas come from all high-growth sectors of the economy and from all corners of the state.”
The 52 entries competing in Phase 2 of the contest will write 1,000-word executive summaries. Each summary describes the core product or service, defines the customer base, estimates the size of the market, identifies competition, lists members of the management team, and provides key financial data.
Once Phase 2 judging is complete in late March, the 52 entries may be made available for inspection by accredited investors through the Tech Council Investor Networks, which includes angel networks, early-stage funds and corporate funds, among others. About two-dozen plans will tape a 15-minute pitch deck for judges in phase 3.
The top dozen contestants will give live presentations at the annual Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference June 4 in Madison. Category winners, as well as the 2025 Grand Prize Winner, will be announced June 5 during the conference.
Sponsors are contributing cash, office space, legal assistance, accounting, marketing, social media management and more. About $2.9 million in cash and in-kind prizes have been awarded over time. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. is a major sponsor.
Additional lead sponsors of the 2025 contest thus far include Phil Ouellette OES Implementer; Pieper Properties; SCORE; Spencer X Smith; Ward4; Quarles & Brady. Associate sponsors include Starting Block and Wisconsin Technology Council. Additional sponsors are Focal Point Consulting; Madison Gas & Electric; UW-Madison Office of University Relations and Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.
Here are the 2025 semi-finalists. Reporters wishing to contact individual contestants may do so through the Wisconsin Technology Council by calling 608-442-7557, extension 1.
