Future Tech, Blog
Min Jung
AI Essentials: How do neural networks work?

Before policymakers regulate AI, they need to understand a fundamental technology: neural networks.

AI Essentials: How do neural networks work?
@Engine, Weekly Digest, Digest, Privacy & Data Security, Access to Capital, Talent, Future Tech, Tax & Trade, Open Internet, Telecom
The Engine Team
Startup News Digest 07/12/24

Congress needs to act on child care challenges

Startup News Digest 07/12/24
#StartupsEverywhere
Min Jun Jung
#StartupsEverywhere: Green Bay, Wis.

The video game industry is concentrated in a handful of locations, leaving incredible talent in underserved areas frequently overlooked. Ben Kvalo started Midwest Games to change that narrative, supporting underrepresented game developers because increasing diversity in game development leads to better products and bigger markets. Ben recently joined us to talk about Midwest Games, the challenges of raising capital in the Midwest, the importance of small developers in maintaining a healthy video game ecosystem, and the potential benefits of AI for the industry.

#StartupsEverywhere: Green Bay, Wis.
Filings, Statements & Releases, Intermediary Liability
The Engine Team
Engine statement on SCOTUS Decision in Moody v. ...

Engine statement on SCOTUS Decision in Moody v. NetChoice and NetChoice v. Paxton

Engine statement on SCOTUS Decision in Moody v. NetChoice and NetChoice v. Paxton
#StartupsEverywhere
Imani Webb
#StartupsEverywhere: San Diego, Calif.

Consumer weather models are too coarse for farms and conservancies that are large enough to occupy their own microclimates. Dr. Carlos Gaitan started Benchmark Labs to solve this problem, leveraging artificial intelligence to create custom weather models for farmers and conservators—helping them increase their crop yield and better manage their land. Carlos recently sat down with us to discuss Benchmark Labs, his experience as an immigrant founder, the value of government funding for startups, and how policymakers should approach AI policy. 

#StartupsEverywhere: San Diego, Calif.
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Startup News Digest 08/26/22

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Startup News Digest 08/26/22

The Big Story: Biden administration unveils student loan relief plan. After months of deliberation, President Joe Biden announced a three-part plan aimed at easing student loan debt, a move that could lower barriers for entrepreneurship in the U.S. The announcement—fulfilling a 2020 campaign promise—will cancel up to $10,000 in federal student debt for many borrowers and up to $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients for those that earn less than $125,000 per year or $250,000 for households. It also includes steps to cap monthly payments, improve the forgiveness programs for borrowers who work in public service, and increase accountability around skyrocketing college costs.

#StartupsEverywhere: Asheville, N.C.

#StartupsEverywhere: Asheville, N.C.

Edison Marks makes small-and medium-sized enterprise owners more aware of the cybersecurity threats facing their businesses by creating personalized reports and simplifying the issue. Co-Founder and CEO Jeremiah Smith spoke to us about his company, his experience with the Small Business Association (SBA) and the Small Business Technology Council (SBTC), and what he thinks policymakers should consider when thinking about cybersecurity.

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Startup News Digest 08/19/22

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Startup News Digest 08/19/22

Startup Advocacy Week and Congressional Startup Day underscore the importance of pro-innovation policy. Startups are key drivers of innovation, they spur job growth, and invigorate the U.S. economy. We at Engine are lucky to work with a vast network of startups across the country who know, first-hand, how essential pro-innovation policies are to their success—and those policies can only become a reality when policymakers invite startup founders to the table to listen to their experiences and hear about their needs. Those very conversations took place during this Startup Advocacy Week and Congressional Startup Day.

Congressional Startup Day and Startup Advocacy Week 2022 Statement from Engine

The following statement is attributed to Kate Tummarello, Executive Director of Engine, on Congressional Startup Day, a central part of Startup Advocacy Week: 

Statement:

“Engine is grateful to Congressional Startup Day Co-Chairs Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Reps. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) and Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), as well as all of the members of Congress taking time this week to meet with their startup constituents. We are proud to help organize Congressional Startup Day each year as an opportunity for tech entrepreneurs across the country to connect with their representatives and discuss how policymakers can support startups. The startup ecosystem is a vital part of the economy, and startups must have a seat at the table to ensure the best policies for encouraging innovation across the U.S.”

Background: 

Congressional Startup Day, part of Startup Advocacy Week, is an opportunity for members of Congress to witness the innovation and entrepreneurship taking place in their states and districts. Throughout the week of August 15th, Engine helps lawmakers meet with members of the startup ecosystem from their state or district. In addition to the dozens of meetings taking place this year, we have facilitated over 400 meetings between startups and members of Congress as part of Congressional startup day since 2018. And this year, Sen. Jacky Rosen (Nev.), Rep. Tom Emmer (Minn.), and Rep. Veronica Escobar (Texas) are serving as co-chairs of Congressional Startup Day.

Follow the hashtags #CongressionalStartupDay and #StartupDay for updates from participating startups and government officials throughout the week.

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Engine Releases Policy Roadmap for Supporting Startups Everywhere

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Engine Releases Policy Roadmap for Supporting Startups Everywhere

Today, Engine issued a paper focused on the policy insights needed—and the legislative actions required—to adequately support the expanse of the startup ecosystem, and to grow the innovation economy. We hope this paper can serve as a resource for policymakers considering a wide range of policy issues that impact early-stage companies across the country.

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Startup News Digest 08/12/22

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Startup News Digest 08/12/22

The Big Story: Patent policy conversations need startup voices. Policymakers are continuing to evaluate several aspects of the patent system—one of many areas where policymakers need to account for startup voices and experiences to craft policy that promotes their success. This summer, IP subcommittees in both the Senate and the House held hearings about the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)—a venue within the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) that can take a second look at likely-invalid patents and weed out those that should not have issued.

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Startup News Digest 08/05/22

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Startup News Digest 08/05/22

The Big Story: Immigration reform is key for innovation, competitiveness. Pressure is building on lawmakers to address flaws in the country’s immigration system that keep the tech sector—including startups—from having the talent it needs. Following the recent passage of a sweeping competitiveness package, the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America (CHIPS) and Science Act, members of the tech industry are calling to attention the need for immigration reform to keep the sector competitive.

#StartupsEverywhere: Los Angeles, Calif.

#StartupsEverywhere: Los Angeles, Calif.

Talyn’s eVTOL aircraft system is automating middle-mile cargo with aircraft that can take off and land without a runway. It utilizes two separate vehicles to bring aircrafts to a cruising altitude with 100 percent battery, allowing Talyn to fly faster and farther than its competitors, thus expediting the cargo delivery process. Co-Founder and CEO Jamie Gull spoke to us about his company, his experience working with various government entities, and his thoughts on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

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Statement on Patent Eligibility Restoration Act

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Statement on Patent Eligibility Restoration Act

The following statement is attributed to Kate Tummarello, Executive Director of Engine, regarding the introduction of the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act of 2022:

Statement:

“The Patent Eligibility Restoration Act would open doors to the type of weak, overbroad patents that preempt innovation and harm competition. It would allow a few companies to use the patent system to tie up the fundamental building blocks startups currently rely on to build and grow, exposing startups to more threats of litigation over low-quality patents. As Congress continues to evaluate legislation in this area, we look forward to continuing to work with them toward proposals that can promote startup success.”

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Startup News Digest 07/29/22

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Startup News Digest 07/29/22

The Big Story: New net neutrality bill would benefit startups. Lawmakers are restarting the stalled conversation around net neutrality, the idea that Internet service providers (ISPs) shouldn’t be able to charge websites and online services—including those run by startups—for better, faster access to their users. This week, Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), introduced the Net Neutrality and Broadband Justice Act—a bill that would reclassify broadband to give the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authority to regulate ISPs, including on net neutrality.

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Startup News Digest 07/22/22

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Startup News Digest 07/22/22

The Big Story: CHIPS Act takes precedence in USICA developments. The Senate is moving forward with pared-down competitiveness legislation following Tuesday’s procedural vote, which cleared a key procedural hurdle. While the narrower package largely focuses on subsidies for the semiconductor industry, it is also expected to include some of the larger bill’s provisions to increase funding to broadly support U.S. innovation. Senators expect to tee up final passage next week, which would then send the bill to the House for consideration.

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Startup News Digest 07/15/22

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Startup News Digest 07/15/22

The Big Story: Hope fades for pro-startup provisions in U.S. competitiveness package. After months of negotiations, Congress has hit another roadblock to advancing a compromise version of two bills aimed at boosting U.S. competitiveness: the Senate’s United States Innovation and Competition Act (USICA) and the House’s America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology, and Economic Strength (COMPETES) Act.

The 411 on SPACs

The 411 on SPACs

SPACs, or Special Purpose Acquisition Companies, are publicly traded vehicles other companies use as an alternative way to go public. These companies, also known as “blank check” companies, are essentially shell companies that do not have commercial operations. They are formed with the sole purpose of raising capital and merging with or acquiring private companies, so that these acquisitions can go public faster and with fewer costs than a traditional Initial Public Offering (IPO).

#StartupsEverywhere: Minneapolis, Minn.

#StartupsEverywhere: Minneapolis, Minn.

Nucleic Sensing Systems (NS2) is an environmentally-focused company that employs biological sensing technology to monitor the presence of species in aquatic ecosystems. CEO Ed Rudberg spoke with us about his company, his experience with Small Business and Innovation Research (SBIR) funding, and policy areas of concern for startups and startup founders such as access to talent and affordable healthcare.

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Startup News Digest 07/08/22

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Startup News Digest 07/08/22

The Big Story: Copyright Office concludes ancillary copyright protections are not warranted. In a recent report, the U.S. Copyright Office explained why it does not recommend expanding or adopting new copyright-like protections for press publishers. The Copyright Office’s study was rooted in concerns about supporting vitally important local news media, but it focused specifically on whether policymakers should extend copyright-like protections (also known as “ancillary copyright”) to sharing hyperlinks and quoting news headlines or snippets of articles. Last week’s report concluded that it is not clear any new copyright-like protections would solve problems facing press publishers, while those sorts of copyright expansions would have “critical policy and Constitutional dimensions.”

#StartupsEverywhere: Boston, Mass.

#StartupsEverywhere: Boston, Mass.

Startup Boston is a community-building organization that provides New England-based startups with the programming, content, and initiatives to propel them toward success. Stephanie Roulic, Founder & Lead Organizer of Startup Boston, spoke with us about her organization, COVID-19’s effect on the startup ecosystem, and how policymakers can better support startup founders beyond the pandemic era.

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Startup News Digest 06/24/22

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Startup News Digest 06/24/22

The Big Story: Patent policy discussions resurface in D.C. this week. This was an active week for patent policy conversations in D.C., with the Senate, House, and Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) all weighing in. Procedures for reviewing low-quality patents took center stage, with many focused on the role the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) plays in the startup and small business ecosystems. It is imperative that policymakers who want to understand the full impact of the PTAB—particularly in regards to U.S. startups—ensure startup voices have an equal seat at the table when the topics are discussed.

 

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