Now, UW–Madison is poised to build upon that success with the creation of a new entrepreneurship initiative.
Expanding entrepreneurship opportunities on campus is a central priority for UW–Madison chancellor Jennifer Mnookin. “This is a pivotal moment for UW–Madison and the state of Wisconsin,” says Mnookin. “The Wisconsin Entrepreneurship Hub will serve as a catalyst, bringing together the university’s strengths in research, education, and community engagement to create a more impactful entrepreneurial future.”
The entrepreneurship initiative will work across campus and with community partners to:
- recruit entrepreneurial individuals,
- develop entrepreneurial talent,
- launch impactful entrepreneurial careers and enterprises.
The initiative’s creation was a key recommendation to the Chancellor from a report issued by a committee in October of 2024 outlining ways to expand and grow entrepreneurship at the University. The committee was cochaired by UW Professor Jon Eckhardt and then Assistant Vice Chancellor for Industry Engagement Chris Kozina, and included several prominent UW alumni leaders.
The committee report outlined key areas where UW-Madison alumni and the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA) can play a key role. Campus leaders see WFAA as playing a critical role in connecting alumni with university affiliated entrepreneurs to help build companies and create jobs in Wisconsin. “Wisconsin alumni are inspiring successful entrepreneurs and job creators,” explained Eckhardt. “They will play an important role in helping increase connections and collaborations between UW-Madison student and faculty entrepreneurs.”
WFAA’s Alumni Advocacy Coalition will also play a vital role in the success of the entrepreneurship initiative by encouraging stronger connections and support between UW–Madison and the State of Wisconsin. “The entrepreneurship initiative sees an important role for state agencies, particularly those focused on economic development, to partner in this effort to expand access to capital,” explained Mike Fahey, WFAA managing director for state and university relations. “Our alumni advocacy network can play a significant role in encouraging expanded collaboration and investments in entrepreneurship on campus.”
The entrepreneurship initiative will help UW–Madison continue to be an important driver of economic development and growth in Wisconsin, and will offer alumni, students, and future Badgers opportunities to be job and innovation creators.
Jon Eckhardt, a Discovery Fellow at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery and a professor at the Wisconsin School of Business will be a featured speaker at the inaugural Fall Policy Forum sponsored by the Wisconsin Advocacy Coalition on Saturday, Nov. 8.
Read the executive summary of the Committee on the Future of Entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.