The WiSys award recognizes Universities of Wisconsin leaders, faculty, staff, students, and community partners who have played an integral role in building a culture of innovation in communities across Wisconsin.
The BIC group was created in 2019, with the vision to build a more innovative and prosperous Wisconsin by 2048, the year of Wisconsin’s bicentennial. While creating their plan, the group met with leaders in government, various industries, and academia representatives to understand the state’s most pressing needs.
The original members of the BIC group were comprised of the following:
- Emily Bauer, Director of Licensing, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF)
- Jennifer Gottwald, Director of Licensing, WARF
- Lisa Murray, Retired (previously WARF)
- Jessica Silvaggi, President, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Research Foundation
- Jennifer Souter, Managing Director of Intellectual Property, Office of Research Commercialization at Texas Tech University (previously WiSys)
- Kevin Walters, Public Affairs Analyst, WARF
While conducting their research, three areas of focus were identified: agriculture & technology, clean technology, and water quality. This research ultimately inspired WiSys to apply for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engine program. A WiSys-led coalition received the $1 million Engine Development Award in May 2023. This group has continued to be instrumental in progressing the project forward through the process of applying for the NSF Engine award which has the potential to bring $160 million in federal funding to the state.
“It’s gratifying to be recognized for the work our group has done in identifying challenges Wisconsin will face in its next century through this award,” said Jennifer Gottwald. “What’s even more gratifying is that WiSys has been able to take our identification of the challenges to the next step through utilizing the concept of sustainable agriculture as the basis for an NSF Regional Innovation Engine.”
The basis of the NSF Engines proposal included bolstering entrepreneurial support through the WiSys VentureHome network and community partners, translating research to market through inter-campus and industry collaborations, and growing a skilled workforce through industry-focused coalitions and curriculum providers.
“This group is the embodiment of collaboration between the Universities of Wisconsin and outreach throughout communities in the state,” said WiSys President Arjun Sanga. “Their work was instrumental to WiSys receiving the NSF Engines Development Award, and it will continue to be important as we apply for the full NSF Engine Award. The award could infuse up to $160 million of NSF funding, and leverage multiples of those funds, into sustainable agriculture in Wisconsin over the next ten years.”
“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” added Jennifer Souter. “It was a privilege to serve on the committee for this collaborative initiative during my time at WiSys. This effort has been pivotal in expanding the state's innovation ecosystem and addressing Wisconsin's greatest challenges by leveraging the expertise of UW System institutions and their researchers”
Emily Bauer accepted the BIC group’s Innovation Champion award during the WiSys SPARK Symposium, which was held on the UW-Superior campus from July 24-26. View pictures here.