From Warhawk to Global Industry Innovator: UW-Whitewater Alumnus Joe Scanlin’s Smart Building Company Acquired by Global Manufacturing Leader

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE) is celebrating a milestone achievement as alumnus Joe Scanlin (2012), founder and CEO of Scanalytics, announces his company’s acquisition by East West Manufacturing, a global technology manufacturing leader backed by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation with over 25 years of operations spanning seven countries.

Rethinking Innovation with Adam Heikkinen

In our very first episode of Innovation Exchange, Elizabeth Thelen sits down with UW-Whitewater junior Adam Heikkinen to explore innovation beyond the buzzword. From balancing accounting, IT, and the Honors program to recognizing innovation in everyday problem-solving, Adam shares how curiosity—not flashiness—drives meaningful change.

Advasaf: Contract manufacturing and sterilization

Advasaf supports critical portions of a product lifecycle, including medical device sterilization, testing coordination, assembly, packaging, labeling, and distribution support.

As a startup, there were many operational and regulatory unknowns. Ron Chisholm, a consultant at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Whitewater, provided guidance on business planning, funding pathways, supplier diversity programs, and minority-owned business registration.

Scanalytics Acquired by Atlanta-Based Company

Madison-based Scanalytics, a maker of smart flooring and building intelligence solutions, has been acquired by Atlanta-based East West Manufacturing for an undisclosed price.The acquisition expands East West’s product portfolio and end markets across smart buildings, energy management, and connected infrastructure, the company said in a news release.

The Development of nCiTE, An Academic Venture Studio by Dr. John DenBoer

nCiTE, an academic venture studio founded by neuropsychologist and Milwaukee-based innovation leader Dr. John DenBoer, is transforming how university research evolves into scalable, real-world ventures. This initiative marks a major advancement in Wisconsin’s innovation ecosystem by combining higher education, clinical research, and entrepreneurship into one cohesive model focused on measurable impact. nCiTE is built on strong partnerships with leading institutions, including:University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Research Foundation, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Innovation Center, and Concordia University’s healthcare and business programs.

Wisconsin Technology Council: Announces 2025 Wisconsin Innovation Award winners

Seven winners were honored from a field of 27 finalists and more than 300 nominees at the 2025 Wisconsin Innovation Awards at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison. The event celebrated standout products and services across industry categories. Congratulations to SafePro Technologies, winner of the Innovation Award in Manufacturing and Energy!

UW-Whitewater Recognizes First Citizens State Bank with Regents Business Partnership Award

First Citizens State Bank has demonstrated extraordinary generosity through philanthropic investments that have transformed UW-Whitewater. Their support spans across every Foundation campaign with seven-figure contributions, startup funding of nearly 20 Innovation Center businesses, and the donation of over 20 fully developed lots to the UW-Whitewater Foundation’s real estate subsidiary.

UW-Whitewater Recognizes First Citizens State Bank with Regents Business Partnership Award

First Citizens State Bank has demonstrated extraordinary generosity through philanthropic investments that have transformed UW-Whitewater. Their support spans across every Foundation campaign with seven-figure contributions, startup funding of nearly 20 Innovation Center businesses, and the donation of over 20 fully developed lots to the UW-Whitewater Foundation’s real estate subsidiary.

Startup Surge: More Than 60 companies to Share Ideas at 2025 Early Stage Symposium in Madison

Sixty-one companies will pitch to potential investors and others during the in-person Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium, set for Nov. 5-6 in Madison. Sea Change Silicides was selected for the Tech Council Investor Network track.


Warhawk-Led Team a Finalist in National AI Business Competition

Three students from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will compete among some of the nation’s premiere schools this September in the finals of Texas A&M University’s “Building a Better Future Through Business and AI” National Undergraduate Pitch Competition.


2025 Wisconsin Innovation Awards Finalists Announced

The Wisconsin Technology Council is proud to unveil the 27 finalists for the 2025 Wisconsin Innovation Awards, honoring some of the state’s groundbreaking companies. Safpro Technologies and Sea Change Silicides are both finalists!

City of Whitewater Hires Mason Becker

The City of Whitewater is pleased to announce the hiring of Mason Becker, as the new Economic Development Director, who brings extensive municipal leadership and development experience to his new role.

Becker’s professional background includes substantial expertise in owner-occupied housing development projects, subdivision planning, Tax Increment District (TID) management, and downtown redevelopment. Notably, he led negotiations and finalized a development agreement for the Rock River Ridge subdivision, adding nearly 200 new housing units in the City of Watertown.

Two Affiliates Advance in Govs Biz Plan Contest

Two affiliates of the Innovation Center advance in the Wisconsin Governor's Business Plan Contest. Safepro Technologies is an affiliate of the Innovation Center. Sea-Change’ Silicides was founded by Steven Girard, an associate professor of chemistry at UW-Whitewater