Describe what your organization does, and how it relates to data science.
The Technology Entrepreneurship Office (TEO) assists research faculty, staff, and students with translating their STEM innovations from lab to market. Our accelerators, such as the (NSF) I-Corps, innovators complete the customer discovery process, bridging the gap from emerging technology to marketable products. We also are the home of several other training programs like the Blueprint and Whiteboard Engine Programs from MIT that help entrepreneurs learn how to de-risk your technology. Our workshops and coaching sessions work to develop entrepreneurial and professional skills for a startup journey.
In collaboration with the College of Engineering, the School of Computer, Data, and Information Science, and the College of Letters and Science, TEO operates at the intersection of academia and industry. By leveraging our resources and deep understanding of various programs on campus, we assist data science research teams and individual researchers in navigating the startup ecosystem both within the university and across Wisconsin.
Are you a data scientist wanting to break into entrepreneurship? Let’s talk! Schedule a discussion today at or stop by the office at 1701A (Mezzanine Level) Engineering Centers Building.
Why is sponsoring the Research Bazaar important to you?
We are passionate about sponsoring the Research Bazaar because it aligns with our mission to bridge academic research with market impact. The event fosters collaboration, promotes entrepreneurship in data science and provides a platform to showcase how our resources empower researchers in translating innovations into viable businesses. Entrepreneurship can be a great driver to bring data innovations into the world. TEO can provide guidance on the commercialization of data-driven technologies and offer resources to researchers interested in turning their data science innovations into viable business ventures. Recognizing the immense value that data scientists bring to startup teams, we aim to connect with individuals at the bazaar who may be interested in collaborating with teams working on breakthrough technologies, either as partners or mentors. Engaging with startup teams not only provides data scientists with practical experience in applying their research but also allows them to guide teams based on their findings early in their careers.
In what ways do you see data science actively shaping and influencing real-world outcomes within your field or industry?
A core principle in our programs is challenging assumptions about problems, customers, and solutions. Data serves as a powerful tool to test hypotheses and pinpoint specific customer segments. Startups often fail due to misalignment with market needs, making data a crucial asset in steering entrepreneurs toward meeting genuine customer demands. Startups can sidestep failure by leveraging data to ensure alignment with real customer needs. We also stress continuous learning, highlighting data’s role in detecting changes in customers, markets, and industries, steering entrepreneurs towards valuable questions and insights.
Can you share a success story where your organization’s data science efforts had a positive impact on a broader community?
We are working with researchers to reduce the risk associated with translating technologies into the marketplace. The programming we provide can have a positive effect on the economy-resulting in the launch and subsequent funding of startups and small-business ventures. In addition, students and postdocs going through an entrepreneurial journey enter the workforce bringing a different knowledge and skill set to their industry and academic positions.