We serve nearly 400 UW faculty, staff and student innovators and grant over $1 million in funding annually. We’ve helped launch or grow more than 100 startups.

Innovation and Commercialization Mentors

Amar Anumakonda, PhD

Tech-focused business leader with a passion for addressing global problems in energy and environment. Industry experience in innovation and commercializing game-changing technologies.

Aimee Arnoldussen, PhD

Cognitive neuroscientist with expertise in medical and assistive technologies. Start-up, healthcare, research funding and FDA.

Abram Becker

Expertise in commercial strategy for pharmaceuticals, biotech, medical devices, and diagnostics. Start-up, non-profit, & Fortune 500 experience.

Cecily Brose

Expertise in consumer product development and commercialization. Led innovation platforms in the food industry.

Jeffrey Snell, PhD

Wealth of experience in double-bottom-line social impact models that blur the lines between profitability and improved human well-being. His background includes serving as Entrepreneurial Mentor for the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps program and his mentored…

Upcoming Programs and Events from the Innovate Network

News from the Innovate Network

Entrepreneurs in Wisconsin raised at least $620 million through 87 deals in 2022, according to preliminary figures gathered by the Wisconsin Technology Council

While that falls short of 2021’s record high of nearly $869 million, it would still be the second highest annual investment total for the state. It exceeds 2020’s total of around $484 million, the Tech …

What’s the Big Idea?

What’s the matter with kids today? Nothing whatsoever, to judge from an event called “Entrepreneurons.” As part of the two-year-old Innovate Week, four poised, personable young alumni gathered in the Discovery Building last October to …

Plant-based tech from Madison’s Virent finds its way into new Patagonia jacket

Well-known outdoor clothing brand Patagonia has incorporated a plant-based material produced using technology from Madison-based Virent into a new article of clothing, according to a news release. The new SugarDown Hoody is Patagonia’s first fully …