FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Alicia Schiff, WiSys Executive Assistant
(608) 316-4037
[email protected]

Combatting pesky crustaceans and a method that could one day turn plastic into fuel are two of the exciting discoveries headlining a statewide technology gathering in Eau Claire.

The seventh annual Wisconsin Science and Technology Symposium drew more than 150 researchers, entrepreneurs and students. Each year the event showcases exciting innovations – from software to lasers – and brings together the brightest minds from across the state.

The event is the brainchild of WiSys, the foundation that patents and manages inventions coming out of the University of Wisconsin System.

"University-based innovation is a magnet to investors," says WiSys Executive Director Arjun Sanga, "and we have students, faculty and staff from each of our UW institutions coming up with great ideas for new products and services every day."

More than 40 University of Wisconsin students from across the state competed for cash prizes in the WiSys poster challenge. The winners:

1st Place: Joseph Norby-White, UW-River Falls – Skin Whitening Compounds
2nd Place: Kara Tudor, UW-Superior – Invasive Crayfish
3rd Place: Tyler Klein, Dylan Hudson, Louis Corcoran, Northland College – Plastic Depolymerization

"We're introducing the next generation of inventors to Wisconsin's economic hard hitters," says Sanga. "There's no other event quite like the Wisconsin Science and Technology Symposium."

Academic leaders also were in attendance, including Regent Tim Higgins, UW System President Ray Cross, and Chancellors James Schmidt (UW-Eau Claire) and Dean Van Galen (UW-River Falls).

The eighth annual Wisconsin Science and Technology Symposium will kick off next summer. The location has yet to be announced.

About WiSys Technology Foundation
WiSys Technology Foundation is a 501(c)(3) supporting organization of the University of Wisconsin System. WiSys supports 11 four-year universities, 13 freshman-sophomore UW College campuses and statewide UW-Extension to identify innovative technologies and bring them to the marketplace.