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 for organizations of all sizes. This Milwaukee-based firm has become a global leader in idea management, offering tools that transform raw ideas into measurable impact, allowing companies to stay competitive and responsive to change.
“Innovation is about pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, and introducing ideas that make a meaningful difference to an organization’s bottom line.”
Empowering Employees to Drive Innovation
Ideawake’s purpose is straightforward: turn employees into innovators. “Our platform empowers employers with a shockingly simple system to capture, evaluate, and act on ideas from those who know the most about your organization—your employees,” shares Coby Skonord. With its intuitive interface, Ideawake enables companies to efficiently manage ideas, doubling ROI on crowdsourcing initiatives by turning a complex task into a streamlined, impactful process.
With tools that combine idea management, hackathons, and open innovation, Ideawake enables organizations to take an active role in shaping their future. Today, Ideawake operates across 39 countries and 16industries, with clients like SiriusXM, Epson, and HP using the platform to drive growth, reduce costs, and remain agile in a fast-changing market.
A Platform for Continuous Improvement
Ideawake was born from the realization that companies were missing out on the creativity of their workforce. Coby and co-founder Trae saw an opportunity to bridge this gap. Trae explains, “Innovation is about pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, and introducing ideas that make a meaningful difference to an organization’s bottom line.”
Today, Ideawake is a comprehensive blueprint for progress. Embedded in Ideawake’s DNA, innovation shapes every element, from design to client support, creating a ripple effect that empowers organizations to reach their potential.
Coby notes that Ideawake’s growth isn’t attributed to a single event but rather a continuous journey fueled by client feedback and market insights over a decade. This commitment to constant evolution has positioned Ideawake at the forefront of its field, with a record that speaks volumes.
Making Innovation Engaging and Accessible
Ideawake’s approach to fostering innovation is simple yet engaging. The platform uses gamification to encourage participation, allowing employees to earn points for contributions and track their progress. This model not only boosts engagement but also creates a collaborative space where ideas thrive.
Clients leverage Ideawake to achieve real outcomes, from reducing costs to enhancing employee morale. Many organizations use it to run targeted “innovation challenges” aligned with strategic goals, while others integrate it into daily operations to drive continuous improvement. This flexibility makes Ideawake a critical tool for clients focused on growth and adaptability.
Leading the Future of Innovation
Looking ahead, Ideawake sees exciting opportunities to evolve its platform further. With AI and advanced analytics set to enhance functionality, the team is focused on staying at the forefront of technology. “We’re excited to redefine how organizations approach innovation,” shares Coby.
Ideawake’s commitment to advancing its platform promises clients evengreater value as they navigate the complexities of modern business. As companies prioritize employee engagement, Ideawake is well-positioned to align workforce enthusiasm with business goals, transforming how organizations approach and execute innovation. “We’re uniquely positioned to help organizations unlock even greater value from the collective intelligence of their frontline team members,” adds Trae.
A Pillar in Milwaukee’s Innovation Ecosystem
Beyond its own success, Ideawake has become essential in Milwaukee’s innovation ecosystem, enabling businesses, nonprofits, and universities to generate meaningful change through collaboration. By offering a scalable platform for solving complex challenges, Ideawake has helped establish Milwaukee as a hub for forward-thinking solutions.
As Ideawake continues to expand, Coby and Trae’s commitment to accessible innovation remains at the forefront. With a focus on measurable impact and fostering a culture of collaboration, Ideawake has earned its place as a trusted partner for businesses worldwide.
From Milwaukee to the world, Ideawake is transforming the vision of seamless innovation into a tangible reality, proving that with the right tools, any organization can innovate.
