Startup Wisconsin is organized by Headway, a digital product agency based in Green Bay, WI.

Upcoming Events

October

​UW-Madison E-Business Consortium: Annual Conference​
​October 1st, 8 AM - 5 PM [Madison]​
The conference features five tracks – Customer Service, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, and Supply Chain – as well as a variety of strategic briefings, world-class keynotes, and a distinguished executive panel.

​WI Crypto Milwaukee Meetup​
​October 1st, 6 PM [Milwaukee]
​Whether you’re a seasoned blockchain enthusiast or just getting started, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals passionate about cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and its future impact.

​WI Tech Month Kick Off Happy Hour​
​October 1st, 6:30 PM [Milwaukee]
​Kick off Tech Month with us at a high-energy happy hour! Connect, network, and collaborate with fellow innovators, creators, and tech enthusiasts as we celebrate the vibrant tech ecosystem in Wisconsin.

​Unlocking AI’s Potential: Talent, Efficiency, and Growth in Milwaukee​
​October 2nd, 2 PM [Milwaukee]

Milky Way Tech Hub will host an insightful panel discussion on artificial intelligence (AI) at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (GMF) building, located within the Thrive On project.

​How I Built It: Appleton Founder Stories​
​October 2nd, 5 - 7 PM [Appleton]
​Q&A with local founder David McFarland, CEO and Co-Founder of Coterie Insurance. We'll hear about how David went from idea to having over 100+ employees and over $100M in capital raised. David recently relocated his family back to the area after having previously lived here while working in the insurance industry.This event will take place outside, please plan attire accordingly.

​Tech Innovators Pitch Competition​
​October 2nd, 5:30 PM [Milwaukee]
​Milky Way Tech Hub will host an exciting pitch competition as part of MKE Tech Week (the first week of WI Tech Month) at the ICSTARS venue. This event will spotlight entrepreneurs, startups, and founders as they showcase their innovative business ideas and tech-driven concepts.

​Tech Advocacy Day​
​October 3rd, 9 AM [Madison]
​Tech Advocacy Day is an immersive event designed for K-12 students, community members, corporate partners, and social impact departments to dive into the realm of technology policy and advocacy. Participants will explore the state capital, engage directly with state legislators, and actively advocate on crucial tech industry policies such as internet privacy, data security, and educational innovation.

​Panel Discussion: AI in Commercial Real Estate: Friend or Foe?​
​October 3rd, 11:30 AM [Milwaukee]

Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking panel discussion on the role of Artificial Intelligence in Commercial Real Estate (CRE). As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, AI has become a transformative force in various industries, including CRE. But is AI a valuable ally or a disruptive challenge for professionals in the field?

​WI Crypto Madison Meetup​
​October 3rd, 6 PM [Madison]
​Whether you're a seasoned blockchain enthusiast or just getting started, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals passionate about cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and its future impact.

​UW Student Entrepreneur Meetup #2​
​October 3rd, 7 PM [Madison]
​This meetup is a must-attend for any student looking to surround themself with ambitious entrepreneurs. It's where new startups form and big ideas are born at UW-Madison. All ages and experience levels are welcome.

​October Code and Coffee​
​October 5th, 9 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.

​Lunch & Learn: Investor Series w/Juan Gomez, Vice President of Lending and Investments at Madison Development Corporation​
​October 8th, 12 PM [Madison]​
This monthly event features top Wisconsin investors specializing in startup investments, offering insights into their company philosophy, investment interests, and criteria for potential investments. Founders can gain practical advice, participate in interactive Q&A sessions, and benefit from valuable networking opportunities.

​Startup Success Social Hour​
​October 8th, 4 PM [Milwaukee]
​Join us for Startup Success Social Hour as part of Wisconsin Tech Month! Get feedback on your startup over drinks with the gener8tor and Husch Blackwell teams.

​Manufacturing Tech Meetup​
​October 8th, 4:30 PM [Milwaukee]
​Our inaugural event that is helping manufactures understand technology solutions to help run your business better, safer, and more productive. Learn about emerging threats and best practices in manufacturing IT security.

​2024 Equity in Tech Summit
​October 9th, 1 - 6 PM [Milwaukee]
​This year's summit will focus on the theme of AI (artificial intelligence) and the future of work & education. Join us for a day filled with insightful discussions, innovative ideas, and abundant networking opportunities.

​October Code + Brews​
​October 9th, 5 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.

​FOUNDER/FEST XIV​
​October 9th, 6 PM [Milwaukee]​
An experience that brings Midwest area startup founders together to build a community of support and celebration. Founders come to network and hear stories from those who have actually built, scaled, and lost businesses in an informal, party-like setting.

​Beers with Peers Tap Talks – Lakefront Brewery​
​October 10th, 4 PM [Milwaukee]
​Ed Walton, CEO of STEP, will be sharing an amazing Tap Talk on Industry 4.0, AI Driven Enterprise, and Hybrid 5G Networks use cases including real world examples from the NFL, Bourbon, and Manufacturing Industries.‍

​State of .NET Development Platform – Focusing on AI​
​October 10th, 6 PM [Milwaukee]
​Technical review of the .NET Conf Focus on AI and recent AI .NET developments. Hosted by the Wisconsin .Net User Group.

​The Rust Invasion: New Possibilities in the Python Ecosystem​
​October 10th, 6:30 PM [Madison]​
These Rust-powered tools are reshaping the Python development landscape. We'll examine their practical applications, from local development environments to deployment scenarios, including containerization strategies.

​HardTech Accelerator Presentations​
​October 11th, 5 PM [Madison]
​This is the culminating event for our eight founders. Enjoy a showcase of innovation, storytelling, and future possibilities. RSVP by Oct 4th.

​Why Milwaukee with David Reeves, CEO of Ready Rebound​
​October 14th, 4:30 PM [Milwaukee]

Black Sheep is a group of like-minded innovative tech forward people helping to build the local tech ecosystem. David grew up in Milwaukee and spent most of his career growing companies around the country. Learn why David is back here and working to grow our tech ecosystem.

​Navigating the AI Landscape: Policy, Ethics, and Social​
​October 14th, 6 PM [Madison]​
We will discuss the potential profound ethical, social, and policy implications AI may present. This meetup will explore the thought leadership aspects of AI, discussing its potential for good while acknowledging and attempting to provide risk-mitigating strategies.

​MadJS Monthly Meetup: Roundtable Discussion​
​October 14th, 6:15 PM [Madison]​
Continuing with their 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.

​How To: Find What Fits for You - The Spectrum of Entrepreneurship​
​October 15th, 8:30 AM [Virtual]
​Join MFC with Ayrton Bryan as we explore what type of entrepreneurial path aligns with your lifestyle and aspirations.

​Madison's Geek Lunch hosted by MADdotNET​
​October 15th, 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.

​NEW Digital Alliance Tech Summit 2024​
​October 15th, 1 - 5 PM [Neenah]
​A lot has happened in the past year since Generative AI burst onto the scene. Join us at our 2024 Tech Summit as we revisit this technology and dive into the advancements and current state of AI one year later. Interact with industry leaders from Gartner, Microsoft, and Google.

​2024 Wisconsin Economic Summit​
​October 15-16th [La Crosse]​
This year promises to be a groundbreaking event that will explore the latest trends in innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) and how they are shaping the future of our economy.

​Level Up! Launch Pad Session 1 – Introduction and Customer Interviews Intro​
​October 15th, 5 PM [Virtual]
​These sessions help entrepreneurs connect the dots, understand the process and what it takes to bring their product or service to market. Level Up! Launch Pad helps founders gain a better understanding of their customers’ user journey, and ultimately fine-tune their entrepreneurial mindset through an innovation lens.

​Doyenne Informational Session - October 2024​
​October 16th, 12 PM [Madison]​
Curious to know more about Doyenne and how it can help you with your venture? These live informational sessions cover our educational events, workshops, programs and membership benefits with casual Q&A to help you determine where to plug-in to the community.

​Women in Technology: Engineering Opportunities & Solutions in Energy Technology​
​October 16th, 8:30 AM [Milwaukee]
​This panel will discuss the gender gap in the technology field and panelists will share their perspectives and opportunities to bring more women into the energy and tech sectors.

​4th Annual Small Business Owners Conference & Awards​
​October 16-17th [Milwaukee]
​The Small Business event of the year for solopreneurs and micro-businesses in downtown Milwaukee. Join hundreds of fellow small business owners for an unforgettable two-day event packed with inspiring talks, practical workshops, and unbeatable networking opportunities.

​Wisconsin Tech Invitational: Fore the Future of Tech​
​October 17th, 9 AM - 3:30 PM [Fairways of Woodside/Sussex]
​The “Wisconsin Tech Invitational: Fore the Future of Tech” is more than just a golf outing—it’s a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, showcase your brand, and support a cause that’s driving the future of technology. This event will bring together tech enthusiasts and industry leaders for a day of golf, networking, and philanthropy, all while supporting Red Planet AI’s mission to upskill individuals in tech.

​ech Leadership Unplugged: Insights & Innovations with ManpowerGroup​
​October 17th, 2 - 6 PM [Milwaukee]
​WTA, WI Tech Month, and Summerfest Tech are teaming up on the October session! More details to come soon, but attend and hear from ManpowerGroup, WI Tech Month partner and leader, as an executive-level leader speaks to the trends and innovations impacting IT and tech leadership today.

​Going Paperless – Leveraging AI and IoT to Automate Data Collection​
​October 17th, 3:30 PM [Milwaukee]
​Paper and clipboard is still used for data collection in many industries. We will be discussing about how data collection can be automated leveraging AI and IoT.

​Level Up! Launch Pad Session 2 – Customer Interviews and User Personas Intro​
​October 17th, 5 PM [Virtual]
​These sessions help entrepreneurs connect the dots, understand the process and what it takes to bring their product or service to market. Level Up! Launch Pad helps founders gain a better understanding of their customers’ user journey, and ultimately fine-tune their entrepreneurial mindset through an innovation lens.

​UW Student Entrepreneur Meetup #3​
​October 17th, 7 PM [Madison]
​This meetup is a must-attend for any student looking to surround themself with ambitious entrepreneurs. It's where new startups form and big ideas are born at UW-Madison. All ages and experience levels are welcome.

​Cyber Visionaries: Empowering the Future of Cybersecurity - Women in Technology Wisconsin​
​October 18th, 7 - 9 AM [Appleton]
​Kickstart your day with a morning where we delve into the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity with one of its dynamic leaders. Speaker Deidre Diamond, Founder and CEO of CyberSN and the visionary leader behind "The Day of Shecurity," will share her remarkable journey from her early beginnings to becoming a trailblazer in the cybersecurity industry. Her insights and experiences offer invaluable knowledge, empower attendees to navigate and innovate in this critical field.

​Level Up! Launch Pad Session 3 – User Personas and Journey Mapping​
​October 22nd, 5 PM [Virtual]

These sessions help entrepreneurs connect the dots, understand the process and what it takes to bring their product or service to market. Level Up! Launch Pad helps founders gain a better understanding of their customers’ user journey, and ultimately fine-tune their entrepreneurial mindset through an innovation lens.

​Data Day 2024​
​October 23rd, 8 AM [Milwaukee]
​Data Day is an annual event, hosted by Data You Can Use, which provides an opportunity for leaders from neighborhoods, nonprofits, universities, the public sector, and beyond to better understand what data are available, the implications of data on community revitalization, and how to increase connections between research and practice. This year’s theme is Measures and Movements: Using Data to Spark Change.

​Startup Spotlight: Open Mic for Madison Innovators​
​October 23rd, 5 - 7 PM [Madison]
​This unique event blends the excitement of an open mic night with the energy of Madison's startup scene, providing a platform for founders to share their ideas, pitch their startups, and connect with potential collaborators, partners, and customers. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring founder, or just someone with a great idea, this event is your chance to step into the spotlight.

​Level Up! Launch Pad Session 4 – Problem Statement, Final Share-Out, & Reflection​
​October 24th, 5 PM [Virtual]
​These sessions help entrepreneurs connect the dots, understand the process and what it takes to bring their product or service to market. Level Up! Launch Pad helps founders gain a better understanding of their customers’ user journey, and ultimately fine-tune their entrepreneurial mindset through an innovation lens.

​AI & Future of Work: Leverage AI + Break Into Tech Without A Tech Degree​
​October 24th, 5:30 PM [Milwaukee]
​Join IC stars for an engaging panel discussion where industry professionals and technical recruiters share how they successfully built tech careers without a traditional technical background.

​Tech Hackathon with Latinos in Tech​
​October 26th, 9 AM - 5 PM [Milwaukee]
​WTM is partnering with Latinos in Tech to put on a hackathon during Wisconsin Tech Month! It’s going to be held at Tenor High School across from the UWM Panther Arena downtown. They only have 75 spots so RSVP soon..

​Wisconsin Biohealth Summit 2024 Powered by BioForward​
​October 28-29th [Madison]​
Explore the future of biohealth. Sessions will cover groundbreaking advancements in AI, sustainable practices, emerging growth companies, and the latest developments from the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub.

​Halloween Spooktechular - WI Tech Month Closing Party​
​October 30th, 3:30 - 6:30 PM [Milwaukee]
​As the official wrap event for WI Tech Month, we're going full Halloween mode with a DJ, a costume contest and more. Presented by Synergy Technology Advisors.

​Gents In Tech: Innovating Responsibly​
​October 30th, 6 PM [Milwaukee]
​An in-person event where attendees can meet and mingle with like-minded professionals, share their resumes, and experience a thought provoking discussion on Innovating Responsibly in the tech industry with expert Nicholas Dillon. Alongside this immersive discussion, the event will feature a panel session with influential and innovative male leaders in tech.

​Offsite Housing Ideation Workshop​
​October 31st, 9 AM - 1 PM [Madison]
​Join us for the Offsite Housing Ideation Workshop, where industry leaders and innovators will collaborate to tackle the most pressing challenges in housing. This workshop is designed to generate creative, actionable solutions through group ideation and expert facilitation. Don't miss this chance to contribute to the future of offsite housing!

​Embrace the Future of Fitness: Data-Driven Health and Wellness​
​October 31st, 7 PM [Milwaukee]
​An exclusive look at how technology is redefining approaches to health, fitness, and wellness. Hosted by a renowned Health and Wellness Coach, this event promises to explore the innovative world of 3D body scanning alongside the daily uses of fitness trackers, apps, and online programs.

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November

​UW Student Entrepreneur Meetup #4​
​November 7th, 7 PM [Madison]
​This meetup is a must-attend for any student looking to surround themself with ambitious entrepreneurs. It's where new startups form and big ideas are born at UW-Madison. All ages and experience levels are welcome.

​The Midwest Game Industry Conference​
​November 8th [Madison]​
MDEV stands as a cornerstone event of the Midwest game industry, catering to both seasoned professionals and aspiring creators eager to transition into the industry. Six years running it has served as the essential hub for developers and industry professionals from Wisconsin, the broader Midwest, and beyond, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the latest developments in the science, art, mechanics, and business of games.

​MadJS Monthly Meetup: Roundtable Discussion​
​November 11th, 6:15 PM [Madison]​
Continuing with their 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.

​Lunch & Learn: Investor Series w/Carrie Thome, Managing Director at NVNG​
​November 12th, 12 PM [Madison]​
A monthly event featuring top investors from Wisconsin who specialize in startup investments. Each session provides a comprehensive overview of the investor's company philosophy, areas of investment interest, and the rationale behind their past and present startup investments.

​B2B SaaS Club​
​November 12th, 3 PM [Milwaukee]
​The Midwest Founders Community (MFC) is pioneering a new program and coalition designed to facilitate partnerships between B2B SaaS startups and Chief Information Officers (CIOs), Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), and Chief Innovation Officers (CIOs) of mid-to-large corporations.

​How to: Leverage the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation​
​November 19th, 8:30 AM [Virtual]​
Get a comprehensive understanding of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and learn about its pivotal role and the support network available to startups and growing businesses in the state.

​Madison's Geek Lunch hosted by MADdotNET​
​November 19th, 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.

​UW Student Entrepreneur Meetup #5​
​November 21st, 7 PM [Madison]
​This meetup is a must-attend for any student looking to surround themself with ambitious entrepreneurs. It's where new startups form and big ideas are born at UW-Madison. All ages and experience levels are welcome.

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Startup Pitch Opportunities

​Kimberly-Clark Demo Day​
​Application Deadline: Early November 2024
​Kimberly-Clark is actively seeking innovative startups across more than 35 critical focus areas such as Digital Health, Sustainable Packaging, and Smart Hygiene Solutions. Selected startups will have the unique opportunity to pitch their solutions at a Demo Day to Kimberly-Clark executives, with the goal of initiating pilot projects or forming strategic partnerships.

​New North Pitch Series 2024​
​Application Deadline: October 31st, 2024​
New North Inc., as part of its efforts to support entrepreneurism in the region, is working with 12 of its local partners to hold pitch events during Startup Week in Wisconsin. The event winners will advance to a regional pitch event scheduled for Wednesday, December 4, at TitletownTech in Green Bay.

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Startup Programs

​gBETA Kenosha Winter 2024​
​Application Deadline: November 15th, 2024​
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.

​gener8tor Milwaukee Accelerator 2025​
​Application Deadline: December 4th, 2024​
gener8tor invests in five 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. Accepted startups receive $100K and 12 weeks of mentorship-driven programming.

​Northwestern Mutual Black Founder Accelerator Spring and Fall 2025​
​Application Deadline: February 10th, 2025​
The Northwestern Mutual Black Founder Accelerator, powered by gener8tor, invests in high-growth startups that are building products for consumers’ changing financial preferences, reimagining the client experience, advancing the digital health revolution, or creating transformational analytics and technologies.

​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.

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Wisconsin Tech News

​FOR-M Tech Startup Incubator Launches 10th Cohort as It Marks Its 5th Year​
This fall, MKE Tech Hub Coalition’s FOR-M Tech Startup Incubator is celebrating a significant milestone as it kicks off its 10th cohort on September 16th. Established in the fall of 2019, the incubator program has played a crucial role in fostering Milwaukee’s tech startup ecosystem.

​NM’s Black Founder Accelerator cohort is underway​
Ten high-growth, scalable startups have been selected to participate in the Northwestern Mutual Black Founder Accelerator. These U.S.-based companies are working on innovations in the data analytics, digital health, fintech and Insurtech industries.

​Wisconsin VC funding for August 2024​
According to PitchBook, Wisconsin startups raised at least $6 million in August.

​Get to know Ictect​
Jain, founder of tech startup Ictect, a mashup of the words “intelligent content architectures,” is certain that the coming AI revolution will be wildly profitable for those who are prepared.

​MKE Tech Hub supports startups with loan program​
MKE Tech Hub Coalition created the FOR-M Loan program to address the funding needs of the vast majority of startup founders.

​Startup World Cup collaboration adds spark to 2024 Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium
​Through an agreement with Pegasus Tech Ventures and its “Startup World Cup” process, the Nov. 13-14 Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium will be a regional qualifying event for the 2025 world cup competition.

​Scientists in Madison studying synthetic materials with applications in stem cell research​
Scientists with the Morgridge Institute for Research in Madison have been testing new synthetic materials used for turning stem cells into heart muscle cells, with applications in bio-manufacturing.

​Chairs of AI task forces discuss potential for job market impacts
​DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek and state Rep. Nate Gustafson, R-Fox Crossing, said AI has the potential to improve the jobs market for Wisconsinites.

​Funding announced for companies launched by UW-Madison researchers​
Seven projects linked to startups founded by UW-Madison researchers have been chosen for $500,000 in funding from the State Economic Engagement and Development program, supporting further research and technology advancement.

​Cybersecurity could be ‘Achilles’ heel’ for manufacturers, report shows​
The Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity says cybersecurity may be the “Achilles’ heel” for manufacturers as online threats become more sophisticated thanks to AI.

​WEDC to submit ‘concept paper’ in hopes of landing manufacturing AI project​
WEDC is assembling a “concept paper” later this month for the National Institute of Standards and Technology in hopes of landing a proposed manufacturing AI project in Wisconsin.

​Fetch Receives Patent for DICE Approach​
Fetch has secured a patent for its Dynamic Integrated Celebration Engine (DICE), the company announced recently.

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Have questions?
​We've got you. Ask away!
jacob@startupwi.org

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