University of Wisconsin Oshkosh student Michael Beaupre developed an online and mobile application, or “app,” giving farmers more power to track and plan their operations. And, on Thursday, May 10, he gets his shot to pitch it in front of the Wisconsin Innovation Network.
Beaupre considers it a real-world experience… and an amazing opportunity.
“It will be great to showcase what we developed in a real business world atmosphere,” said Beaupre, who will graduate Saturday, May 12 with majors in marketing and economics.
Matthew Moran of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Renee Wagner of the U.S. Agricultural Research Services (ARS) will speak at the May 10 UW Oshkosh Tech Showcase, to be held as a meeting of the Wisconsin Innovation Network. Moran and Wagner will also judge the spotlighted projects.
The Wisconsin Innovation Network is the membership arm of the Wisconsin Tech Council, an independent, nonprofit science and technology adviser to the governor and the Legislature. Beaupre’s and his peers’ participation in the Tech Showcase is part of the UW Oshkosh Business 477 Intellectual Properties capstone consulting course.
The UW Oshkosh course found a natural way to dovetail with the mission of the showcase: To support technology transfer and allow students to gain the tools they need to commercialize their technologies.
“You never know what will happen, but getting the opportunity to present in front of a group of people who are interested in investing in new products and innovations is exciting,” said Beaupre, who created his app with a student group.
The business plans generated by UW Oshkosh students scheduled for presentation on May 10 were narrowed to four finalists. Intellectual property cases from NASA and ARS have been instrumental in teaching this application.
“Students on the Oshkosh campus and across Wisconsin are becoming more entrepreneurial and developing innovative products,” said Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. “We’re pleased that two federal tech-transfer experts can join us in Oshkosh to check out some timely examples.”
The Tech Showcase event will be held in Sage Hall 1216. Registration and networking begin at 4:45 p.m. The cost is $20 for general admission; $10 for WIN members and students. Registration includes beverages and appetizers.
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