From 25 communities statewide, 49 entries advance in 2023 Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest

Forty-nine entries from 25 different municipalities have advanced to the semi-final round of the 20th annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest, contest producers announced.

Contestants emerged in first-round competition involving an independent panel of about 70 judges organized through the Wisconsin Technology Council and its programs, the Tech Council Innovation Network and the Tech Council Investor Networks.

The semi-finalists are spread among four broad categories: advanced manufacturing (11), business services (13), information technology (15) and life sciences (10). Within those broad categories, plans range from green building materials to workforce solutions, and from medical innovation to software for security, management, education and more.

Those 49 plans also represent the geographic diversity of Wisconsin, with 28 coming from outside the state’s two largest cities. Fifteen of 49 entrants are women; 13 represent people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

“Trends reflected in the top 49 entries match up well with Wisconsin’s traditional and emerging strengths,” said Gary Frings, chairman of the Tech Council. “Good ideas come from all high-growth sectors of the economy and from all corners of the state.”

Read more, including list of semi-finalists and sponsors