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NEWS FEED
We Graded the 2016 Candidates on Tech and Startups: Here's How They Ranked
It’s safe to say that 2016 election cycle has been like no other and, frankly, disturbing for a number of reasons. We are particularly concerned that the high drama has distracted from the important work of a campaign season—the public debate over the important issues of our time. Nowhere has this debate been more absent than in the tech and startup community, which is ironic, given the importance of tech and startups to our economy.
PRESS RELEASE: The 2016 Candidate Report Card
Today, Engine and Tusk Ventures released “Grading the Candidates on Tech,” the first report card that grades the 2016 presidential candidates on whether they are passing or failing on a number of issues critical to many startups and technology. Candidates were rated based on their level of support, understanding, and familiarity with technology, startups and the priorities of the tech community. Their final grades reflect candidates' positions on major issues including privacy and security, the on-demand economy and intellectual property.
Startup News Digest: 3/11/2016
Our weekly take on some of the biggest stories in startup and tech policy. This week: FCC unveils plan to modernize Lifeline, new rules for STEM grads, coalition forms to push Congress on CS, and more.
We Need More Spectrum
As the world becomes increasingly mobile, it is essential that U.S. policymakers devise a strategy to meet the growing demand for wireless connectivity. Yesterday, the Senate Commerce Committee passed the MOBILE NOW Act, which aims to free up additional spectrum for commercial use and improve mobile infrastructure. The bill represents a significant step towards transforming our mobile future and encouraging technological innovation. The full Senate should take up and pass the bill at the earliest opportunity.
Startup News Digest: 3/4/2016
Our weekly take on some of the biggest stories in startup and tech policy. This week: net neutrality comes under fire, Apple and FBI testify before Congress, Senate committee approves MOBILE NOW Act, and more.
Startup News Digest: 2/26/2016
Our weekly take on some of the biggest stories in startup and tech policy. This week: Google fiber expands, comments on embedded software and copyright, the Open Internet Order turns one, and more.
Google Fiber Launches New Public-Private Partnerships in Huntsville and San Francisco
Google Fiber announced this week that it is adding both San Francisco, CA and Huntsville, AL to the growing list of cities where it provides gigabit service. This is great news for startups and aspiring entrepreneurs in the two cities, who will have improved access to ultra high-speed service (100x faster than most current broadband providers) and increased competition among providers. But this week’s announcements are especially noteworthy because Google Fiber will be deviating from its typical build out approach with these two new expansions.
Diversifying Tech Caucus Hosts First 2016 Briefing on African Americans in Tech
The Diversifying Tech Caucus, the bipartisan, bicameral caucus that Engine helped establish last year, held its first briefing of 2016 earlier this week. The Capitol room was packed with over 70 congressional staffers who heard from a panel of tech workers, leaders, and entrepreneurs about African American participation in the tech workforce. The numbers aren't great, with African Americans making up just 6 percent of STEM workers, a dismal 2 percent of employees at major Silicon Valley firms, and an even smaller percentage of venture-backed startups. Yet, many efforts, from private industry as well as non-profit organizations, are underway to the bolster the participation and leadership of blacks in tech.
