Madison Reporter

The University of Wisconsin-Madison recently awarded the UW Entrepreneurial Achievement Award to four innovators for their distinguished accomplishments in entrepreneurship.

According to a news release by UW, the four honorees were recognized at the Chancellor’s Entrepreneurial Achievement Awards for innovations that advanced technology, boosted Wisconsin's local startups and promoted economic growth in the state and the nation.

"UW–Madison’s vibrant culture encourages innovation among faculty, staff, students and alumni," Chancellor Rebecca Blank said, according to the press release. "Every day, they change lives through teaching, research, public service and entrepreneurial activities. We celebrate the outstanding achievements of four UW entrepreneurs who have created incredible value in their communities and beyond. Their work is a shining example of the Wisconsin idea."

Lynn Allen-Hoffmann, founder, CSO and CEO (retired) of Stratatech Corporation, started the company to develop a cell-based skin graft treatment for burn victims and is the first woman from UW to launch a biotechnology business.

"It’s a rare event in science when you can see something go from a laboratory discovery to the point of treating patients. She is representing what women can do above and beyond what the traditional roles were prescribed 20 years ago," Forward Bio Institute Assistant Director Cathy Rasmussen said of Lynn Allen-Hoffmann, according to the news release.

Under the leadership of President and CEO Jim Bakke, Sub-Zero Group, Inc. completed a $70 million 324,000-square-foot research and development facility in Fitchburg, which is projected to create approximately 100 jobs. Sub-Zero is a leading manufacturer of luxury kitchen appliances.

"Sub-Zero went from humble beginnings to having showrooms in over 40 countries all over the world. My grandparents would be thrilled at all the success Sub-Zero has seen due in large part to Jim," Debbie Schwartz, a Sub-Zero board member and Bakke’s sister said, according to the news release.

OnShore Technology Group specializes in testing computer systems and developing software utilized by health care companies. Valarie King-Bailey, founder and CEO, has more than 40 years of experience in her field and is recognized as an advocate for women and minorities working in STEM sectors.

"Valarie had the drive and the passion to grow her business, but like many diverse founders, she ran into roadblocks. Less than 1% of capital goes to businesses founded by African American and black founders, and significantly less of that goes to black women. To grow her business to the level that she has is significant," Kim Folsom, founder, chairperson and CEO of Founders First Capital Partners said of King-Bailey, according to the news release.

Scott Resnick, COO of Hardin Design & Development, launched the company to develop web applications for major international companies. Resnick also serves as a senior advisor for Biobot Analytics which was the first company to develop means to detect the COVID-19 virus in wastewater. Additionally, Resnick also helped found entrepreneurial groups Capital Entrepreneurs and StartingBlock Madison.

"Scott was always a big thinker, but the Madison environment, the university and the classes he took opened his mind even further. He is energized by the work that he does, by the people he gets to work with and by taking ideas and helping people make them a reality," Law and Entrepreneurship Clinic Director Anne Smith said of Resnick, according to the news release.

The ceremony honoring the four 2022 recipients was held on March 23 at the UW Discovery Building.