A full week of connecting, teaching, and celebrating tech startups across 10+ cities in Wisconsin.
AI is changing the entire landscape of startup and value creation.
2025 is a foundational year for founders and startups to level up and leverage the tools to build better businesses, faster.
Join us for the 8th annual Startup Wisconsin Week.
Put your brand at the center of tech and startup growth across the state.
August Code and Coffee
August 02, 09:00 AM [Milwaukee]
This gathering is designed to foster connections within our local tech community. Whether you are a seasoned professional, a hobbyist, or just getting your feet wet in the world of coding, there's a place for you here.
1 Million Cups - Madison
August 06, 09:00 AM [Madison]
StartingBlock welcomes passionate entrepreneurs to present their new business at 1 Million Cups every Wednesday morning! Every week, entrepreneurs present business ideas to the local community and learn how those around them can support their business in its growth.
B2B SAAS Club - August 2025
August 06, 03:00 PM [Milwaukee]
We’re inviting three founders to present their current products and explain their roadmap in 5 minutes. After their pitch, the group will ask questions and provide feedback on potential next steps -- and which features should be prioritized based on the founder's ICP. Founders, come ready to pitch and CIOs come ready to dole out feedback!
Elevate: A Rooftop Celebration of Women in Tech
August 07, 04:30 PM [Milwaukee]
Join us for a spectacular evening above the Milwaukee skyline! Women in Tech Wisconsin invites you to our Summer Social — an exclusive rooftop gathering designed to connect, recharge, and celebrate our vibrant community of tech professionals.
MadJS Monthly Meetup: Roundtable Discussion
August 11, 06:15 PM [Madison]
Continuing with our happy hour format for a while. Just a handful of JS developers talking about what they're working on and what new frameworks and tools catch their interest.
WTA - Timber Rattlers Summer Social
August 12, 04:00 PM [Appleton]
Join the WTA, New North, and New Digital Alliance as we celebrate summer at the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers game! Your ticket includes: Party Deck Access, All You Can Eat Style Buffet Picnic, 2 Beverages per person.
2025 Data-Driven Wisconsin Conference
August 13, 07:30 AM [Milwaukee]
Our mission is to foster and grow the data ecosystem in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest. Our experienced speakers will guide software engineers, data scientists, and data professionals through new tools and techniques to grow their careers!
1 Million Cups - Madison
August 13, 09:00 AM [Madison]
StartingBlock welcomes passionate entrepreneurs to present their new business at 1 Million Cups every Wednesday morning! Every week, entrepreneurs present business ideas to the local community and learn how those around them can support their business in its growth.
Innovation HER Tech Summit
August 13, 09:00 AM [Madison]
The Innovation HER Tech Summit is not your typical tech event. We're building bold bridges for women in tech from Milwaukee to Madison-and beyond. In this immersive one-day experience, industry leaders and rising stars come together to dismantle barriers, showcase innovations, and build concrete futures in the digital economy.
August Code + Brews
August 13, 05:00 PM [Milwaukee]
This gathering is designed to foster connections within our local tech community. Whether you are a seasoned professional, a hobbyist, or just getting your feet wet in the world of coding, there's a place for you here.
BEAR: Business Expansion and Retention Pitch Showcase
August 14, 05:30 PM [Chippewa Valley]
HATCHed at last year’s HATCH competition, BEAR ’25 puts the spotlight on established, second-stage businesses that are scaling up, creating jobs, and shaping the future economy of the Chippewa Valley and beyond.
Badger Startup Summit 2025
August 18, 08:00 AM [Madison]
The Badger Startup Summit is a free, full-day event in Madison, WI, kicking off Forward Fest. It connects Wisconsin entrepreneurs through talks, networking, pitch sessions, and a vendor fair.
Forward Festival 2025 - Day 1
August 18, 08:00 AM [Madison]
While Forward Fest was originally by and for entrepreneurs, we actively embrace a wide, inclusive definition of the word. Everyone in the community is welcome: do you work at a startup or nonprofit? Want to know more about running a business? Are you maybe interested in switching to a career in tech? Join us!
People First Hearts, AI Smarts
August 18, 10:00 AM [Virtual]
The future belongs to leaders who harness AI to amplify human potential, foster innovation, and build organizations where people thrive. Join our exclusive workshop, “People First Hearts & AI Smarts,” designed specifically for small business executives ready to future-fit their companies for the Intelligence Age.
VentureHome Pitch Day
August 18, 02:30 PM [Madison]
Ambitious founders have gone through the Level Up! Pre-seed Accelerator at a WiSys VentureHome location across Wisconsin. Whether you are an investor, a founder, or someone interested in entrepreneurship, this pitch day will provide a sneak peek at Wisconsin's emerging tech startups.
AI Venture Discovery Networking Reception
August 18, 03:30 PM [Madison]
Join the UW Tech Exploration Lab and Discovery to Product (D2P) for a casual networking reception celebrating student-led innovation and entrepreneurship at UW–Madison. Stop by to meet student teams working at the intersection of real-world problems and emerging technologies, and connect with others.
Forward Fest Happy Hour Kickoff Party
August 18, 04:00 PM [Madison]
Join us as we kickoff the 2025 Forward Festival with a free pint of the latest Forward Festive-Ale at Delta Beer Lab! A free SupraNet + John Kovalic pint glass and a pint of Festive-Ale will be provided for the first 75 attendees, hosted by SupraNet Communications!
Cut through the noise : accelerate your next quality hire
August 19, 07:30 AM [Virtual]
Struggling to find top talent fast? Discover proven hiring strategies that actually work. Get tools, insights, and real-world success stories. Join us – and hire smarter, faster.
AI for Non-Techies: Yes, You Can Use This Too
August 19, 09:00 AM [Virtual]
Curious about AI but feeling overwhelmed by the tech lingo? This session is designed for small business owners who want practical, approachable ways to use artificial intelligence—no coding, no jargon, no prior experience needed.
DevFest 2025
August 19, 09:00 AM [Madison]
DevFest WI is an inclusivity-themed conference for any and all folks in tech. Now in our seventh year, we're returning again to the beautiful UW Memorial Union for a day filled with a wide variety of talks on topics related to building inclusive and accessible products, teams, and environments.
Innovative Creators: Empowering Entrepreneurs for Success
August 19, 10:00 AM [Madison]
Join The Creative Company for an engaging and dynamic session where entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators come together to explore the cutting-edge strategies and tools that are shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
Cloud War Games LIVE!
August 19, 11:00 AM [Madison]
Join us in person for the ultimate test of cloud engineering skill, speed, and strategy. Cloud War Games LIVE is a hands-on, high-intensity competition where cloud pros battle real-world Amazon Web Services (AWS) outages in real time—on stage, in front of a live audience.
Madison's Geek Lunch
August 19, 11:45 AM [Madison]
If you've never been to a Geek Lunch, it's an engaging conversation with your geekiest friends, where the topic bounces around depending on whatever anyone wants to contribute. All are welcome regardless of where you lie on any imaginary geek scale. Think "The Algonquin Round Table" with an emphasis on tech.
Leveraging the Library: Valuable Resources for Market Research
August 19, 12:30 PM [Madison]
Starting a business comes with many questions—about patents, legal help, customer demographics, industry trends, and competitors. This session will show you how to find answers using free tools and expert support at your local library.
Madison AI Meetup: Where Minds & Machines Connect
August 19, 02:00 PM [Madison]
The Madison AI Meetup brings together diverse minds passionate about artificial intelligence and machine learning in a collaborative, welcoming environment. Whether you're a seasoned ML engineer, data scientist, AI researcher, or simply curious about how AI is transforming our world, this community is designed for you.
Pressure Chamber 2025
August 19, 03:00 PM [Madison]
Pressure Chamber returns for its 12th year as emerging companies pitch for the coveted "golden suitcase" and a reserved spot in the Chamber's exclusive Greater Madison startup meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms this fall.
AIpocalypse? The tectonic moment for brand and creativity in the time of Artificial General Intelligence and beyond
August 19, 04:30 PM [Madison]
Optimist or pessimist? Architect or casualty? The world is changing—now—and creativity, branding, and identity will never be the same. AIpocalypse is a bold, live-studio experience hosted by technologist and thought leader Matt Boatright-Simon, joined by a powerhouse lineup of visionary artists, strategists, futurists, and AI experts.
Tech Community Game Night
August 19, 06:00 PM [Madison]
Come unwind and connect at our board game night with some friendly competition, exciting games, and a chance to socialize with peers from different organizations. It's the perfect low-key opportunity to get out, meet new people, and enjoy a night of playing alongside fellow innovators.
Minimum Viable SEO: How to Boost Your Visibility & Credibility On a Budget
August 20, 07:30 AM [Madison]
In this session, content strategist and SEO consultant Olivia Barrow will show you how to integrate modern SEO best practices into your existing content workflows—even if you only publish one article a month. You’ll learn how to validate your content ideas with keyword research, create articles that match search intent.
Wisconsin Founders and Funders Breakfast
August 20, 08:30 AM [Madison]
Join other founders, investors, and innovators in the Wisconsin ecosystem for breakfast with Hyde Park Venture Partners, a Chicago-based early stage venture capital firm who invests in midwest-based companies, for a community event focused on helping companies raise their first or second round of institutional venture capital.
1 Million Cups - Forward Fest 2025
August 20, 08:45 AM [Madison]
StartingBlock welcomes passionate entrepreneurs to present their new business at 1 Million Cups every Wednesday morning! Coffee pours at 8:45am, Program starts at 9am. Located on the 3rd floor cafe.
Inside the Code: Your Team and AI in action
August 20, 09:00 AM [Madison]
Join Flexion, a Madison leader in system modernization and human-centered design, for a live, interactive build where you don’t just watch innovation, you help create it.
Your Hidden Edge: Nervous System 101 for Entrepreneurs
August 20, 09:00 AM [Madison]
In this short workshop, we’ll explore the hidden impact of stress and trauma on leaders, teams, and organizations. We’ll share the basics to help you understand how the human nervous system works, how it adapts to stress and why chronic dysregulation can silently sabotage even the most ambitious goals.
2025 Compliance Playbook: What Entrepreneurs Need to Know
August 20, 10:00 AM [Madison]
Managing HR, payroll, compliance, and benefits can overwhelm even the most passionate entrepreneurs. In this session, learn how partnering with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) can help you reduce administrative burden, ensure compliance, and enhance your team’s experience—without needing to build a full HR department.
Level Set Information Session
August 20, 10:30 AM [Madison]
Don't navigate the startup world alone. StartingBlock's Level Set program is an intense 6 week program designed to help you build and validate a business model. Offered 4x per year, we help you explore the pros and cons of different business models, model revenue and get real world feedback on your ideas.
Entrepreneur Networking Event
August 20, 11:00 AM [Madison]
Join us for an exciting event designed to connect and energize entrepreneurs at all stages of business! Hosted by the Madison College Center for Entrepreneurship, this networking event marks the kickoff of our yearlong focus on Finance for Entrepreneurs — and you're invited.
Demystifying the Pro Forma: Building Financial Projections
August 20, 01:30 PM [Virtual]
By joining us for this overview session, you will build a solid foundation of concepts that can help you understand how to put real numbers to your dreams and learn the path to projections.
Idea - Prompt - Prototype - Repeat
August 20, 01:30 PM [Madison]
Ever had a product idea but didn’t know how to begin building it? This live, collaborative session is designed for startup founders, creatives, and curious minds who want to explore physical prototyping without needing deep technical experience or a big budget.
Happy Hour! Startup Finance & HR: What Founders – and Investors – Care About
August 20, 03:00 PM [Madison]
This session is built for early-stage founders who want to set their startups up for long-term success. We’ll break down the essential accounting, tax, financial, and HR strategies you need to get right from the beginning—whether you’re gearing up for your first raise or just getting started.
How Branding Matters
August 20, 04:00 PM [Madison]
Led by Ibrahim Harun of IH Concepts with 16 years of experience in branding and marketing, this workshop will delve deep into the core elements of effective branding. Through a combination of an insightful presentations and collaborative discussions, you'll learn how what goes into a brand so you can hit the ground running.
EdTech Entrepreneur Exchange
August 20, 04:00 PM [Madison]
Join us for an engaging gathering of EdTech entrepreneurs, product leaders, researchers, funders, and policy advocates. The EdTech Entrepreneur Exchange is a unique opportunity to network, collaborate, and share insights on the future of education technology.
Happy Hour with Venture Capitalists
August 20, 05:00 PM [Madison]
Venture capital fund managers from seven Wisconsin venture capital funds will be at the August 20 Jazz at Five performance on the South Hamilton side of the Capitol Grounds, across the street from Wonder State Coffee and the Best Western Park Hotel.
Vibe Coding - Lets build together
August 21, 07:30 AM [Virtual]
Explore what can be done with vibe coding - automate tasks or talk with your developer without the overwhelm. In this 1-hour session, you'll explore simple tools that require no coding experience.
Is it the Real World, or is it AI? An Entrepreneur’s “101” Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
August 21, 09:00 AM [Virtual]
You will leave this session with sample prompts to try, tools and resources to explore, and the confidence to embrace being an AI Explorer – starting today!
ADA Title II and You
August 21, 10:00 AM [Virtual]
In April 2024, the Department of Justice finalized updates to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, setting specific standards for the accessibility of websites, applications, and digital documents. This session provides a clear, actionable overview of the new requirements and what they mean for public-facing digital content.
From Spreadsheets and Silos to Data-Driven Efficiency
August 21, 12:30 PM [Madison]
If your organization is grappling with scattered data, clunky workflows, and inefficient systems that limit your growth, this session is for you. Join us to learn how one organization shifted from using dozens of disconnected tools, documents, and manual processes to a centralized, integrated, and scalable custom business solution.
Capital That Fits: Exploring Options, Learning from Experience, Building Readiness
August 21, 01:00 PM [Madison]
The funding landscape has evolved beyond traditional VC, but many founders don't know their options. Join Valency Fund for a half-day deep dive into different capital solutions that fit your business model and growth goals.
Future Self Mixer
August 21, 01:00 PM [Madison]
The Future Self Mixer is a unique blend of high-level networking and personal development for ambitious entrepreneurs and leaders. You’ll connect with like-minded peers while stepping into the mindset, presence, and confidence of your next-level self.
Coloring Outside the Lines: Building Equitable Outreach in Emerging Markets - Downtown
August 21, 02:00 PM [Madison]
Storytelling strategist and rural outreach expert Araceli Esparza invites tech founders, digital creatives, and entrepreneurs to reimagine how they build brand trust in emerging and overlooked markets.
Elemental Happy Hour: Brewing Science & Investment
August 21, 03:00 PM [Madison]
Join us at Element Hall for a biotech showcase where emerging startups demonstrate their breakthrough technologies at interactive booths while networking over locally-crafted Forward Festive Ale and appetizers.
Evolution in Entrepreneurship Downtown
August 21, 04:00 PM [Madison]
oin us for a dynamic conversation with the storefront entrepreneurs, placemakers, and visionaries who are shaping the next chapter of downtown Madison. These are the small business owners and builders who are redefining what it means to innovate—not through code, but through culture.
Behind the Numbers: Open House & Startup Mixer
August 21, 04:00 PM [Madison]
Step into the home of Madison’s startup-centric CPA firm and experience finance with a fresh perspective. At this open house, we’re blending numbers with networking—bringing together founders, small business owners, and community partners to connect over light refreshments, good conversations, and shared goals.
High Tech Happy Hour Anniversary Celebration
August 21, 05:00 PM [Madison]
Join SupraNet Communications and Yahara Software for the 24th anniversary of High Tech Happy Hour! Raise a glass, network and help us celebrate 24 years of connecting the Greater Madison community!
Game Together-Forward Fest Edition
August 21, 05:30 PM [Madison]
Join us for Game Together-Forward Fest Edition, a vibrant social gaming night where innovators, creatives, and tech lovers connect over games and craft drinks with our community.
Play & Pitch: Game Night for Innovators
August 21, 06:00 PM [Madison]
Join us for a casual and collaborative evening where entrepreneurs, creatives, and innovators can gather to unwind, network, and share ideas over their favorite games. Whether you're into board games, console classics, virtual reality, or PC multiplayer, Git Gud is a space where creativity meets community.
Tech Recycling Event
August 22, 08:00 AM [Madison]
Bring your old laptops, cell phones, tablets, and other digital devices to be reused or recycled! Madison-based nonprofit DANEnet is teaming up with Cascade Asset Management to collect residential digital devices to be securely wiped then recycled or refurbished for distribution to low-income households without computers.
The Realities of Biotech Entrepreneurship: The Highs, Lows, and Hard Truths of Translating Academic Discoveries to Market
August 22, 09:00 AM [Milwaukee]
Join presentations with entrepreneurs, investors, pharmaceutical representatives, and legal experts for a candid exploration of biotech commercialization and practical guidance towards venture creation.
Mastering Strategic Pricing for Cash Flow Management
August 22, 10:30 AM [Virtual]
This session provides practical strategies for determining the right pricing for your product or service to optimize profitability and sustain business growth. Participants will explore how to evaluate competitors, brand value, and customer segmentation to create pricing strategies that align with their business goals.
Big Time! Your Big Biz Story in a Big Way
August 22, 11:00 AM [Madison]
Harness the power of storytelling! In this engaging workshop, we'll transform your entrepreneurial journey—whether heart-wrenching, heroic, or humorous —into a compelling narrative that revisits your 'why' and reconnects with your audience.
Business Taxes 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Navigating Self-Employment and Small-Business Taxes
August 22, 01:00 PM [Virtual]
This foundational webinar is tailored to demystify the basic concepts of business and self-employment taxes. From determining your tax obligations based on your business structure to exploring potential deductions that can minimize your tax liability, we cover the essentials that every business owner needs to know.
Startup 2.0: AI Agents Meet 'The Sims'
August 22, 02:00 PM [Madison]
Enter AI Agents—an emerging technology that's redefining productivity for startups and small businesses. AI Agents independently automate complex workflows, integrate seamlessly across multiple tools, and allow teams to reclaim valuable hours.
From Personal Experience to Purpose-Driven Business: Women Leading Eldercare Solutions
August 22, 03:00 PM [Madison]
This session is a must-attend for aspiring and current entrepreneurs seeking to build businesses with a strong purpose-driven mission, investors looking for the next big thing in aging solutions, and anyone interested in the future of eldercare.
Founders Finish Line Happy Hour
August 22, 05:00 PM [Madison]
End your Forward Fest week on a high note! Join us for a relaxed, high-energy happy hour where founders, creatives, and big thinkers come together one last time to connect, reflect, and celebrate everything this week inspired.
1 Million Cups - Madison
August 27, 09:00 AM [Madison]
StartingBlock welcomes passionate entrepreneurs to present their new business at 1 Million Cups every Wednesday morning! Every week, entrepreneurs present business ideas to the local community and learn how those around them can support their business in its growth.
This will bring the region’s brightest entrepreneurial talent center stage on November 12, 2025, at the newly opened Kenosha Innovation Center (KIC). This premier pitch event represents a collaborative effort by the economic development organizations of Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties to identify, elevate, and invest in promising startups fueling the future of Wisconsin’s innovation economy.
On Nov. 11th, join us to witness the bold ideas, brave pitches, and bright futures shaping the Chippewa Valley. This is your chance to celebrate risk-taking and the entrepreneurial spirit driving our regional economy forward.
StartingBlock's Level Set program is an intense 6 week program designed to help you build and validate a business model. Offered 6x per year, we help you explore the pros and cons of different business models, model revenue and get real world feedback on your ideas.
FOR-M is your first step to creating a tech startup company in Milwaukee. Solidify the startup idea that’s been bouncing around in your head and understand your next steps. This program is limited to 25 founders and will begin accepting folks immediately…so apply soon!
The Ignite Startup Accelerator is an 11-month collaborative startup accelerator to assist founders and entrepreneurs in commercializing their new venture. Ignite’s goal is to provide passionate entrepreneurs who have a strong business idea and have completed customer discovery, with the tools, resources, and connections to accelerate the commercialization of their ventures and get to revenue growth.
Voximetry, Medpace Announce Partnership
Voximetry and Medpace Core Laboratories have entered a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing radiopharmaceutical clinical trials.
Evers signs two bills to boost nuclear energy in Wisconsin
Gov. Tony Evers signed two bills to support the development of nuclear energy, including creating a summit board and promoting clean energy strategies.
gener8tor Founder Series: Matt Stang from Swannies
Matt Stang, co-founder of Swannies Golf Apparel, shares lessons on growing a lifestyle golf brand from grassroots to national recognition.
Tom Still: Governor’s Business Plan Contest offers edge
Wisconsin’s annual business plan contest provides a platform for startups to pitch their ideas and gain visibility, mentorship, and funding.
Wisconsin DNR says 2026 Urban Forestry Grants now open
Wisconsin municipalities and nonprofits can now apply for 2026 urban forestry grants to support tree planting, planning, and care initiatives.
WEDC awards $1.6 million to 14 organizations
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation announced Entrepreneurship Partner Grants to support startup ecosystems statewide.
Exact Sciences earns Medicare coverage for Oncodetect Test
Exact Sciences' MRD test Oncodetect has received Medicare coverage, enabling broader access for early-stage cancer detection.
‘Change moves at the speed of trust’
The Hoan Group’s City Exchange initiative fosters collaboration and inclusive innovation across Wisconsin’s economic regions.
The Grand builds community & combats isolation
Coaching and community platform The Grand helps startup founders navigate entrepreneurship with emotional and peer support.
Progress Lakeshore awarded $133K grant
WEDC awarded Progress Lakeshore funding to support entrepreneurs addressing child care needs through innovative business models.
Data center deals top $50M in Port Washington
Vantage Data Centers has acquired over 700 acres and multiple homes in Port Washington for a massive data center development.
Auxilium Health tackles chronic wounds with AI
Auxilium Health uses AI to improve early diagnosis and care for patients suffering from chronic wounds.
Balanced Breed finds success with science-backed pet supplements
Balanced Breed produces U.S.-manufactured natural supplements for dogs and cats, supporting pet health through science-based products.
Mastercraft Ventures raises $6.2M
The venture fund backed by Badger Fund of Funds has raised $6.2 million to support Wisconsin-based high-growth startups.
Lyra Health acquires Bend Health
The acquisition enhances Lyra Health’s ability to deliver high-acuity pediatric mental health services nationwide.
Kenosha Innovation Center nears completion
The new Kenosha Innovation Center will host entrepreneurial programs and tech events, with a pitch event already in the works.
UW Health expands use of AI notetaking
Hundreds of providers at UW Health are using AI tools to streamline medical documentation and reduce clinician burnout.
Fortune Favors lands national retail deal
Fortune Favors has partnered with Publix to place its snack products in 1,400+ stores across the southeastern U.S.
Data center boom raises water and energy concerns
The growth of AI-driven data centers across the Midwest is increasing regional demand for water and electricity.
CO2 battery project approved in Wisconsin
Energy Dome’s 10-hour energy storage system receives regulatory approval, enabling Alliant Energy’s long-duration battery deployment.
BreezyFile builds better tax platform
Launched by former TaxJar teammates, BreezyFile helps Shopify sellers simplify sales tax compliance across states.
FOR-M alum Law LM builds legal AI platform
Law LM helps litigators extract insights from legal evidence using AI, co-founded by a trial attorney and MSOE professor.
UW-Madison: Federal cuts stall innovation
Opinion piece argues that reductions in science funding jeopardize innovation and startup creation tied to university research.
Promega, Longhorn Vaccines to partner
Promega joins forces with Longhorn Vaccines to advance tools for detecting and preventing global infectious diseases.
Soft skills: The human edge in AI
Experts argue emotional intelligence and collaboration are crucial as AI continues to augment human workforces.
Wisconsin VC funding reaches $50M in June
Wisconsin startups raised over $50 million in disclosed venture funding during June 2025, led by deals in digital health and enterprise software.
Former EatStreet CEO launches SeriesUp Consulting
Matt Howard’s new venture offers CFO services for early-stage startups navigating financial operations and fundraising.
WEDC, Urban League of Greater Madison to partner
WEDC and ULGM will collaborate on new initiatives to support Black entrepreneurs and expand equitable access to business resources.
Bootstrapping? Kiva Wisconsin can help
Kiva provides 0% interest loans to Wisconsin entrepreneurs who lack access to traditional funding, supporting inclusive business growth.
Beyond the grants: FOR-M program impact
Wisconsin's FOR-M startup program has awarded over $500K to diverse founders and is tracking promising early-stage growth data.