MON AM News: SimplifIDe takes second in global integrity solutions challenge, Winnebago Seed Fund raises $11 million

— SimplifIDe, a Madison-based startup working in the field of identification security, recently took part in Citibank’s CitiChallenge global finals for integrity solutions.

This event was held in Mexico City at the end of May, and brought together companies from around the world, showcasing their ideas for how to ethically solve a social issue in the world.

SimplifIDe’s solution, called SimplifAID, would use the company’s biometric-based identification system to specifically allot resources to those in need during times of crisis. It does so using software that can recognize faces and voices.

It would keep unscrupulous people from taking advantage of the confusion and chaos that comes with a disaster like a flood or violent conflict. For example, it would make sure only women with small children would have access to things like baby formula, keeping others from hoarding these precious resources and selling them at exorbitant rates.

See more: http://wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=386975

— The Winnebago Seed Fund has exceeded its $10 million fundraising goal, raising $11 million in total from 30 Wisconsin-based investors.

The fund will invest in startups with the goal of boosting the Fox Valley’s overall entrepreneurial community.

David Trotter, managing director of the Winnebago Seed Fund, points to entrepreneurial groups like gene8tor’s gBETA program, Concept Loft, Third Floor Accelerator, T2 Accelerator, and the Grind as seeing the potential in this “underserved geography.”

“Big ideas often burgeon in environments that inspire, really big ideas take capital to create. We are proud to say, as a community, we now have both” said Eric Hoopman, Winnebago Seed Fund investment committee member and founder of The Grind coworking space and marketing agency DealerFire in Oshkosh.

See more: http://wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=386961

— A new educational partnership between Edgewood College and Concordia University Wisconsin’s School of Pharmacy will allow students to obtain a degree more quickly.

The agreement lets students who have finished three years of undergraduate work at Edgewood and are admitted into the Pharm.D. program at Concordia University Wisconsin earn a pharmacy specialized Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Edgewood — but only after completing their first year of pharmacy school.

Dean Pribbenow, vice president for academic affairs at Edgewood says the “way of the future” is to pursue this kind of education partnership.

“These types of partnerships show that we are responding to the interest of our students and the needs of the times, and they allow us to leverage our own distinct missions and academic programs,” he said.

See more: http://wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=386942

— Two 10th grade students from Aquinas High School in La Crosse have won the Wisconsin Technology Council’s “Wisconsin YES!” youth business plan contest.

Christine and Elizabeth Hlavacka developed a website application called WeWork.Biz, which matches young people with work and volunteer opportunities. It will allow employers listing positions to offer incentives and promotions to these young workers, and also provides informative resources.

The winners will present their business plan at the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference in Madison on Wednesday. Both girls are members of the National Honor Society and the Girl Scouts, and recently participated in the 2017 UWL Innovation Lab, receiving certificates of entrepreneurship.

Second place was awarded to Rachel Krouse of Whitman Middle School for the Solar Hat, a hat which can charge certain portable electronics. Zahra Jazayeri of Brookfield Academy got third place for a vegan, organic falafel restaurant called Fareed’s Falafel.

See a list of finalists: http://wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=386959

— The law firm Murphy Desmond has named Jane Zimmerman as president.

She officially assumed her new role May 30, assuming responsibility for business development and overall management of the firm. She will keep practicing business, real estate, bankruptcy, secured transactions, agricultural and commercial transactions, and commercial litigation.

Zimmerman joined the firm in 1992, and has worked as chair of the board of directors and managing shareholder. She is also on the board of the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Bankruptcy, and has been recognized by United Way and other national groups.

Murphy Desmond, founded in 1931, has offices in Appleton, Madison and Janesville.

See more: http://wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=386957

— Starting July 1, Exact Sciences’ Cologuard will be included for UnitedHealthcare members, the company announced recently.

UnitedHealthcare’s network includes 1 million healthcare professionals and 6,000 hospitals across the United States.

Exact Sciences’ shares increased 12 percent after the announcement.

See more at Madison Startups: http://www.madisonstartups.com/cologuard-covered-by-unitedhealthcare/