INNOVATE® Milwaukee

Innovations of the World

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

INNOVATE® Milwaukee: Unveiling the Dynamic Epicenter of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Welcome to the heartbeat of innovation, the birthplace of visionary ideas, and the haven for entrepreneurial spirits—Milwaukee, America’s brewing city that’s fermenting a new concoction of innovation!

Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Wisconsin, Milwaukee offers more than its famed breweries and stunning lakefront. This city boasts an undercurrent of innovation and entrepreneurial zeal that’s reshaping its business landscape.

Milwaukee is a treasure trove of diversity—a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and perspectives. The city’s unique blend of heritage, creativity, and industriousness fosters an ecosystem that nurtures groundbreaking ideas and groundbreaking leaders.

What makes Milwaukee shine on the innovation map is its rich history of resilience and reinvention. From its manufacturing roots to its current emergence as a technology and entrepreneurship hub, Milwaukee has evolved dynamically, blending tradition with modernity.

The city’s business landscape is a tapestry woven with pioneering startups, forward-thinking enterprises, and academic institutions fueling research and innovation. Collaborations between industries and academia are transforming ideas into impactful ventures that create ripples far beyond the city limits.

Milwaukee’s innovation scene is characterized by its inclusivity and collaborative spirit. The support systems, co-working spaces, and innovation hubs resonate with an energy that encourages collaboration and the cross-pollination of ideas. It’s a place where innovative thinkers gather, exchange insights, and forge ahead together.

Key sectors like technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and sustainability are thriving here. Milwaukee’s entrepreneurs and businesses are redefining what it means to innovate, focusing not only on technological advancements but also on social impact and sustainability.

Moreover, Milwaukee’s educational institutions stand tall, nurturing the next generation of innovators. Their research prowess and dedication to fostering a culture of innovation play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s future.

As part of the INNOVATE® Series, we’re excited to unravel the myriad stories, success sagas, and groundbreaking initiatives that define Milwaukee’s innovation landscape. Through insightful articles, thought-provoking interviews, and captivating narratives, we aim to showcase the brilliance, resilience, and transformative potential that Milwaukee embodies.

Join us on this exhilarating expedition through Milwaukee’s innovation universe. Let’s celebrate the visionaries, trailblazers, and game-changers propelling this city towards a future bright with innovation, growth, and boundless possibilities.

Ecosystem Champions

Thank you to MKE Tech for making this book possible, they are the voice and champion of Innovate® Milwaukee that unifies the community!

Featured Thought Leaders

Featured Thought Leaders

Featured Innovators

Featured Innovators

CONTINUUS

DATA ENABLEMENT FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES INNOVATORS

Continuus is a data and analytics consulting firm headquartered in the heart of Milwaukee’s bustling Third Ward. Continuus is uniquely positioned to be the integrator and advisor that brings the Financial Services Data Cloud ecosystem together through technical expertise, partnerships, and core differentiator: industry expertise. Founder’s StoryMatt Moeser founded Continuus...

VERSITI

BEYOND THE BLOOD CENTER – INNOVATING ACROSS THE SPECTRUM OF BLOOD HEALTH

BEYOND THE BLOOD CENTER – INNOVATING ACROSS THE SPECTRUM OF BLOOD HEALTH Versiti has established itself as a leader in blood health innovation and clinical testing services for clinicians, health care providers, and researchers. Originally founded as a community blood banking initiative in 1947, the organization now known as Versiti,...

REX K-12-FROM VISION TO IMPACT

FROM VISION TO IMPACT

Rex K-12 is at the forefront of a transformative wave redefining the educational landscape in Milwaukee – and beyond. It is a company preparing the next generation for a rapidly evolving digital world. This story isn’t just about innovation; it’s a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and the...

ECOURT REPORTERS

TECHNOLOGY TO LOCATE AND BOOK LEGAL SERVICE PROVIDERS

eCourt Reporters is a court reporter/women-owned company. eCourt Reporters was created out of a need for locating qualified, experienced court reporters and legal videographers. eCourt Reporters’ app is a custom-built, high-tech, innovative technology to schedule court reporters and other legal services. Karen Renee, CEO; Judy Gerulat, COO; and Justin Furst,...

STRATUS INDUSTRIES

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING: HOW STRATUS INDUSTRIES IS PIONEERING A NEW ERA

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING: HOW STRATUS INDUSTRIES IS PIONEERING A NEW ERA Stratus Industries, established in 2013, is redefining manufacturing by combining traditional strengths with a tech-driven approach. Led by co-founder Lyle Stoflet, the company embodies the motto “Make Manufacturing Cool Again,” aiming to reshape an industry often seen...

MSOE

INNOVATION AT THE FOREFRONT

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) stands as a beacon of innovation, driving forward the boundaries of what’s possible in engineering, business, technology and nursing. With a legacy that intertwines with the heart of Milwaukee’s development, MSOE has become synonymous with excellence, opportunity, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. At the...

FINDORFF

TRANSFORMING A SPACE SO IT BETTER BENEFITS THE STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND COMMUNITY

TRANSFORMING A SPACE SO IT BETTER BENEFITS THE STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND COMMUNITY For over a decade, Findorff has been honored to build, reimagine, and renovate various spaces at Marquette University. From smaller and expedited projects to multi-million state-of-the-art facilities, Findorff understands the importance of innovation and deeply appreciates and values...

BROOKSOURCE

A RELATIONSHIP-FOCUSED APPROACH TO BUILDING THE FUTURE OF TECH & MILWAUKEE!

Since 2000, Brooksource has established and maintained lasting relationships with its clients, consultants, and the Milwaukee community to create unparalleled experiences. Brooksource is a trusted services provider that specializes in delivering Engineering and IT initiatives for Fortune 500 organizations and the public sector through Experience-Driven Staffing, Professional Services, as well...

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE

A BEACON OF INNOVATION

Just minutes from downtown Milwaukee, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is one of the top research universities in the nation, and one of only two top-rated research universities in the state. Serving as a bridge between academia and industry, UWM does more than just ensure that all students have equitable...

CONCURRENCY

LEADING THE FUTURE WITH INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE

At Concurrency, the journey is defined by a relentless pursuit of innovation, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to transforming businesses through cutting-edge technology solutions. As a distinguished 12-time Microsoft Partner of the Year winner and a top AI Partner, Concurrency is at the forefront of the digital revolution, empowering organizations...

MILWAUKEE METROPOLITAN SEWERAGE DISTRICT

INNOVATION IN WATER MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

INNOVATION IN WATER MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP Since 1994, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) has captured and cleaned an impressive 98.6% of the water entering the regional sewers from its 423-square-mile service area. This is a significant achievement, considering that many metropolitan areas struggle to capture and clean the...

zizzl health

Igniting a Revolution in the Traditional Benefits Landscape

A recent breakthrough is making it more affordable for employers to offer high quality group health insurance benefits. At the forefront of this benefits innovation stands zizzl health, a trailblazer in the field of Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs). When the Executive Order solidifying ICHRA as an ACA-compliant health...

WEAR-TECH

INNOVATING SAFETY

WEAR-TECH – DETECT – PREDICT – PROTECT™ “Our homegrown AI companion, MAHI™, is aware of its users’ environment and alerts the wearer and the caregivers if a vulnerable loved one inadvertently heads towards a hazard.” A profound loss propelled an innovator in Hartland, WI, to create predictive safety technologies for...

ASSOCIATED BANK

MAKING BANKING BETTER FOR EVERYONE

Associated Bank (Associated) operates under the guiding principle of being the “Champion of You.” Every choice and investment made is inspired by customer feedback and aims to strengthen their financial health and simplify their financial lives. The bank’s ranking as #1 for Retail Banking Customer Satisfaction in the Upper Midwest...

NVNG

ELEVATING WISCONSIN’S VENTURE SCENE: THE POWER OF NETWORKS UNLEASHED

Wisconsin-based NVNG is a boutique investment advisory firm with a unique superpower: curating connections. Founded by Carrie Thome and Grady Buchanan in 2019, NVNG (Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained) is on a mission to make Wisconsin’s venture ecosystem globally competitive by leveraging the power of strategic networks. “We have the right...

THE WATER COUNCIL

INNOVATING THE FUTURE: THE WATER COUNCIL’S VISIONARY JOURNEY

In the heart of Milwaukee, where the vast expanse of Lake Michigan meets the city’s vibrant streets, a transformation in water technology and stewardship is underway. This isn’t just a story of a city that grew from the rich waters of the Great Lakes; it’s a narrative of revolution, where...

METRO MLS

A COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION

“Innovation is a cumulation of creativity and ingenuity with a splash of chaos that produces something of great substance.” Metro MLS has been reshaping the landscape of real estate in Wisconsin since its establishment in 1962. This powerhouse serves over 10,000 real estate professionals across the state, constantly pushing the...

NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

INNOVATING IN FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR MORE THAN 165 YEARS

INNOVATING IN FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR MORE THAN 165 YEARS Founded in 1857, Northwestern Mutual, a FORTUNE 500® financial services company, embodies a unique culture dedicated to helping people achieve financial security. As a mutual company, Northwestern Mutual answers to its policy owners — not Wall Street. Through a comprehensive planning...

GENO.ME

A REAL-WORLD APPROACH TO BETTER CLINICAL RESEARCH OUTCOMES

Geno.Me is a biotechnology company that was born from the idea of empowering people to take greater ownership of their health data, because it is a valuable and necessary asset to advance medical research. With a focus on creating better ways to treat populations that have diseases with a genetic...

WAUKESHA COUNTY TECHNICAL COLLEGE

LEADING HIGHER EDUCATION INTO THE FUTURE

Waukesha County Technical College, one of 16 Colleges part of the Wisconsin Technical College System, has been a leader of workforce development and training in Southeastern Wisconsin for more than a century. The College is focused on educating students for in-demand jobs and contributing to the economy by providing skilled...

CODEWORKS

PURPOSE. PASSION. PEOPLE.

Codeworks began in 1995 when Mark Theisen, a software developer, recognized the need for a software development consulting firm that provided high-level quality talent at reasonable rates. There was a lot of competition popping up in the IT consulting industry at the time, but he saw companies that were inefficient...

HSA Bank

HSA BANK IS BUILDING A NEW ERA OF TECHNOLOGY-FOCUSED EXPERIENCES IN FINANCE

HSA BANK IS BUILDING A NEW ERA OF TECHNOLOGY-FOCUSED EXPERIENCES IN FINANCE Technology-driven experience and innovation have the potential to transform employee benefits from a traditional offering into a strategic differentiator for organizations. The benefits sector, traditionally not seen as a tech ‘powerhouse’, is undergoing rapid change as organizations leverage...

RAPID RADICALS

UNLEASHING INNOVATION: RAPID RADICALS’ TORRENTIAL TRIUMPH

In July 2010, nine inches of rain fell in a very short amount of time, filling the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s (MMSD) service area pipes with some 64 billion gallons of water. A storm of this severity is only likely to occur once every 500 years, but the frequency is...

DATA HOLDINGS

KEEPING BUSINESSES’ DATA SECURE AND AVAILABLE

Data Holdings is a premier Tier III+ commercial data center, centrally located in Milwaukee with a LEED gold design. Offering a full suite of solutions and services designed to meet any needs, Data Holdings is a highly secure facility with 24/7 staffing and monitoring. Commissioned in 2013 by Potawatomi Ventures,...

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The Publisher

Daniel Esterhuyse

Daniel is the Head of International Publishing Partnerships at Innovations of the World. Born and raised in South Africa, he currently resides in Johannesburg with his wife of 19 years, their 12-year-old daughter, and three cats—FluffPuff, Roxy, and Gizmo, all girls.  An entrepreneur since his school days, Daniel has co-founded various small and large businesses.... click to read more

The Publisher

Daniel Esterhuyse

Daniel is the Head of International Publishing Partnerships at Innovations of the World. Born and raised in South Africa, he currently resides in Johannesburg with his wife of 19 years, their 12-year-old daughter, and three cats—FluffPuff, Roxy, and Gizmo, all girls.  An entrepreneur since his school days, Daniel has co-founded various small and large businesses.... click to read more

Other Ecosystems