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

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...

INTERNSHIP ON DEMAND

HOW INTERNSHIP ON DEMAND IS REDEFINING THE PATH TO CAREER SUCCESS

Every year, millions of college students graduate without ever having experienced the workplace firsthand. Employers demand experience, but when only 30% of college students complete an internship on an annual basis, what do those left on the outside looking in do? That’s where Internship on Demand comes in. Launched in...

BIOFORWARD WISCONSIN:

LEADING THE PATH TO PERSONALIZED MEDICINE

Pioneering Innovation in BiohealthNestled in the heart of America’s Midwest, BioForward Wisconsin represents Wisconsin’s vibrant biohealth sector which stands as a beacon of innovation and economic growth. A 501(c) 6 member association established in 1988 as the Wisconsin Biotechnology Association, the organization initially focused on biotechnology. It expanded its membership...

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...

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...

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...

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...

MKE Tech

The World of Talent is Changing. Is Your Business Ready?

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 remaining curious to address the region’s most pressing needs in tech. As the region has advanced, we’ve kept...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

AUGUST BROWN

TRANSFORMING INNOVATION INTO MARKET SUCCESS

INSIGHT. INNOVATE. IMPROVE. August Brown has established itself as a trailblazer in Milwaukee’s innovation ecosystem, bridging the often-daunting gap between research and market execution. Founded by Dr. Gordon Nameni and Erik Vickstrom, this boutique agency has become synonymous with strategic excellence and groundbreaking impact. “It all really started in 2018,”...

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,...

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...

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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