BPC
Winners of the 2025 WI Gov’s Business Plan Contest
Phoenix-Aid, an Oshkosh-based firm that has developed a patented nano-composite dressing for chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, is the grand prize winner of the 22nd annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest.
The 2025 competition began in January with 156 entries in the categories of Advanced Manufacturing, Business Services, Information Technology, and Life Sciences. Through various rounds in the competition, the top 13 business plans, known as the Diligent Baker’s Dozen, were announced in May. These finalists pitched their businesses at the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference on June 4.
Since the contest’s inception, 4,813 businesses have applied to compete in the statewide contest.
The Winners
Bright New Idea Award
Winner: Sea Change Silicides, presenter Dr. Steven Girard
Advanced Manufacturing
Winner: Galasys, presenter Jarryd Featherman
First Runner-Up: FerroMX
Second Runner-Up: Saturn Agrisense
Business Services
Winner: Equability, presenter Hilary Pham
First Runner-Up: Induction Technologies
Second Runner-Up: SwallowEase Diagnostic Imaging
Information Technology
Winner: Strudel AI, presenter Kristin Isaac
First Runner-Up: Service ID
Second Runner-Up: BreezyFile
Life Sciences
Winner: Phoenix-Aid, presenter Ashwinraj Karthikeyan
First Runner-Up: Sea Change Silicides
Second Runner-Up (tie): CellTrack and Synpha Biosciences
The Contestants
Rhinelander-based BreezyFile is a sales tax automation service designed specifically for Shopify merchants. The platform simplifies multi-state sales tax compliance, including registration, filing, and payment, with human support.
Madison-based CellTrack has developed the power of medical imaging for cell therapy, allowing cancer drugs to move faster from bench to bedside.
Madison-based Equability adapts existing clothing to make the clothes easier to wear for people with limited mobility.
Madison-based FerroMX is developing a novel biodegradable, smart electronic material to actively suppress dendrites in rechargeable metal batteries. This self-regulating technology enhances safety, extends cycle life and boosts performance in rechargeable batteries.
Janesville-based Galasys has developed manufacturing technology that converts dairy waste into tagatose, a natural, low-calorie sweetener.
Madison-based Induction Technologies is a kiln technology franchiser focused on growing the manufacture of plant-based charcoal usage in agriculture.
Oshkosh-based Phoenix-Aid is a nano-composite chronic wound dressing that has been approved for clinical trials to treat diabetic foot ulcers in India.
Madison-based Saturn Agrisense has developed a sensing system that provides real-time, continuous monitoring of soil tension and nitrate, enabling the future of precision digital decisions on nutrient management practices.
Whitewater-based Sea Change Silicides has patented a low-cost bioactive medical coating technology for titanium implants that reduces the risk of infection and implant loosening.
Fitchburg-based Service ID is an AI-powered tool to help water utilities streamline compliance by determining water service line materials without the need for digging.
Madison-based Strudel AI automates complex technical customer support.
Waunakee-based SwallowEase Diagnostic Imaging specializes in advanced swallowing assessment and delivery of state-of-the-art diagnostic services for those with swallowing disorders.
Madison-based Synpha Biosciences Corp. is creating a therapeutic for peptic ulcers and gastric cancer.
Jarryd Featherman of Galasys
Hilary Pham of Equability
Kristin Isaac of Strudel AI
Ashwinraj Karthikeyan of Phoenix-Aid
Dr. Steven Girard of Sea Change Silicides with the UW-Whitewater team
