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.


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

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...

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...

INTRNLS 

SHAPING THE FUTURE

Intrnls is at the forefront of revolutionizing the carbon capture industry. With a clear focus on producing the world’s most efficient carbon capture filters, Intrnls is not just a company; it’s a transformative force dedicated to addressing one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues – reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide....

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...

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...

Ideawake

REVOLUTIONIZING CORPORATE INNOVATION FROM MILWAUKEE

REVOLUTIONIZING CORPORATE INNOVATION FROM MILWAUKEE In a world where ideas hold immense value, Ideawake is on a mission to empower companies to mine their most valuable resource: their employees’ creativity and insights. Founded in 2013 by Coby Skonord and Trae Tessmann, Ideawake began with a vision to make innovation accessible...

CITY RIDERS

BRIDGING THE GAP: HOW CITY RIDERS LINKS LIKE-MINDED ENTHUSIASTS

City Riders, born in 2018 from the frustrations of its founder, Thomas McElroy, embodies a passion for community and exploration. Motivated by the inconsistency of his riding companions, McElroy envisioned a solution that would unite like-minded enthusiasts globally. This vision materialized into City Riders, a platform connecting individuals who share...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

7RIVERS

THE CONFLUENCE OF DATA AND STRATEGY

7Rivers is pioneering a path for businesses to navigate the uncharted waters of a new era of technology.With a keen focus on data modernization and artificial intelligence, 7Rivers is not just a technology services company but a leader for organizations ready to embark on a transformative journey, helping solve some...

BADGER METER

A LEGACY OF SMART SOLUTIONS

Innovation at Badger Meter is about more than just technology—it is about empowering every stakeholder in the water ecosystem to acheive more sustainable, efficient, and effective outcomes. Badger Meter has stood as a beacon of innovation in the field of smart water solutions that aid in solving global water challenges....

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,...

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...

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...

PARTSBADGER

ACCELERATING THE INNOVATION OF OTHERS

When Roy and Jimmy needed an enclosure machined for their small airborne electronics company, it took twelve inquiries over the course of weeks just to get a quote. When they finally did get a quote, it was cheaper to buy a CNC mill and make the machined parts themselves. So...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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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