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Upcoming Events
Filter these events by city and topic on our events page and see what's coming up in April.
March 2026 Events
Milwaukee AI Summit 2026: The Year of the Agent March 3, 9:00 AM [Milwaukee] Concurrency’s third annual Milwaukee AI Summit brings together enterprise executives and IT leaders ready to move past hype and make real decisions about AI. Building on past events that attracted 200+ leaders, this in-person summit is designed for organizations serious about turning AI into measurable business impact.
Vibe Coding Hackathon: Where Innovation Meets Industry March 4, 8:00 AM [Milwaukee] Join the Vibe Coding Hackathon to tackle real industrial challenges, collaborate with top talent, and compete for exclusive prizes – all while showcasing your AI solution to industry leaders.
1 Million Cups with Mara Zwicker and Dev Ahluwalia March 4, 8:45 AM [Madison] Hear from two UW-Madison student founder teams: Substrata, a geological intelligence platform optimizing land selection for data center cooling, and MadMatcher, a data integration tool that resolves duplicate records across systems using 10+ years of research.
VC Office Hours Madison March 4, 8:45 AM [Madison] Join Mastercraft Ventures for VC Office Hours immediately following 1 Million Cups. This is an opportunity for founders to meet with investors and get feedback on startup. No formal presentations no "speed rotations" - just real conversations designed to help you move your startup forward.
The Power of Rest: Protecting Your Dreams from Burnout March 4, 12:00 PM [Virtual] Keonna Knight (burnout coach) shares the transformative power of rest. Learn to identify burnout triggers, set boundaries & incorporate restful habits for sustainable dream pursuit. From burned out teacher to thriving CEO.
Amplify Her Impact March 4, 4:30 PM [Milwaukee] Annual celebration of women in tech. Inspiring keynote, cross-industry networking & community building. Connect at any career stage, exchange ideas, and gain fresh perspectives & momentum for your impact in tech.
Sip & Sync in Green Bay March 5, 8:00 AM [Green Bay] Join us for Sip & Sync - your casual networking meetup where meaningful connections happen over complimentary coffee. Drop in for relaxed conversations, share insights, or simply enjoy meeting fellow WiT members and friends in a laid-back atmosphere.
Crafting a Compelling Pitch March 5, 12:00 PM [Virtual] Tami Reiss (leadership speaker) on personal pitching: communicate with authenticity & influence. Learn to craft messages, understand audiences & drive buy-in for your ideas, proposals or business.
March Global AI Milwaukee User Group Meeting March 5, 3:15 PM [Milwaukee] Timothy Goebel presents on using AI agents and computer vision to transform construction bid estimation, automating plan reading, quantity takeoff, and cost calculation from unstructured PDFs. Includes networking, food, and discussion.
Stealing From Thieves March 5, 6:30 PM [Madison] Nicholas Anastasi (Sprocket Security) explores how media piracy homelab tools like Sonarr and Radarr share code and skip security, creating vulnerabilities ripe for compromise. A cybersecurity talk through the lens of hobby automation.
March Code & Coffee March 7, 9:00 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.
Is Vibe Coding Dead? & Speed Networking March 9, 5:30 PM [Milwaukee] Systems that build full applications without humans in the loop. Learn about the latest state-of-the-art tools that surpass traditional "vibe coding" for true autonomy.
Building a Viable AI Business March 9, 6:00 PM [Virtual] Join us to learn why the next stage of the AI revolution belongs not to the best prompters, but to the engineers who can bridge the gap between technical execution and business sustainability.
MadJS Monthly Meetup: Roundtable Discussion March 9, 6:15 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.
Entrepreneur’s Edge: Transforming Data into Growth March 10, 12:00 PM [Virtual] Ben Udell shows how to turn everyday data into business growth. Overcome common challenges, create visual stories & use AI tools for faster insights. Hands-on strategies for data-driven decisions at any level.
Fearless Science Forum: The Art of Seeing More March 10, 5:00 PM [Madison] Science and art are often thought of as mutually exclusive passions, but creativity and curiosity entwine these disciplines. The Morgridge Institute for Research will partner with the University of Wisconsin–Madison to host our latest Fearless Science Forum, The Art of Seeing More, an exploration of the creative connections between science and art.
March Code + Brews March 11, 9:00 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.
Industry Insight: The New College of Computing and AI March 11, 9:00 AM [Madison] From new college to new talent pipelines, learn how UW's NEW College of Computing and AI is creating opportunities for entrepreneurs. Join us for Industry Insight, a series that connects StartingBlock's entrepreneurial community with leaders shaping the industries around us.
Community and Student Study and Coworking Session March 11, 10:00 AM [Appleton] he Business & Entrepreneurship Center is opening its doors to both Lawrence students and the greater Fox Cities community for a Finals Week and co-work Study Hall. We’ll have snacks and drinks to keep you fueled, you just bring your laptop and your to-do list.
NVNG's Inside the Network - Food & Agriculture March 11, 12:00 PM [Virtual] An investor briefing on VC trends in Food & Agriculture featuring Erik Benson (Voyager Capital) and Ben Williamson (Grit Road Partners). For accredited investors and corporate leaders exploring venture exposure.
Building Real AI Apps at Work: Lessons Beyond Demos March 12, 12:00 PM [Virtual] In this talk, you will learn practical lessons from taking AI ideas from prototype to production, including architecture decisions, cost considerations, reliability, and integration into existing systems.
Sip & Sync in Kenosha March 13, 8:30 AM [Kenosha] Join us for Sip & Sync - your casual networking meetup where meaningful connections happen over complimentary coffee. Drop in for relaxed conversations, share insights, or simply enjoy meeting fellow WIT members and friends in a laid-back atmosphere.
Chippewa Valley Code Camp 2026 March 14, 9:00 AM [Chippewa Valley] Our 15th annual conference, bringing together the area's brightest minds in software development to celebrate our shared passion. A day full of presentations meant for students, professionals, and hobbyists alike who want to learn, network, and be inspired to do cool things in IT.
Sweat Equity: A Founder Sauna Series March 16, 4:00 PM [Milwaukee] Most founder events are built for talking. This one is built for exhaling. Sweat Equity is a recurring small-group sauna gathering designed for founders to step away from constant decision-making and spend time with peers who understand the weight of building something from nothing.
Madison's Geek Lunch March 17, 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.
Sip & Sync in Madison March 18, 8:00 AM [Madison] Join us for Sip & Sync - your casual networking meetup where meaningful connections happen over complimentary coffee. Drop in for relaxed conversations, share insights, or simply enjoy meeting fellow WIT members and friends in a laid-back atmosphere.
Sip & Sync in Appleton March 18, 8:30 AM [Appleton] Join us for Sip & Sync - your casual networking meetup where meaningful connections happen over complimentary coffee. Drop in for relaxed conversations, share insights, or simply enjoy meeting fellow WiT members and friends in a laid-back atmosphere.
StartingBlock's Her Network March 18, 9:00 AM [Madison] A monthly gathering equipping women in business with resources, community, and learning. This month features a fireside chat on mentorship with Susie Younkle (MERLIN Mentors), Nicole Vafadari (Doret Consulting), and Laura Hilty (HealthX Ventures).
NVNG's Inside the Network - Life Sciences & Healthcare March 18, 12:00 PM [Virtual] An investor briefing on VC trends in Life Sciences & Healthcare featuring Eric Berry (Averin Capital) and Alyssa Jaffee (7wire Ventures). For accredited investors and corporate leaders exploring venture exposure.
AI Quarterly: AI Pilot Purgatory March 20, 9:00 AM [Milwaukee] Tackle why AI pilots stall before delivering value. Keynote from Sam Sova (Subatomic), plus a panel discussion, interactive exercise, and networking.
March Code & Coffee - Madison March 21, 9:00 AM [Madison] This is our first Madison event and will be at the Starting Block! 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.
Spring Startup Career Fair March 24, 5:00 PM [Madison] Are you a startup interested in using this event to make your next hire? Join the Midwest Founders Community (MFC) for our Spring Startup Career Fair at StartingBlock Madison! Founders, students, early-career professionals are invited to come together for a reverse-pitch style career fair.
Open Coworking and Mentoring: Founders Day March 25, 9:00 AM [Milwaukee] Milwaukee Startup Founders – Founders Day was designed for YOU! We know the entrepreneurial journey can be tough, so we’re hosting a full day of free coworking, mentorship, networking, and more.
Accountability Groups By StartingBlock March 25, 9:00 AM [Madison] We're happy to hold you accountable, to your goals, your business, and yourself. Do the hard part, just show up! Show up, share out what you're working on, and how we can best hold you accountable. Let's crowdsource strategies to overcome procrastination, and utilize best practices in goal setting.
NVNG's Inside the Network - Fintech, Real Estate, and Insurance March 25, 12:00 PM [Virtual] An investor briefing on VC trends in Fintech, Real Estate, and Insurance featuring Ryan Falvey (Restive Ventures) and Liza Benson (Moderne Ventures). For accredited investors and corporate leaders exploring venture exposure.
NVNG's Inside the Network - Energy, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain March 27, 12:00 PM [Virtual] An investor briefing on VC trends in Energy, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain featuring Ty Findley (Ironspring Ventures) and Cathryn Paine (Anzu Partners). For accredited investors and corporate leaders exploring venture exposure.
Hackreation March 2026 March 28, 8:00 AM [Milwaukee] Hackreation March 2026 - a one-day hackathon full of collaboration, creativity, and community. Sign up now, get ready to submit your ideas, and come build something amazing with us.
The Northwestern Mutual Accelerator™ Powered by gener8tor invests in five high-growth startups per cohort, focusing on those innovating in financial products, client experience, digital health, or transformational technologies. Selected teams will receive a $100,000 investment directly into the current round (if raising) or uncapped convertible bridge note to be converted into the next round (if not currently raising).
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.
Leap Year is for aspiring entrepreneurs ready to take a year to focus on building something real. Whether you're taking a break before starting college, exploring what's next after earning a technical degree, or just not ready to commit to a traditional path, this program gives you the space, resources, and community to turn your ideas into action.
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!
gener8tor Madison invests in six high-growth startups per cohort. This is an industry-agnostic and business model-agnostic program. We accept ALL types of startups across ALL industries and business models.
What is the Wisconsin Investment Fund? The Wisconsin Investment Fund is a public-private venture capital initiative designed to expand access to early-stage funding for Wisconsin startups.
What is a SAFE note? SAFE means Simple Agreement for Future Equity. This is a way for startups to raise money without selling shares of the company or setting a valuation.
Helping Founders Get Out of Their Own Way High performance coach Michael Ceely helps founders get out of their own way. We cover imposter syndrome, self-sabotage, and his goal to scaling to $10M in revenue.
UWM Research Foundation & Regional Partners Awarded $772K WEDC Grant to Launch Founder Factory The UWM Research Foundation and UWM Lubar Entrepreneurship Center are teaming up with three key partners—the Universities of Wisconsin Center for Technology Commercialization (lead applicant), Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition, and Midwest Founders Community—to launch Founder Factory.
Wisconsin VC funding for January 2026 According to PitchBook, Wisconsin startups raised at least $48.61 million in disclosed funding in January 2026.
Building Two Mission-Driven Startups Jillian Bichanich on building two mission-driven startups at the same time and why following what feels alive has guided her founder journey.
Have questions? We've got you. Ask away! jacob@startupwi.org
Thanks!
Startup Wisconsin Newsletter
Get updates on new events happening every month.
Helping tech founders, startups, investors, and talent get connected and discover events and programs across Wisconsin since 2017.
Startup Wisconsin is organized by Headway, a digital product agency based in Green Bay, WI. Powered by our state sponsors, Nicolet National Bank and gener8tor. New on the podcast Learn about Wisconsin's growing tech scene through stories of startups, founders, investors, and the incredible people making it happen. The Startup Wisconsin Podcast is presented by Valency Fund EP 16The Invisible Tech Changing How We ConnectRussell From, President & Co-Founder, WayFi Wireless EP 17Building...
Episode 17 now available! Ep 17 - Angela Damiani, CEO & Co-Founder, NEWaukee Building Belonging in Startup Communities Founders have almost nowhere to say "I don't know if this is going to work." Angela Damiani helped build a place where those conversations can happen and feel heard. You can't express doubt in front of your team. They're looking to you to lead. You can't say it to your investors or your board. And you're probably not going to put it on LinkedIn. Angela started NEWaukee 17...
Episode 16 now available! Ep 16 - Russell From, President & Co-Founder, WayFi Wireless The Invisible Tech Changing How We Connect Russ From spent years at Verizon flying to data centers around the world. He kept noticing the same problem... There are still places where cell phones just don't work (and they should). The traditional fix costs a hundred grand or more. Turns out there's a technology called Passpoint that's been around for over a decade, and hardly anyone knew it existed. WayFi...