A Thriving Hub of Innovation

The recommendations call for establishing a signature on-campus entrepreneurship unit. Danielle Lawry

UW–Madison is positioning itself to strengthen entrepreneurial experiences, drawing on the findings and recommendations of a study commissioned by Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin.

The comprehensive plan outlined in the study aims to create a thriving entrepreneurial environment, leveraging the university’s existing strengths and capabilities along with its ongoing commitment to fostering entrepreneurship across campus.

Mnookin has made entrepreneurship a key priority for the university. In 2023, she charged a working group, composed of entrepreneurial and innovation leaders from campus and industry, with reviewing current practices and making recommendations.

“The UW already is a thriving hub of innovation and entrepreneurial excellence, and we have an opportunity to make it even stronger,” Mnookin says. “This report, and its recommendations, provide a roadmap not just to unify our existing programs, but to chart a new direction to further empower our entrepreneurial community to lead in ways that truly differentiate us on a national and global scale.”

Titled Empowering the Wisconsin Idea: The Future of Entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the report delineates four recommendations: commit to excellence in entrepreneurship; establish campus leadership and structure to bolster entrepreneurship; create a culture to promote and celebrate entrepreneurship; and expand access to capital.

The recommendations call for establishing a signature on-campus entrepreneurship unit to coordinate efforts and foster collaboration among partners, industry, students, alumni, and faculty. They also call for streamlining policies to reduce barriers for entrepreneurs, as well as exploring investments in new physical spaces to foster entrepreneurship and engagement with outside expertise.

Published in the Spring 2025 issue