Four UW–Madison innovators will compete in the final round of the statewide Governor’s Business Plan Competition. Badger startup companies that are part of what’s known as the “Diligent Dozen” include Blexx Technology, DarkAero, Voximetry, and Zero Barrier. This elite group emerged from a field of over 200 competitors that entered the contest in January.
Competition organizers at the Wisconsin Technology Council coordinated three rounds of judging to select the most competitive ideas and technologies in four categories: Advanced Manufacturing, Business Services, Information Technology and Life Sciences. Live judging at the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference in two weeks will help determine the category winners and the grand prize winner. The grand prize winner in last year’s competition was a UW–Madison spinout as were two of the three category winners.
Two of the 2019 UW–Madison finalists will compete in Advanced Manufacturing (DarkAero and Zero Barrier), one in Life Sciences (Voximetry), and one in Business Services (Blexx Technology).
Here’s a summary of the Badger finalists:
Blexx Technology has developed a device that provides a safer way to dispose of hypodermic needles. Led by Erin Tenderholt (BBA in Entrepreneurship and Risk Management ’19 and participant in the Discovery to Product Igniter program)
DarkAero has developed a DIY kit to build a fast, efficient, long-range aircraft at home. Led by UW–Madison alumni Keegan, River, and Kyley Karl.
Voximetry has developed a device to more accurately dispense nuclear medicine doses. Led by Joseph Grudzinski, PhD (Associate Scientist) and Bryan Bednarz, PhD (Associate Professor) in the Department of Medical Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Zero Barrier aims to establish a 3D metal printing factory. Led by recent UW–Madison alumnus Evan Wolfenden.