In this member spotlight published in March 2023, the Whitewater University Innovation Center featured Jake Marshall, Sales Manager, iButtonLink, LLC and Rob Olson, CEO, iButtonLink, LLC.

From commercial products to custom solutions, iButtonLink designs, manufactures, and distributes real-time sensors and data loggers for a wide variety of applications. Jake explains, “We are a full-service sensor solution provider. Unlike other companies in our industry, we design and manufacture our products but also assist customers with deployment planning, calibration and any other ancillary needs they may have.” 

During the Tech Council Innovation Network luncheon at the Whitewater University Innovation Center, the state of angel and venture capital investment in Wisconsin and southeast Wisconsin’s Whitewater region was examined. Entrepreneurs in Wisconsin raised at least $620 million through 87 deals in 2022, according to preliminary figures gathered by the Wisconsin Technology Council.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students showcased this in two business-related pitch contests last fall.

“We do have a track record of producing ideas that do well,” Dougan said. “We’re considered one of the more elite chapters by the national organization. They certainly know us, that’s for sure.”

The UW-Whitewater chapter of the Collegiate  Entrepreneurs’ Organization will host the Warhawk Business Plan Competition on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 5:15 pm to 7:30 pm at the Whitewater University Innovation Center. Refreshments and networking begin at 5:15 pm and the program starts at 5:45 pm. Please RSVP to burtonk@uww.edu   

Joe Scanlin, CEO and co-founder of Scanalytics, went to Washington D.C. to participate in the Department of Energy's 2023 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit.

Scanalytics was recently recognized by ARPA-E for successfully completing and exceeding project goals for the development of a sensor enabled underlayment for modular carpet, LVT and other surfaces, capable of integrating with building management systems to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 20% to 30%. 

Want to impact the economic ecosystem for Latinos in Wisconsin? Attend the 5th annual Latino Economic Unsummit where corporate, government entities, and non-profit industry leaders will connect with Latino/Latina entrepreneurs and the community, to gain a better understanding of their needs and share resources that will help their business opportunities. 

The Water Council's Spring 2023 Tech Challenge is now open. Applications for their spring Tech Challenge will be accepted through May 1. The topics are: (1) Electrochemical sensors to detect pharmaceutical pollutants in water, and (2) Low-cost structural plastic materials for use in chlorinated water.

The Wisconsin Innovation Awards (WIA) are now accepting nominations for innovations in every sector from around Wisconsin. The WIA is here to recognize the innovation that is all around us. Help them celebrate the innovative products, services, and ideas happening throughout Wisconsin.

The popular Summerfest Tech Pitch Competition produced by Young Enterprising Society, and in partnership with Molson Coors Beverage Company, will return in 2023. Eight participants will have the opportunity to pitch for the chance to win a portion of the $50,000 cash prize, $5,000 of which will be awarded to a “Hometown Winner” from the greater Milwaukee area. Applications are now open. The deadline to apply is midnight, April 14, 2023.