Six of the twenty-five entries competing in the finalist round of the 16th annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest are based on ideas and technologies from UW–Madison innovators, including All Brick Medical, Blexx Technology, DarkAero, Papriik, Voximetry, and Zero Barrier. These finalists will now submit 15- to 20-page business plans for review by a panel of more than 100 judges to see which teams advance to the “Diligent Dozen,” announced in late May.
The final twelve teams will square off with oral presentations at the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference hosted by the Wisconsin Technology Council in Milwaukee June 4-5. Live judging will help determine the category winners and the grand prize winner, announced at the Awards Luncheon on the last day of the conference.
The grand prize winner in the 2018 Governor’s business plan competition was a UW–Madison spinout as were two of the three category winners. The campus competitors this year span a range of areas from manufacturing to health care.
Here’s a summary of the Badger teams currently in the running:
All Brick Medical has developed an ergonomic syringe adaptor that helps prevent fatigue and strain in users’ hands. Led by Joseph Ulbrich (MS in Biomedical Engineering ’19 & participant in the Discovery to Product Igniter program and the Weinert Applied Ventures in Entrepreneurship/WAVE program)
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.
Papriik has developed a smart spice rack. Led by Andy Ortman (MBA in Supply Chain Management ’19 & participant in the Weinert Applied Ventures in Entrepreneurship/WAVE program)
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.