INNOVATE® Milwaukee

Innovations of the World

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

THIS INCLUSIVE APPROACH REFLECTS OUR BELIEF THAT GENUINE INNOVATION FLOURISHES WHEN WE HARNESS THE FULL SPECTRUM OF TALENTS AND IDEAS OUR REGION HAS TO OFFER.
KATHY HENRICH, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MKE TECH HUB COALITION

Dear Reader,

As we present this collection of innovative stories from southeast Wisconsin, we are reminded of the extraordinary transformation our region has undergone in recent years. What you hold in your hands is not merely a compilation of business successes, but a testament to the collaborative spirit and visionary thinking that has helped push Wisconsin forward.

Since the inception of the MKE Tech Hub Coalition, we’ve been guided by a bold vision of technology as an economic driver in the region. We’ve operated with a civic mindset, while constantly evolving to market needs and opportunities to address the region’s most pressing needs in tech.

Our approach balances the pursuit of transformational, high-impact initiatives with responsive programs that address immediate market needs. We refer to this focus as our “go far” and “go fast” strategies. These ensure that we build lasting foundations while remaining nimble enough to seize emerging opportunities. Through our three strategic lanes, attracting tech companies and talent, building a diverse tech talent pipeline, and scaling the innovation ecosystem, we are systematically addressing the key elements required for sustained technological advancement and economic prosperity.

The past year displayed immense progress in our region’s collective journey. We witnessed major investments and recognitions that signal southeast Wisconsin’s emergence as a formidable player in the national innovation economy:

  • Microsoft’s $3.3B investment focuses on artificial intelligence and economic growth in Wisconsin
  • BioHealth Tech Hub designation focuses on propelling Wisconsin into a global leader in personalized medicine and biohealth technologies
  • Water + Energy Forward engine focuses on addressing the water-energy-waste nexus at small and medium-sized manufacturers and wastewater utilities in Wisconsin

These accomplishments represent significant milestones on our path toward becoming a “superstar” tech hub. However, they tell only part of the story. The true strength of the region lies in the interconnected ecosystem of innovators, entrepreneurs, established businesses, educational institutions, and community partners who collaborate daily to continue the momentum in the region.

As you explore these accounts of creative problem-solving, perseverance, and vision, you’ll discover that many represent members of the MKE Tech Hub Coalition. Yet we’ve intentionally included voices from across the broader community, recognizing that meaningful progress emerges from diverse perspectives and collaborative efforts that transcend organizational boundaries. This inclusive approach reflects our belief that genuine innovation flourishes when we harness the full spectrum of talents and ideas our region has to offer.

The accomplishments featured in these pages should inspire pride in what we’ve achieved together and optimism for what lies ahead. As we continue this journey together, we invite you to find your place in this unfolding story. Stay up to date on what’s happening in the #mketech region by visiting choosemketech.org

Kathy Henrich, Chief Executive Officer, Molly Mulroy, Board Chair, MKE Tech Hub Coalition.


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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

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...

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...

BiaCure Therapies

Redefining Healthcare Standards

BiaCure™ Therapies Redefining Healthcare Standards: The Wisconsin Leaders Bringing Breakthrough Medical Solutions to Life. Innovation isn’t just about discovering new technologies—it’s about assembling the right team of experts to solve the most pressing unmet clinical needs. This belief has fueled every venture led by Laura King. BiaCure is more than...

MARS SOLUTIONS GROUP

DISCOVERING DIVERSE TALENT THROUGH ALTERNATE PIPELINES

MARS Solutions Group is an award-winning talent solution supplier for information technology (IT), engineering, manufacturing, admin-clerical, healthcare, and professional roles located in Waukesha, WI. Founded by Rashi Arora-Khosla, an accomplished Enterprise Architect, and CEO of MARS Solutions Group, she launched MARS with boot strap capital and grew it organically into...

Zentrix.ai

The Founders of Zentrix.ai Turn Their Passion for Stock Trading and Innovation Into an AI-Powered Stock Insights Platform

Founded in 2024 by Wyatt Johnson and Connor Van Crete, Zentrix.ai brings the tools and confidence of institutional trading to retail stock traders. Wyatt and Connor became interested in the stock market throughout high school, and quickly came to understand how cut-throat it can be. Conducting thorough research and data...

TALIMER

THE WORLD OF TALENT IS CHANGING. IS YOUR BUSINESS READY?

Talent moves fast. Whether businesses are looking for top tech, marketing, or creative talent, finding the right resources for an organization’s needs takes serious time, diligence, and focus. In addition, study after study shows that more professionals are moving towards independent, flexible forms of employment. These are motivated, confident, highly-skilled...

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...

READY REBOUND

ELITE HEALTHCARE NAVIGATION FOR OUR HEROES AND THEIR FAMILIES.

Ready Rebound is a Health and Wellness Solution for first responders and their families. Through early injury detection and expedited, quality care, they significantly reduce time to recovery and decreases risk of injuries. The ProblemWhen it comes to first responders, local governments are facing unique challenges. Departments are chronically understaffed....

MKE TECH HUB

A LEGACY OF INNOVATION DRIVING A FUTURE OF IMPACT

Shaped by a rich industrial legacy, Milwaukee is evolving into a beacon of modern innovation. With biohealth, AI, water, energy technology, smart manufacturing, and financial services leading the way, Milwaukee’s dynamic ecosystem is not only thriving, but attracting attention from investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators worldwide. Here, tradition meets technology, and...

SENTRY EQUIPMENT

BUILDING THE FOUNDATION FOR A BETTER, SAFER WORLD

Building the foundation for a better, safer world. For the general public, words such as “innovative” and “dynamic” aren’t commonly used to describe the manufacturing industry. But in an industry criticized for being slow to change, Sentry Equipment—a century-old, Oconomowoc-based manufacturing powerhouse—has solidified its position as a proud outlier driving...

AfroCharts

AMPLIFYING THE PULSE OF AFRICAN MUSIC WORLDWIDE

AMPLIFYING THE PULSE OFAFRICAN MUSIC WORLDWIDE AfroCharts, founded by Leonard Novati in 2020, is a pioneering digital music platform dedicated to showcasing the rich tapestry of African music to the global audiences. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, AfroCharts has rapidly grown to become a vibrant hub for artists, fans, and event...

DCI MARKETING

CELEBRATING ITS 80TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2024, DCI MARKETING FOSTERS A CULTURE OF INNOVATION FOCUSED ON SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS FOR FORTUNE 50 COMPANIES, MAJOR RETAILERS AND CONSUMERS.

As American forces crossed the English Channel to liberate France in June 1944, Milwaukee native Lloyd A. Sauer was thinking forward to a post-war era. Sauer purchased a small company called ColorPrint Products Printing and began producing window signage for shoe stores. But it was Cadillac and Harley-Davidson that propelled...

CODEBABY

AI THAT ENHANCES HUMAN CAPACITY

As AI reshapes industries, CodeBaby leads in emotionally intelligent, human-centric AI. Specializing in real-time, 3D animated avatars, CodeBaby bridges the gap between automation and authentic interaction—enhancing, rather than replacing, human capacity. Founded to improve communication and accessibility, CodeBaby redefines engagement in education, healthcare, customer service and workforce training. By merging...

SABHYA TECHNOLOGIES

PIONEERING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION WITH INNOVATION AND CLIENT-CENTRIC SOLUTIONS

In an era of rapid technological change, Sabhya Technologies has established itself as a trusted partner for organizations looking to modernize, innovate, and thrive in the digital-first economy. Through cutting-edge solutions and a client-centric approach, the company has built a reputation as a global leader in digital transformation A Vision...

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...

Epochal Intelligence

The Focus is Unlocking Access to Information and Building Communities Within the IT Space

The Midwest’s tech scene isn’t just growing – it’s booming, with Wisconsin heavily contributing. Milwaukee has transformed from an industrial powerhouse into a digital dynamo, attracting major players and cementing its status as an emerging tech hub where innovation meets Midwestern grit. The opportunities here are continuing to emerge every...

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,...

ASQ

PIONEERING QUALITY FOR A THRIVING FUTURE

For nearly eight decades, the American Society for Quality (ASQ) has been a global leader in quality management. From its origins in the post-World War II era to its role today, ASQ has driven innovation, guided industries through transformation, and fostered continuous improvement. Headquartered in Milwaukee, ASQ is instrumental in...

Aeroplicity

Simplifying Aerospace and Defense: The Aeroplicity Story

Aeroplicity has emerged as a transformative force in the aerospace and defense industry, with a mission to simplify and modernize supply chain and aftermarket operations. Leveraging cutting-edge aerospace-grade technologies, the company is reshaping how organizations manage data, compliance, and operational efficiency. At its core, Aeroplicity addresses the industry’s most pressing...

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...

DELTAHAWK

POWER REIMAGINED THROUGH TIME-PROVEN INNOVATION

Founded in 1996, DeltaHawk Engines, Inc. has always been driven by innovation and a determination to revolutionize aviation propulsion. Specializing in general aviation, military, uncrewed, and hybrid applications, DeltaHawk’s engines are a testament to ingenuity, reliability, and efficiency. In 2023, the company made history by achieving FAA Type Certification for...

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...

BAIRD

DRIVING INNOVATION THROUGHOUT THE REGION AND BEYOND

Founded in 1919 in Milwaukee, Baird’s financial advice and expertise has helped guide clients through changing market cycles and unexpected events across generations. Today, Baird is actively investing in many initiatives throughout Wisconsin to position the state as a center for innovation. These activities are part of the firm’s ongoing...

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...

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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