UW–Madison innovators, experts and partners will address key issues in entrepreneurship and share their journeys as part of Forward Fest, Wisconsin’s largest technology and entrepreneurship festival, August 15-19 in Madison.
Registration is now open for all Forward Fest events, including those presented by members and partners of the UW Madison’s Innovate Network, a collective of campus-affiliated organizations that provide entrepreneurial resources to campus and Wisconsin innovators, coordinated by Discovery to Product (D2P).
“Forward Fest connects and inspires entrepreneurs and is a great opportunity to highlight how UW-Madison innovation and resources help power the regional ecosystem,” said Andrew Richards, director, UW Discovery to Product (D2P). “The UW Innovate Network supports innovators and startups—many on the leading edge in fields such as cleantech and biohealth.”
“The Madison region is a hub for biotech innovation, with UW-Madison serving as the anchor of a vibrant ecosystem,” said Cathy Rasmussen, Ph.D., executive director, UW Forward BIO Institute, and Women in Biohealth Steering Committee member. “Along with the Innovate Network, the Forward BIO Institute and Women in Biohealth are proud partners in bringing this event to Forward Fest which highlights women’s impact in science entrepreneurship and seeks to convey leadership insights, foster connectivity, and provide inspiration.”
“Energy, renewables and clean technologies are at the forefront of sustainable innovation,” said Mary Blanchard, panel moderator and associate director, Wisconsin Energy Institute at UW. “At Forward Fest, we’ll bring together fast-growing UW startups with industry and venture investment experts to explore the latest market forces, trends, and strategies for commercialization.”
All Innovate Network panels are free to attend.
Innovation and Sustainability: Startups, Business Models, Market Trends
Wednesday, August 17, 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., in person
Learn More and Register: https://forwardfest.org/events/Sustainability
What are the opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs addressing big problems in climate and sustainability while bringing their inventions to market? Experts, founders, and startup execs with UW spinouts in cleantech, energy & renewables share insights on market forces and trends, regulatory climate, and successful business models. Sponsored by the UW-Madison Innovate Network and Wisconsin Energy Institute.
Panelists include Matt Maroon, CEO, C-Motive; Kevin Barnett, co-founder and CTO, Pyran; Mark Zager, CEO, Silatronix; Allie Gross, Program Manager, Evergreen Climate Innovations (previously Clean Energy Trust); Greg Keenan, Senior Director, Ventures & Accelerator, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF); and moderator Mary Blanchard, Associate Director, Wisconsin Energy Institute.
Demystifying the Pro Forma: Building Financial Projections
Wednesday, August 17, 1:00–2:15 p.m., virtual
Learn More and Register: https://forwardfest.org/events/ProForma
The “money part” of business planning is often what causes anxiety, confusion, and challenges for current and would-be business owners. Yet the numbers don’t have to scare you! Understanding a clear financial path will give you confidence to make educated decisions, access needed capital, and actively manage cash flow. This live virtual session—designed for new and prospective business owners in any industry—will help you understand the purpose (and power!) of a pro forma in business planning, management and accessing capital.
Offered at no cost as part of Forward Fest by the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Wisconsin School of Business.
Activating Women’s Impact in Science Entrepreneurship
Wednesday, August 17, 5:30-7:00 p.m., in person
Learn More and Register: https://forwardfest.org/events/WomenScience
How often do you see women founders or women on the early-stage teams of biohealth, science or engineering startups? Hear from women innovators, founders and CEOs on ways women in biohealth and STEM can have their voices heard, influence felt, and see themselves as (current or future) entrepreneurs, founders, and leaders. Sponsored by Women in Biohealth, UW-Madison’s Innovate Network, and UW’s Forward BIO Institute.
Panelists include Guelay Bilen-Rosas, MD, UW Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Co-Founder, AyrFlo; Marina (Bagot) Bloomer, MS, MBA (from UW in Brand and Product Management) and Founder, Stellar Tech Girls; Aimee Arnoldussen, PhD, Innovation and Commercialization mentor at UW’s Discovery to Product (D2P), Janet White, MS, Senior Partner of J White Consulting LLC, and moderator Britt Gottschalk, MBA, MIO, Founder & CEO, ReVise.
For more information about the UW Innovate Network, visit: https://innovate.wisc.edu/
For more information about Forward Fest, see: https://forwardfest.org/