Engine has released a new report that outlines why it is so important for the government to prioritize quality and balance when it comes to patent policy.
Startups & the U.S. Patent System: Prioritizing Quality and Balance to Promote Innovation
The Nuts & Bolts of Competing Globally: How Startups Compete Abroad
The Internet has transformed the modern economy, led to new technological developments, and given rise to digital trade. Internet-enabled companies are able to reach users and customers across the globe without a brick-and-mortar place of business, but non-tariff barriers — such as forced data localization, imbalanced copyright law, and various restrictions on user speech — can prevent startups from competing abroad.
DACA Decision Puts U.S. Startup Ecosystem at Risk
A ruling from a federal judge last week is disrupting an immigration program for individuals brought to the U.S. as minors, that entrepreneurs — among many others — have relied on in recent years. The ruling from a Texas district court found the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) unlawful and blocks the administration from approving new applications. It is essential that policymakers implement a permanent solution, which includes a pathway to citizenship, for this community, because failing to do so can mean abandoning a critical source of U.S.-educated talent.
U.S. Needs a Startup Visa for Innovation to Thrive
Countries around the world are attracting innovators and entrepreneurs with pro-startup immigration policies, and Congress is beginning to take notice. This week, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on international talent loss to U.S. competitors, including Canada. Though the U.S. is a target destination for immigrant entrepreneurs looking to launch startups, other nations with more favorable immigration policies — including startup visas and considerable investments in entrepreneurial infrastructure and R&D — are quickly becoming hotspots for international talent. If we are to remain competitive and at the forefront of innovation, it is essential that policymakers reform immigration law so entrepreneurs can have access to the opportunities and talent they need to launch and grow their businesses in the U.S. instead.
Startup News Digest 07/16/21
The Big Story: As Congress pushes ahead on infrastructure, startups stand to gain. Congress has the chance to move the ball forward on an infrastructure package that if passed, would provide billions of dollars for several categories of infrastructure, including roads and bridges, electric vehicles, cybersecurity, and broadband—a major win for startups.
#StartupsEverywhere: Miami, Fla.
Avocademy is a Miami-based education and mentoring program that prepares students to start a career in user experience and user interface (UX/UI) design. We spoke with founder, Maca Baigorria, to learn more about the organization’s work, the importance of workforce diversity, and what role accessibility plays in designing technology.
Startup News Digest 07/09/21
#StartupsEverywhere: Alexandria, Va.
Hacking the Workforce is a mentoring and support organization dedicated to helping Black, LGBTQ+ individuals develop successful careers in the field of cybersecurity. We spoke with Safi Mojidi—Founder of Hacking the Workforce—to learn about his work, the importance of diversity to cybersecurity, and how policymakers can develop better technology policy through partnership with diverse practitioners and academia in the cyber industry.
As Deadline Looms, Student Debt Reform is Critical for a Boost in Entrepreneurship
Lawmakers and borrowers are pushing for further student loan relief, as the October 1 date approaches for the resumption of loan payments. Borrowers continue to assert that they are not yet in a place to make payments, which were paused interest free throughout the pandemic. And while the Biden administration has repeatedly argued for student debt forgiveness and fixes to the system, little progress has been made since he took office.
Startup News Digest 07/02/21
The Big Story: Global leaders land on tax deal that would create certainty for tech. Negotiations on a global tax regime came to a close on Thursday, with 130 countries and jurisdictions—including India, China, and Switzerland—agreeing to a deal supported by U.S. policymakers and technology companies that targets the world’s largest companies.
#StartupsEverywhere: Mountain View, Calif.
Rishi Ranjan is a co-founder and the CEO of GridRaster, a startup providing the underlying infrastructure needed to support immersive augmented, virtual, and mixed-reality experiences on mobile devices and in the enterprise market. We spoke with Rishi to learn about his path to launching this cloud-based XR platform, his experience navigating the patent and immigration systems, and his goals for GridRaster going forward.
Startup News Digest 06/25/21
The Big Story: After marathon markup, House panel advances tech bills. Following a multi-day, contentious markup, the House Judiciary Committee advanced several bills aimed at large tech companies despite concerns from companies, industry groups, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle that the bills will have unintended consequences—including making it harder for startups to get acquired.
#StartupsEverywhere: Newark, N.J.
Sam Caucci is the founder and CEO of 1Huddle, a Newark-based software company creating mobile games for workforce development, corporate employee training, and upskilling. We sat down with him to discuss how he developed his business, the challenges of navigating complex privacy frameworks, and the need to rethink how technology will impact the future of work.
Statement on the IGNITE American Innovation Act
The following statement can be attributed to Engine’s Executive Director, Kate Tummarello: “Engine applauds Rep. Phillips for reintroducing the IGNITE American Innovation Act, which will help to provide startups with the liquidity they need to continue to see the nation through pandemic recovery and accelerate R&D efforts for America's high-tech startups and innovators.”
Startup News Digest 06/18/21
The Big Story: Recognizing the contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs. Throughout the month of June, we celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month and recognize the impact of the immigrant community in the U. S., including on the country’s startup ecosystem. As the nation reflects on the significant contributions of this community as a whole, it is important to acknowledge and uplift the stories of immigrant entrepreneurs and recognize the challenges these founders face.
#StartupsEverywhere: San Francisco, Calif.
Evaluating Competition Proposals with the Startup Perspective
Competition issues are in the spotlight in D.C. and state capitals across the country. At Engine, we’re encouraged when lawmakers think about ways to boost competition and innovation, as startups stand to benefit if sound policy makes it easier for small and new companies to launch and grow. But much of the current policy conversation is centered around a few companies and fails to consider the impacts policy decisions will have on the rest of the technology ecosystem, which is inherently interconnected.
Startup News Digest 06/11/21
The Big Story: G7 tax deal reached, but faces uncertainty in U.S. Congress. This week, the finance leaders of the G7 countries came to an agreement on a global minimum corporate tax rate of at least 15 percent, which could hinge on the withdrawal of unilateral digital services taxes that disproportionately impact U.S. tech firms. The deal, which comes after years of negotiations in an effort to revamp international taxation, represents a first step in redrafting the rules in how multinational corporations are taxed.
#StartupsEverywhere: New York City, N.Y.
Dr. Leonardo Bonanni—Founder and CEO of Sourcemap—was conducting product research at MIT when he came across the challenges companies were facing in developing a concrete understanding of their entire supply chain. This led him to develop Sourcemap—a platform that enables companies to network with their suppliers and understand vulnerabilities. We sat down with Bonanni to discuss how Sourcemap works, the impact of COVID-19 on their business and supply chains, and how the government can better partner with startups that are innovating supply chain technologies.
Startup News Digest 06/04/21
The Big Story: Transatlantic data deal a priority ahead of U.S.-EU summit. Ahead of the U.S.-European Union summit later this month, President Joe Biden is renewing the administration’s focus on negotiating a new deal to let U.S. companies, especially startups, that operate in Europe store and process EU users’ data in the U.S. The two governments must address policy-related obstacles to transatlantic digital trade, including the invalidation of the last data flow deal as well as likely impacts from other EU proposals around digital taxes, artificial intelligence, and online platforms and marketplaces.
