May 2025: 47+ Events, 4 Accelerators, 29 News Articles


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.


Upcoming Events

Filter these events by city and topic on our events page.

May

Student Research Scholars Panel
May 1, 10:00 AM [virtual]
The Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute (NMDSI) will host “Student Research Scholars Panel” as part of our regular virtual speaker series. This presentation will explore research topics including astrophysics, cyber security, data science education, and physical computing.

Appleton Founder Stories | The Future of Video Games in Wisconsin!
May 1, 6:00 PM [appleton]
You’re invited to the next Appleton Founder Stories featuring Ben Kvalo, Founder and CEO of Midwest Games. ​Ben will share how he built North America's first full-service work-for-hire game publisher, creating new opportunities in where and how games get made.

CRM of the Future - Where are We Meeting our Customers Next?
May 2, 12:00 PM [virtual]
Join Kari Lessard, Salesforce consulting leader from Turnberry Solutions, and host Lisa Hayes, AVP Business Agility Transformation at Quartz Health Solutions for a look into the future of customer interactions and how your business may leverage these tools going forward.

Collaboration 101 with Gregg Potter
May 2, 2:00 PM [madison]
Join us for Collaboration 101, a foundational course developed by Gregg Potter in partnership with the International Institute on Collaboration (IIonC), 100State, and the Network for Health, Technology, and Innovation. This interactive session introduces practical, accessible collaboration tools that can be used by anyone—especially entrepreneurs.

First Fridays at 100state: Networking Happy Hour for Entrepreneurs
May 2, 4:30 PM [madison]
Start your month with First Fridays at 100state, our new open networking event and mixer for the Madison entrepreneur community (and friends of entrepreneurs). This Friday we also will be having an AI presentation (10 Free AI Tools Startups & Entrepreneurs ) during the event as well!

May Code and Coffee
May 3, 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.

Women’s Entrepreneurship Week 2025
May 5, 8:00 AM [milwaukee]
May 5-9! Milwaukee Central Library will be the host, setting the stage for five energizing days of inspiring workshops, talks, and networking opportunities—PLUS a Thursday night party! Every moment is carefully crafted to spark innovation, foster connections, and celebrate the diverse voices of women in business.

StartingBlock Lunch & Learn: Tactical Skills Series, James Phetteplace
May 6, 12:00 PM [madison]
Join us for our May Lunch & Learn: Tactical Skills Series - featuring James Phetteplace, SEO Best Practices. This dynamic program equips entrepreneurs and small businesses with critical skills to optimize operations, featuring deep-dive sessions on cutting-edge technologies and strategic frameworks.

Entrepreneurs Circle with Emmanuel Buah
May 6, 6:30 PM [appleton]
Come to hear about Emmanuel's life after Lawrence story, his journey as an entrepreneur, and advice to students. He held jobs in software engineering and architecture before founding his 1st company in 2012. He went on to co-found 2 more start-ups, including his current business Airfordable, "payment plans for flights before departure."

Women in Biohealth Presents: Creating Clear Containers
May 7, 5:30 PM [madison]
Clearer expectations. Better conversations. More impact. Join us for an insightful and interactive session with Sarah Young, acclaimed leadership coach and author, as we explore how to reduce conflict, improve communication, and strengthen collaboration by creating clear containers for our work and relationships.

Is it possible to revive American manufacturing?
May 8, 11:30 AM [milwaukee]
Hear from leaders who understand manufacturing as they debate a core question: Is it possible to bring back manufacturing in the United States after decades of decline? This luncheon is sponsored by Microsoft.

MadPy Social: Aftershock Classic Arcade
May 8, 6:30 PM [madison]
The Madison Python meetup group is hosting a social gathering at Aftershock Classic Arcade on E Washington Ave. We won't have a speaker or slides. Just friendly conversation. Whether you're an experienced software developer, someone interested to learn about the field, or just looking to meet new people, please join us!

Sip & Sync in Kenosha (May)
May 9, 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.

MadJS Monthly Meetup: Roundtable Discussion
May 12, 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.

Unlocking OpEx Insights in Manufacturing
May 13, 5:00 PM [milwaukee]
Join us for an insightful session with Dirk Smith from SSR Total IT, who will showcase a powerful reporting solution designed to help manufacturers better understand and manage operational expenditures (OpEx).

May Code + Brews
May 14, 5:00 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.

Open Mic Night (Pre-Founder Day Event)
May 14, 6:45 PM [madison]
By applying to Open Mic, you’re requesting a 90-second spot to present yourself to the community during the Happy Hour event the night before Founder Day. Whether you’re launching, hiring, or looking to plug into the community, this is your chance to be seen, be heard, and make an impact.

Founder Day 2025
May 15, 10:00 AM [madison]
Madison's premier gathering of founders returns for its fourth year! Founder Day is an inspiring gathering designed to connect new and upcoming founders with seasoned entrepreneurs. we'll have a day filled with learning, networking, and opportunities to grow yourself and your startup.

Annual Speed Networking with UW-WIT
May 15, 4:30 PM [madison]
We're delighted to partner again with the UW Women in IT for this event, geared toward making networking engaging and as low-stress as possible. We'll be at the UW Memorial Union for this year's event - join us for structured networking, and hopefully some time on the terrace after!

Small Business Clinic - St. Croix
May 19, 9:00 AM [chippewa-valley]
Participate in a full day of FREE in-person workshops, educational sessions, and one-on-one professional consulting with experts in marketing, business planning, legal, finance, accounting, small business taxes, international trade, and more!

Madison's Geek Lunch
May 20, 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.

StartingBlock's Lunch with a Founder - featuring Victoria Thayer
May 20, 12:00 PM [madison]
These part educational, part networking events are the perfect way to meet other founders in the region, learn from other people's entrepreneurial journeys, and get plugged in to the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Wisconsin. Join us for our May Lunch with a Founder featuring Victoria Thayer, CEO & Founder at Novii CPA.

Mitobyte Resume Workshop
May 20, 5:00 PM [milwaukee]
Are you on the job market and want to brush up your resume? If you answered yes, this event is for you! Whether you are looking for new opportunities or you want that first job out of school, join us as we collaborate to improve our job prospects.

Sip & Sync in De Pere (May)
May 21, 8:30 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.

F(o)under Forum
May 21, 3:00 PM [milwaukee]
For founders, planning an exit isn’t just about the finish line—it’s about making strategic decisions at every stage of the journey. We bring together experts from TKO Miller, Idea Fund, + Johnsonville Holdings to share their insights on how founders can best position their companies for a successful exit.

May Tech on Tap with Lena DeLaet from Summerfest Tech
May 22, 4:30 PM [milwaukee]
Join us for our MAY Tech on Tap event at Bel Air Tosa...Featuring guest speaker Lena DeLaet from Summerfest Tech. She'll be sharing updates on all of the exciting things happening at this year's event as well as giving away FREE SUMMERFEST TICKETS.

Sip & Sync Coffee in Verona (May)
May 23, 8:30 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.

Fox Valley Innovation Happy Hour
May 23, 3:30 PM [oshkosh]
​If you’re involved in the Wisconsin startup or life sciences community, please join your fellow nerds for this (semi-hosted) happy hour sponsored by Rosenow Innovation Management.

Founders Day - May 2025
May 28, 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.

Women, Wine & Tech 6.0 - Social Innovation Summit
May 30, 4:00 PM [milwaukee]
Join us for an unforgettable evening of networking, food, drinks, music, and thought-provoking conversations! In a rapidly changing tech landscape, this is your opportunity to gain the insights, connections, and support you need to lead with purpose.

June

2025 Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Conference (June 4-5)
June 4, 8:00 AM [madison]
The 2025 Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference (June 4–5) features a keynote, Governor’s Business Plan Contest, panels on startups and innovation, networking events, and the “Seize the Day” Award. Hosted by the Wisconsin Technology Council at Monona Terrace, Madison.

StartingBlock Lunch & Learn: Tactical Skills Series, Phil Ouellette
June 5, 12:00 PM [madison]
Phil Ouellette works with entrepreneurial leadership teams to align on their vision, drive traction toward that vision through increased focus and accountability and develop a cohesive, healthy and high-functioning group of leaders by implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS) into their organization.

Know Your Worth: Pay Transparency & Negotiation in Tech
June 6, 12:00 PM [virtual]
Join us for an insightful discussion on pay transparency and salary negotiation, designed to help women in tech confidently advocate for their worth. Learn strategies to navigate salary conversations, close the wage gap, and take control of your career and compensation.

June Code and Coffee
June 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.

MadJS Monthly Meetup: Roundtable Discussion
June 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.

Grassr00tz Cybersecurity Conference
June 10, 7:30 AM [appleton]
Join us at Grassr00tz Cybersecurity Conference for a day of hacking, networking, and learning all things cyber!

June Code + Brews
June 11, 5:00 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.

Sip & Sync in Milwaukee (June)
June 13, 8:30 AM [milwaukee]
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.

Madison's Geek Lunch
June 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.

StartingBlock's Lunch with a Founder - featuring Quentin Philippe
June 17, 12:00 PM [madison]
These part educational, part networking events are the perfect way to meet other founders in the region, learn from other people's entrepreneurial journeys, and get plugged in to the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Wisconsin. Quentin Philippe serves as Chief Executive Officer & Board Member at Alithic.

SOCIAL: Get-together at Grape Water wine bar in Middleton
June 17, 5:30 PM [madison]
Come out and hang with awesome people who work in Madison's tech scene! Grape Water is a woman-owned wine bar (with various N/A options, beer and cocktails, too). Let's get together and make new connections!

Sip & Sync in De Pere (June)
June 18, 8:30 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.

Sip & Sync Happy Hour in Middleton (June)
June 19, 4:30 PM [madison]
Join us for Sip & Sync - your casual networking meetup where meaningful connections happen over complimentary wine or coffee. Drop in for relaxed conversations, share insights, or simply enjoy meeting fellow WiT members and friends in a laid-back atmosphere.

Summerfest Tech 2025 - Day 1
June 23, 4:00 PM [milwaukee]
Join us for opening day’s event! Start the day with our inaugural Summerfest TechAI Invitational golf outing, and end the day at our opening keynote and happy hour at 3rd Street Market Hall.

Summerfest Tech 2025 - Day 2
June 24, 8:00 AM [milwaukee]
Create your agenda for Summerfest TechAI! Programming on this day includes keynotes, Healthcare & Biohealth Track, Energy & Sustainability Track, programming for founders, and tech ed courses.

Summerfest Tech 2025 - Day 3
June 25, 8:30 AM [milwaukee]
Create your agenda for Summerfest TechAI! Programming on this day includes keynotes, Advanced Manufacturing Track, Fin & InsurTech Track, Pitch Competition, programming for founders, and tech ed courses.

Summerfest Tech 2025 - Day 4
June 26, 12:00 PM [milwaukee]
ll Summerfest Tech attendees will receive FREE entrance to a networking luncheon on-site at Summerfest on Thursday, June 26, plus FREE admission to the music festival’s second weekend June 26-28, 2025 with their badge*.


Startup Accelerator Programs & Pitch Contests

Level Set by StartingBlock​
Enrollment for Winter, Spring, and Fall 2025 Cohorts Available!

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 Spring 2025 Incubator by MKE Tech
Application Deadline: TBD, Apply Now

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!

gBETA Milwaukee 2025​
Application Deadline: TBD (Rolling Applications)

gBETA is a free, seven-week accelerator for early-stage companies with local roots. Each program is capped at five teams and requires no fees and no equity.

Ignite Startup Accelerator
Application Deadline: TBD (Applications Now Open)

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.


Wisconsin Tech News

Gradmor leverages AI to drive workforce intelligence
Gradmor leverages artificial intelligence to optimize business performance through data-driven insights.

2025 Governor's Biz Plan Finalists Named
The Wisconsin Technology Council announced recently the 25 finalists of the 2025 Wisconsin Governor’s Business Contest.

DataChat Earns Google Designation
DataChat has earned the Google Cloud Ready - BigQuery designation, the company announced recently.

Grant program awards funding to seven UW startups
University of Wisconsin’s Discovery to Product awarded funding to seven UW startups Monday through a grant program managed by D2P and a matching fund of $250,000 from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, according to D2P Interim Director Abram Becker.

SHINE Partners with Sumitomo to Access Asia
SHINE Technologies is partnering with Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (SCOA), a leading global trading and investment company, the company announced today.

Bloomberg: Meta is the developer behind planned Beaver Dam data center
The company has not yet made a public announcement, and local leaders have not disclosed the developer behind the project.

Energy storage company with Milwaukee plant expanding production more than 70%
The battery manufacturer is expanding its capacity to produce nearly twice as many gigawatts.

Valency Fund: A New Approach to Scaling WI Startups
Valency Fund is a non-profit fund for growth-stage businesses the Wisconsin’s core industries: advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, and technology.

Madison Ranks Highest in State in Startup Poll
Madison ranked highest among Wisconsin cities in MarketBeat's latest nationwide report, which lists the most supportive places to launch a startup, based on…

Qolab Tapped for DARPA Quantum Initiative
Qolab has been selected as a co-leader, alongside Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), in the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Quantum

Green Bay ranked among nation's most supportive cities for business startups
Green Bay is one of the most supportive communities in Wisconsin for startups, according to a recent survey.

Food for Health fights chronic illness with nutrition
Food for Health, the first and only medically tailored meal (MTM) provider based in Wisconsin, is on a mission to combat diet-related disease.

Secchi proves value of employee recognition
Launched in 2021, Milwaukee-based Secchi created employee performance-focused software designed for use in an industrial setting.

EnsoData, Blackstone Medical Services to Partner
EnsoData is partnering with Blackstone Medical Services (BMS) to offer improved accessibility to diagnosis and treatment for millions of patients currently…

Two Hoffman projects achieve net-zero energy milestone
Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc. has achieved net-zero energy with two of the firm’s facility projects.

Wisconsin VC Funding for March 2025
According to PitchBook, Wisconsin startups raised at least $800,000 in disclosed funding in March 2025.

Exact Sciences Launches Oncodetect Test
Exact Sciences has launched Oncodetect, a new test designed to detect molecular residual disease (MRD) across multiple solid tumors, the company announced.

Is Wisconsin having a nuclear energy moment?
Research in fusion and a growing demand for electricity are prompting bipartisan momentum to promote nuclear power in Wisconsin.

SHINE Expands Distribution to UAE
SHINE Technologies and Modawina Medical Company (MMC) have entered a strategic distribution partnership to bring Ilumira, SHINE's non-carrier-added.

gener8tor Art stokes the creative economy
gener8tor Art x Sherman is designed for creative professionals; participants receive mentorship to strengthen the business side of their creative practice.

Promega, EditCo Bio to Partner
Promega has partnered with EditCo Bio, a leader in engineered cell solutions, offering high-quality, functionally validated CRISPR-edited cell lines…

'The nuclear renaissance': Wisconsin lawmakers discuss pro-nuclear energy bills
Wisconsin could become a leader in nuclear technology and should consider building new nuclear reactors, scientists and lawmakers say.

Invenra Launches B-Body Express
Invenra launched its B-Body Express Antibody Expression service, which enables biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to rapidly access the company’s…

TitletownTech makes $2.7 million investment in two winners of Startup Draft
Two startups took home a big prize Thursday at the first-ever Startup Draft…

Nexion Solutions expands impact
Nexion Solutions created NightWatch, a GPS-enabled device that connects directly to law enforcement, to aid domestic violence victims and high-risk witnesses.

UW-Madison startup Ubicept secures $1 million investment in TitletownTech Startup Draft
Ubicept, a company with its foundational technology developed at University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has been selected as one of two winners in the inaugural TitletownTech Startup Draft.

Okkanti joins Techstars
Karen Laing founded Okkanti in 2022 to address gaps in maternal health care. Now participating in the Spring 2025 Techstars Columbus accelerator, she brings her bold vision to a national stage.

UW Names 2025 Entrepreneurial Award Winners
Three University of Wisconsin innovators and alumni who advanced the Wisconsin Idea through their accomplishments in entrepreneurship earned the Chancellor’s…

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jacob@startupwi.org

Startup Wisconsin Newsletter

Helping tech founders, startups, investors, and talent get connected and discover events and programs across Wisconsin since 2017.

Read more from Startup Wisconsin Newsletter

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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. Upcoming Events Filter these events by city and topic on our events page. April UW Entrepreneur Meetup #10 April 3, 7:00 PM [Madison] This meetup is the official bi-weekly community meetup of the UW-Madison entrepreneurship community. If you are an experienced Madison-area founder wanting to get tapped into the UW entrepreneurship...