September 2025: 42+ Events, 3 Pitches, 7 Accelerators, 31 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.


Green Bay community planning for Startup Wisconsin Week

This year Startup Wisconsin Week is November 10-14, 2025.

Live in the Green Bay area and want to get involved, host an event, or sponsor? Meet Green Bay area founders, builders, and community leaders.

Join us a for a cold one at Copper State Brewing and meet the organizers of Startup Wisconsin Week. Learn more about how you can support our local Startup Green Bay Week, as well as the statewide efforts.

​Startup Wisconsin Week is designed to connect, celebrate, educate, and inspire tech founders and talent in Wisconsin.

Don't live in Green Bay area but want to host something in your city?

Reply to this email to get involved!

Why host an event?

  • Share your expertise to founders, tech leaders, and investors
  • Bring your community together around a topic you care about
  • Gain exposure and credibility as a local innovation leader
  • Co-create with us — panels, workshops, AMAs, pitch nights, you name it
  • Showcase innovation you’ve been working on inside your business

Apply to Host an Event

Support Startup Wisconsin Week

Put your brand at the center of tech and startup growth across the state.

Why sponsor?

  • Connect with founders & tech talent across Wisconsin
  • Get year-round brand visibility on our newsletter, events, podcast, and more.
  • Host or co-create standout events that align with your mission
  • Flexible and fun packages for unique brand experiences
    • Startup Supper Club Sponsor (Exclusive Dining Experience)
    • Founder Fuel Sponsor - Snacks and Beverages
    • Happy Hour Sponsor
    • Keynote Speaker Sponsor
    • Free Portrait Experience
    • and more!
  • Be known as a champion for innovation in Wisconsin

View Sponsor Options

Visit startupwiweek.com for more details!

Lately on the Podcast

Get to know Wisconsin's tech and startup ecosystem.

Learn about Wisconsin's growing tech scene through stories of startups, founders, investors, and the incredibly generous people making it happen.

EP 01
Building Startup Connections Across Wisconsin's Growing Tech Scene

Andrew Verboncouer and Jacob Miller, Startup Wisconsin

EP 02
Evolving the Path to Entrepreneurship at StartingBlock in Madison
Beth Ott, Director of Entrepreneurial Programming, StartingBlock

EP 03
AI-Powered Sales Training: Syrenn Cofounders Share Their Journey
Nati Solomon Fett and Colin Guest, Cofounders of Syrenn

EP 04
What's Wrong with Thought Leadership and How to Fix It
Dan Fogarty, LinkedIn Writer & Strategist

EP 05
From Solo Hacker to Cybersecurity CEO
Casey Cammilleri, CEO & Founder, Sprocket Security

EP 06
The Wisconsin Lab Using Evolution to Fight Obesity and Disease
Ben Sajdak, Director, Fauna Bio


Upcoming Events

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

September Events

StartingBlock's One Million Cups - September 2025
September 03, 9:00 AM [Madison]
This month features Dave Zvenyach and Eric Leventhal, both members of StartingBlock. Come listen to how these entrepreneurs are tackling problem spaces in their areas of expertise.

Evolving Superpowers: The Science of Extreme Animal Adaptations
September 03, 6:00 PM [Appleton]
Animals have evolved incredible disease resistance - from bees to elephants to ground squirrels. This talk explores how these natural "superpowers" inspire new treatments for human diseases.

September Code and Coffee
September 06, 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.

GB Community Night - Get Involved with Startup Wisconsin Week 2025
September 08, 5:00 PM [Green Bay]
Meet the Green Bay startup community for a cold one at Copper State Brewing. Learn how to get involved with Startup Wisconsin Week locally and statewide.

Build your own AI Agent - A Workshop Event in partnership with MAIC!
September 08, 5:00 PM [Milwaukee]
Hands-on session where you'll design, test, and connect domain-specific agents. Leave with a working prototype. For all skill levels interested in practical AI development.

Startup World Cup - USA Regional Sheboygan
September 08, 5:30 PM [Sheboygan]
Cheer on local startups pitching for a chance to compete in San Francisco for a $1M investment prize. Celebrate Sheboygan’s growing startup ecosystem!

MadJS Monthly Meetup: Roundtable Discussion - September 2025
September 08, 6:15 PM [Madison]
Join a laid-back discussion with fellow JS developers on new tools, frameworks, and projects you're working on. Grab a drink and geek out!

StartingBlock's Coffee and Community for Startups: AI Coding + Vibe Coding
September 10, 9:00 AM [Madison]
Kick off our Affinity Group series with a new community designed for startup founders and tech enthusiasts working in AI and vibe coding spaces.

September Code + Brews
September 10, 5:00 PM [Milwaukee]
Casual evening gathering for developers to share code, ideas, and a brew. Open to all experience levels.

Building Agentic Apps: Intro to ADK (Agent Development Kit)
September 10, 6:00 PM [Virtual]
Learn how to develop agentic applications using the new Agent Development Kit. Presented by Madison Women in Tech and GDG Madison.

WiT SE Power in the Valley
September 11, 8:00 AM [Milwaukee]
Gain insights from Maribeth Achterberg, CIO of The Boldt Group, on leading with a growth mindset in male-dominated industries.

Learn how Milwaukee tech transfer programs collaborate
September 11, 11:30 AM [Milwaukee]
Learn how Milwaukee universities fuel startup growth through research commercialization and innovation transfer.

Healthcare Innovation Pitch Bootcamp: Legal, Regulatory and IP
September 11, 5:00 PM [Milwaukee]
Dive into legal, regulatory, and IP challenges in healthcare startup innovation at UWM Innovation Accelerator.

A Crash Course in Causal Inference
September 11, 6:30 PM [Madison]
Learn how causal inference adds “why” to machine learning with Python examples. Great intro talk for ML developers.

Sip & Sync in Kenosha - September
September 12, 8:30 AM [Kenosha]
Drop by for coffee and conversation with other WiT members in Kenosha. Relaxed networking and great vibes.

AI in Wireless Networks: 3GPP Standardization Status and Challenges
September 15, 5:15 PM [Madison]
Explore how AI is being standardized in 6G networks and how that impacts real-world deployment.

Madison's Geek Lunch
September 16, 11:45 AM [Madison]
A rotating conversation among techies over lunch. All are welcome—bring ideas or just listen in!

Sip & Sync in Appleton - September
September 17, 8:30 AM [Appleton]
Coffee networking for WiT members and friends in Appleton. Drop in, catch up, and share ideas.

StartingBlock's Her Network
September 17, 9:00 AM [Madison]
Monthly gathering for women and allies to share resources, ideas, and build community support.

FOUNDER/FEST - September 2025
September 17, 6:00 PM [Milwaukee]
Party-like networking for Midwest founders. Share wins, lessons, and startup stories in a relaxed setting.

2025 Wisconsin WOMEN Reception
September 18, 5:30 PM [Madison]
Featuring Maggie Brickerman, new president of the Tech Council. Reflections on 500+ startups and her vision ahead.

Founders Day - September 2025
September 24, 9:00 AM [Milwaukee]
Coworking, office hours, snacks, coffee, and a founder happy hour. Free and open to founders all day long.

StartingBlock's Accountability Groups
September 24, 9:00 AM [Madison]
Monthly meetup to track goals, share progress, and problem-solve with fellow founders. Get matched with an accountability buddy.

Group outing to Madison Nerd Nite!
September 24, 8:00 PM [Madison]
Join MWiT for a group night out at Madison's popular Nerd Nite event. Seats reserved but come early—it fills up fast!

StartingBlock's Lunch with a Founder - featuring Chris Fernandez
September 25, 12:00 PM [Madison]
Join a candid founder Q&A over lunch with Chris Fernandez of EnsoData. Hear lessons from his journey scaling a healthcare startup.

Healthcare Innovation Pitch Bootcamp: Venture Capital 101 and Pitch Prep
September 25, 5:00 PM [Milwaukee]
Learn the fundamentals of venture capital and polish your pitch at this UWM bootcamp for health innovators.

UW-Madison Discovery to Product: Wisconsin Entrepreneurs Showcase
September 25, 5:30 PM [Madison]
Celebrate Wisconsin founders from EnsoData, SideShift, and Stella & Chewy’s. Get inspired by their startup stories.

UW-Madison E-Business Consortium Annual Conference
September 30, 8:00 AM [Madison]
Explore 5 tracks—Customer Service, HR, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Tech—at one of the state’s top innovation conferences.

October Events

Sales Improv 101
October 1, 3:00 PM [Madison]
SalesImprov is a 6-week immersive training experience designed to help professionals master real-time communication, navigate objections, and build stronger stakeholder relationships—by combining the art of improv with the science of sales.

Godfrey & Kahn: 2025 Data Privacy Symposium
October 2, 1:00 PM [Milwaukee]
Gain practical insights on today's data privacy landscape from industry leaders and regulators. Learn about enforcement trends, global challenges, and real-world compliance strategies to better protect your organization.

October Code and Coffee
October 4, 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.

October Code + Brews
October 5, 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.

StartingBlock's Lunch with a Founder - featuring Nathan Allman
October 9, 12:00 PM [Madison]
Join us for our October Lunch with a Founder featuring Nathan Allman, Founder at Chefs For Seniors.

Sip & Sync in Milwaukee - October
October 10, 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.

MadJS Monthly Meetup: Roundtable Discussion
October 13, 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.

Wisconsin Biohealth Summit 2025 - Day 1
October 14, 8:00 AM [Madison]
Now a full two-day event, the Summit brings together visionaries, scientists, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and investors to explore how Wisconsin's thriving biohealth ecosystem is shaping the future—locally and globally.

2025 Equity in Tech Summit
October 14, 10:00 AM [Milwaukee]
This year's EIT Summit is all about proving that The Future is Built Here. Join us for a day filled with insightful discussions, innovative ideas, and an abundance of networking opportunities.

Wisconsin Biohealth Summit 2025 - Day 2
October 15, 8:00 AM [Madison]
Now a full two-day event, the Summit brings together visionaries, scientists, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and investors to explore how Wisconsin's thriving biohealth ecosystem is shaping the future—locally and globally.

Sip & Sync in Appleton - October
October 15, 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 - October 2025
October 15, 9:00 AM [Madison]
Join us for Her Network 2.0! Happening every 3rd Wednesday of the month, we'll gather on the 3rd floor in the Cafe to share what's going on in Madison and how we can support each other. We might bring in speakers for some events, but the primary focus is YOU, YOUR needs and questions, and YOUR time connecting with each other.

WEDC: 2025 Wisconsin Economic Summit
October 15, 10:00 AM [Green-bay]
Join over 400 leaders across business, government, and communities to explore how strategic investment, innovation, and collaboration can unlock Wisconsin's future growth, attract talent, and strengthen long‑term economic resilience.

Madison's Geek Lunch
October 21, 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.


Startup Accelerator Programs & Pitch Contests

Pitches

Southeast Wisconsin Pitch Perfect Competition
Application Deadline: Sept 17, 2025

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.

Wisconsin 2025 Early Stage Symposium
Application Deadline: October 3, 2025

Companies of all stages are invited to apply to pitch their stories to investors at the in-person Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium, set for Nov. 5-6 at Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison.

HATCH 2025 Pitch Competition
Application Deadline: TBA

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.

Programs

gBETA Urban League Fall 2025
Application Deadline: September 7, 2025

gBETA Urban League is open to Madison businesses owned by Black entrepreneurs and other entrepreneurs of color from high tech startups to Main Street small businesses. Help us help you uncover the hidden gems of the greater Madison community!

gBETA at WCTC's Applied AI Lab Fall 2025
Application Deadline: September 14, 2025

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.

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.

gener8tor Madison Accelerator 2026
Application Deadline: TBD (Rolling Applications)

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.


Wisconsin Tech News

2024 WI Investments Total $374M, Report Shows
In 2024, early-stage companies in Wisconsin raised $374 million, which is the lowest total since 2018, according to a report by the Wisconsin Technology Council.

Manufacturer Modine eyes $2B in data center revenue by fiscal 2028
It recently announced a $100 million investment to expand its manufacturing capacity for data center cooling products.

Scoreboord brings clarity to volleyball tournaments
Scoreboord is a digital platform designed to bring real-time volleyball match information to anyone with a smartphone and a QR code.

Fresh uses AI to cut food waste and simplify meal planning
Fresh is an AI-powered meal planning app that helps users prepare nutritious, affordable meals while making the most of the food they buy.

Herbal Aspect Produces THC-Free Hemp Strains with WARF
Herbal Aspect, a cannabis company, has begun production of a new line of THC-free hemp strains under a licensing agreement with the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.

Promega Commits to SBTi
Promega has committed to set near-term company-wide emission reductions with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Hemp battery startup's hyped $1 billion vision quietly disappears in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Battery Co., which had promised to replace jobs lost from Energizer plant closures in Portage and Fennimore, has gone "completely off the radar."

Fetch Launches Credit Card
Fetch is launching its first U.S. credit card this fall, the company announced recently.

$175M in public funding could support Port Washington data center hub
Here's why the city might provide incentives for the development.

Exact Sciences, Freenome Enter Agreement
Exact Sciences has entered into an exclusive agreement with Freenome, a biotechnology company pioneering an early cancer detection platform.

These firms scored the biggest early-stage investments in Wisconsin in 2024
See last year's largest early-stage investments by angel, venture capital and other equity investors in Wisconsin businesses.

Power line projects extending 85 miles pitched as data center campus plans take shape
A spokesman said the planned project is "needed to address proposed load increases in the Port Washington area."

Dairy tech delivers Wisconsin, global farmers round-the-clock herd updates
CowManager's innovative ear sensor technology helps dairy farmers monitor herd health, fertility, and nutrition 24/7.

Wisconsin Technology Council names new president
Maggie Brickerman succeeds Tom Still, who is retiring.

Why a UW-Madison 'treasure trove' of health data could go away
The County Health Rankings and Roadmaps will lose its Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funding after 2026. Wisconsin health workers are disappointed.

Madison firm makes largest investment with deal that values medtech at $2.25B
Two Wisconsin firms were part of the deal that lifted the company to unicorn status.

A second look at the Wisconsin Portfolio
The Wisconsin Portfolio omitted deals that represent $67,299,311 in 2024 transactions.

Atomix Logistics ranks ninth nationally as WI shines on 2025 Inc. 5000 list
49 Wisconsin businesses earned a spot on the newly released 2025 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.

Strudel streamlines technical support for faster resolutions
Strudel reduces the time it takes to solve technical problems, minimizes context switching for engineers and keeps high-value resources focused on innovation.

Sentry Equipment plans to lean more on AI to support future growth
Sentry Equipment is planning to leverage AI technology to support its future growth initiatives.

WiSys VentureHome Pitches at Forward Fest
The WiSys VentureHome network is a statewide initiative supported by the Universities of Wisconsin to foster local entrepreneurship, connecting regional startup hubs with university resources.

Bend Health Acquired by Lyra Health
Bend Health has been acquired by California-based Lyra Health, which made the announcement recently.

Visual effects executive calls for guardrails on AI
A visual effects executive is calling for proper guardrails and regulations around AI technology implementation.

Madison climate leaders seek local funding to track air quality
A federal grant will expire next year, and Madison sustainability officials want software to publish air quality data on user-friendly platforms.

Hill Capital offers alternative path to funding
Hill Capital Corporation offers funding to revenue-generating companies that don't fit the mold for venture capital or traditional bank financing.

Wisconsin VC funding for July 2025
According to PitchBook, Wisconsin startups raised at least $7.3 million in disclosed startup funding in July, 2025.

Boldt Co. aims to play active role in state's data center development
Boldt Company is positioning itself to be an active participant in Wisconsin's data center development initiatives.

WIA Announces 2025 Finalists
Twenty-seven companies and nonprofit organizations have been named the finalists for the 2025 Wisconsin Innovation Awards.

Still reflects on decades leading Tech Council, shares view of path ahead
Tom Still reflects on his decades of leadership at the Wisconsin Technology Council and shares his perspective on the organization's future direction.

Imbed Biosciences Adds PainGuard Products
Imbed Biosciences recently announced the launch of SAM PainGuard with Lidocaine, which encompasses Surgaflex PainGuard for surgical wounds.

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

Startup Wisconsin Newsletter

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

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