Upcoming Startup and Tech Events in Wisconsin

StartingBlock welcomes passionate entrepreneurs to present their new business at 1 Million Cups every Wednesday morning! Every week, entrepreneurs present business ideas to the local community and learn how those around them can support their business in its growth.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize your tax strategy, this event is perfect for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn valuable tips and tricks from industry experts.

A high-energy networking event designed to connect startup founders with potential co-founders and collaborators across key roles like software development, marketing, finance, and more. Whether you’re building something new or looking to join an early-stage venture, this is your chance to meet like-minded entrepreneurs and startup supporters.

Join us for this free event to meet Milwaukee's newest batch of startup founders! You'll hear inspiring pitches and enjoy quality networking. Snacks and beverages provided. This event is in conjunction with Founder Finder from 5:30-7 pm.

Join us for an update on Wisconsin’s angel and venture activity. Panelists are Mary Hannes, associate director of Golden Angels Investors, and Brian Lindstrom, who is a partner at HealthX Ventures.

Join us for Sip & Sync (Happy Hour edition!) - your casual networking meetup where meaningful connections happen over complimentary coffee. Drop in for relaxed conversations, share insights, or simply enjoy meeting fellow WIT members and friends in a laid-back atmosphere.

Continuing with our happy hour format for a while. Just a handful of JS developers talking about what they're working on and what new frameworks and tools catch their interest.

If you've never been to a Geek Lunch, it's an engaging conversation with your geekiest friends, where the topic bounces around depending on whatever anyone wants to contribute. All are welcome regardless of where you lie on any imaginary geek scale. Think "The Algonquin Round Table" with an emphasis on tech.

Join The Network for Health, Technology & Innovation (NHTI) and 100State as we celebrate the graduation of the Spring 2025 Founders Circle Ignite cohort—an inspiring group of 13 entrepreneurs who have completed an 11-week intensive program focused on business development, innovation, and leadership.

Join us for Sip & Sync - your casual networking meetup where meaningful connections happen over complimentary coffee. Drop in for relaxed conversations, share insights, or simply enjoy meeting fellow WiT members and friends in a laid-back atmosphere.

StartingBlock welcomes passionate entrepreneurs to present their new business at 1 Million Cups every Wednesday morning! Every week, entrepreneurs present business ideas to the local community and learn how those around them can support their business in its growth.

Join us for a Summer Happy Hour Networking Event at Delta Beer Lab. Connect with fellow professionals in a relaxed, casual setting. Food and beverages will be available for purchase—come ready to mingle, sip, and enjoy the summer vibes!

Get an exclusive first look at the bold new theme for WI Tech Month 2025. Hear what’s coming this October—from transformative tech talks to community-driven innovation.

Milwaukee Startup Founders – Founders Day was designed for YOU! We know the entrepreneurial journey can be tough, so we’re hosting a full day of free coworking, mentorship, networking, and more.

StartingBlock welcomes passionate entrepreneurs to present their new business at 1 Million Cups every Wednesday morning! Every week, entrepreneurs present business ideas to the local community and learn how those around them can support their business in its growth.

This gathering is designed to foster connections within our local tech community. Whether you are a seasoned professional, a hobbyist, or just getting your feet wet in the world of coding, there's a place for you here.

StartingBlock welcomes passionate entrepreneurs to present their new business at 1 Million Cups every Wednesday morning! Every week, entrepreneurs present business ideas to the local community and learn how those around them can support their business in its growth.

We’re inviting three founders to present their current products and explain their roadmap in 5 minutes. After their pitch, the group will ask questions and provide feedback on potential next steps -- and which features should be prioritized based on the founder's ICP. Founders, come ready to pitch and CIOs come ready to dole out feedback!

Join us for a spectacular evening above the Milwaukee skyline! Women in Tech Wisconsin invites you to our Summer Social — an exclusive rooftop gathering designed to connect, recharge, and celebrate our vibrant community of tech professionals.

Continuing with our happy hour format for a while. Just a handful of JS developers talking about what they're working on and what new frameworks and tools catch their interest.

Our mission is to foster and grow the data ecosystem in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest. Our experienced speakers will guide software engineers, data scientists, and data professionals through new tools and techniques to grow their careers!

The Innovation HER Tech Summit is not your typical tech event. We're building bold bridges for women in tech from Milwaukee to Madison-and beyond. In this immersive one-day experience, industry leaders and rising stars come together to dismantle barriers, showcase innovations, and build concrete futures in the digital economy.

StartingBlock welcomes passionate entrepreneurs to present their new business at 1 Million Cups every Wednesday morning! Every week, entrepreneurs present business ideas to the local community and learn how those around them can support their business in its growth.

This gathering is designed to foster connections within our local tech community. Whether you are a seasoned professional, a hobbyist, or just getting your feet wet in the world of coding, there's a place for you here.

HATCHed at last year’s HATCH competition, BEAR ’25 puts the spotlight on established, second-stage businesses that are scaling up, creating jobs, and shaping the future economy of the Chippewa Valley and beyond.

The Badger Startup Summit is a free, full-day event in Madison, WI, kicking off Forward Fest. It connects Wisconsin entrepreneurs through talks, networking, pitch sessions, and a vendor fair.

While Forward Fest was originally by and for entrepreneurs, we actively embrace a wide, inclusive definition of the word. Everyone in the community is welcome: do you work at a startup or nonprofit? Want to know more about running a business? Are you maybe interested in switching to a career in tech? Join us!

The future belongs to leaders who harness AI to amplify human potential, foster innovation, and build organizations where people thrive. Join our exclusive workshop, “People First Hearts & AI Smarts,” designed specifically for small business executives ready to future-fit their companies for the Intelligence Age.

Ambitious founders have gone through the Level Up! Pre-seed Accelerator at a WiSys VentureHome location across Wisconsin. Whether you are an investor, a founder, or someone interested in entrepreneurship, this pitch day will provide a sneak peek at Wisconsin's emerging tech startups.

Join the UW Tech Exploration Lab and Discovery to Product (D2P) for a casual networking reception celebrating student-led innovation and entrepreneurship at UW–Madison. Stop by to meet student teams working at the intersection of real-world problems and emerging technologies, and connect with others.

Join us as we kickoff the 2025 Forward Festival with a free pint of the latest Forward Festive-Ale at Delta Beer Lab! A free SupraNet + John Kovalic pint glass and a pint of Festive-Ale will be provided for the first 75 attendees, hosted by SupraNet Communications!

Struggling to find top talent fast? Discover proven hiring strategies that actually work. Get tools, insights, and real-world success stories. Join us – and hire smarter, faster.

Curious about AI but feeling overwhelmed by the tech lingo? This session is designed for small business owners who want practical, approachable ways to use artificial intelligence—no coding, no jargon, no prior experience needed.

DevFest WI is an inclusivity-themed conference for any and all folks in tech. Now in our seventh year, we're returning again to the beautiful UW Memorial Union for a day filled with a wide variety of talks on topics related to building inclusive and accessible products, teams, and environments.

Join The Creative Company for an engaging and dynamic session where entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators come together to explore the cutting-edge strategies and tools that are shaping the future of entrepreneurship.

Join us in person for the ultimate test of cloud engineering skill, speed, and strategy. Cloud War Games LIVE is a hands-on, high-intensity competition where cloud pros battle real-world Amazon Web Services (AWS) outages in real time—on stage, in front of a live audience.

If you've never been to a Geek Lunch, it's an engaging conversation with your geekiest friends, where the topic bounces around depending on whatever anyone wants to contribute. All are welcome regardless of where you lie on any imaginary geek scale. Think "The Algonquin Round Table" with an emphasis on tech.

Starting a business comes with many questions—about patents, legal help, customer demographics, industry trends, and competitors. This session will show you how to find answers using free tools and expert support at your local library.

The Madison AI Meetup brings together diverse minds passionate about artificial intelligence and machine learning in a collaborative, welcoming environment. Whether you're a seasoned ML engineer, data scientist, AI researcher, or simply curious about how AI is transforming our world, this community is designed for you.

Pressure Chamber returns for its 12th year as emerging companies pitch for the coveted "golden suitcase" and a reserved spot in the Chamber's exclusive Greater Madison startup meetings with top Silicon Valley investment firms this fall.

Optimist or pessimist? Architect or casualty? The world is changing—now—and creativity, branding, and identity will never be the same. AIpocalypse is a bold, live-studio experience hosted by technologist and thought leader Matt Boatright-Simon, joined by a powerhouse lineup of visionary artists, strategists, futurists, and AI experts.

Come unwind and connect at our board game night with some friendly competition, exciting games, and a chance to socialize with peers from different organizations. It's the perfect low-key opportunity to get out, meet new people, and enjoy a night of playing alongside fellow innovators.

In this session, content strategist and SEO consultant Olivia Barrow will show you how to integrate modern SEO best practices into your existing content workflows—even if you only publish one article a month. You’ll learn how to validate your content ideas with keyword research, create articles that match search intent.

Join other founders, investors, and innovators in the Wisconsin ecosystem for breakfast with Hyde Park Venture Partners, a Chicago-based early stage venture capital firm who invests in midwest-based companies, for a community event focused on helping companies raise their first or second round of institutional venture capital.

StartingBlock welcomes passionate entrepreneurs to present their new business at 1 Million Cups every Wednesday morning! Coffee pours at 8:45am, Program starts at 9am. Located on the 3rd floor cafe.

In this short workshop, we’ll explore the hidden impact of stress and trauma on leaders, teams, and organizations. We’ll share the basics to help you understand how the human nervous system works, how it adapts to stress and why chronic dysregulation can silently sabotage even the most ambitious goals.

Join Flexion, a Madison leader in system modernization and human-centered design, for a live, interactive build where you don’t just watch innovation, you help create it.

Managing HR, payroll, compliance, and benefits can overwhelm even the most passionate entrepreneurs. In this session, learn how partnering with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) can help you reduce administrative burden, ensure compliance, and enhance your team’s experience—without needing to build a full HR department.

Don't navigate the startup world alone. StartingBlock's Level Set program is an intense 6 week program designed to help you build and validate a business model. Offered 4x per year, we help you explore the pros and cons of different business models, model revenue and get real world feedback on your ideas.

Join us for an exciting event designed to connect and energize entrepreneurs at all stages of business! Hosted by the Madison College Center for Entrepreneurship, this networking event marks the kickoff of our yearlong focus on Finance for Entrepreneurs — and you're invited.

By joining us for this overview session, you will build a solid foundation of concepts that can help you understand how to put real numbers to your dreams and learn the path to projections.

Ever had a product idea but didn’t know how to begin building it? This live, collaborative session is designed for startup founders, creatives, and curious minds who want to explore physical prototyping without needing deep technical experience or a big budget.

This session is built for early-stage founders who want to set their startups up for long-term success. We’ll break down the essential accounting, tax, financial, and HR strategies you need to get right from the beginning—whether you’re gearing up for your first raise or just getting started.

Led by Ibrahim Harun of IH Concepts with 16 years of experience in branding and marketing, this workshop will delve deep into the core elements of effective branding. Through a combination of an insightful presentations and collaborative discussions, you'll learn how what goes into a brand so you can hit the ground running.

Join us for an engaging gathering of EdTech entrepreneurs, product leaders, researchers, funders, and policy advocates. The EdTech Entrepreneur Exchange is a unique opportunity to network, collaborate, and share insights on the future of education technology.

Venture capital fund managers from seven Wisconsin venture capital funds will be at the August 20 Jazz at Five performance on the South Hamilton side of the Capitol Grounds, across the street from Wonder State Coffee and the Best Western Park Hotel.

Explore what can be done with vibe coding - automate tasks or talk with your developer without the overwhelm. In this 1-hour session, you'll explore simple tools that require no coding experience.

You will leave this session with sample prompts to try, tools and resources to explore, and the confidence to embrace being an AI Explorer – starting today!

In April 2024, the Department of Justice finalized updates to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, setting specific standards for the accessibility of websites, applications, and digital documents. This session provides a clear, actionable overview of the new requirements and what they mean for public-facing digital content.

If your organization is grappling with scattered data, clunky workflows, and inefficient systems that limit your growth, this session is for you. Join us to learn how one organization shifted from using dozens of disconnected tools, documents, and manual processes to a centralized, integrated, and scalable custom business solution.

The Future Self Mixer is a unique blend of high-level networking and personal development for ambitious entrepreneurs and leaders. You’ll connect with like-minded peers while stepping into the mindset, presence, and confidence of your next-level self.

The funding landscape has evolved beyond traditional VC, but many founders don't know their options. Join Valency Fund for a half-day deep dive into different capital solutions that fit your business model and growth goals.

Storytelling strategist and rural outreach expert Araceli Esparza invites tech founders, digital creatives, and entrepreneurs to reimagine how they build brand trust in emerging and overlooked markets.

Join us at Element Hall for a biotech showcase where emerging startups demonstrate their breakthrough technologies at interactive booths while networking over locally-crafted Forward Festive Ale and appetizers.

oin us for a dynamic conversation with the storefront entrepreneurs, placemakers, and visionaries who are shaping the next chapter of downtown Madison. These are the small business owners and builders who are redefining what it means to innovate—not through code, but through culture.

Step into the home of Madison’s startup-centric CPA firm and experience finance with a fresh perspective. At this open house, we’re blending numbers with networking—bringing together founders, small business owners, and community partners to connect over light refreshments, good conversations, and shared goals.

Join SupraNet Communications and Yahara Software for the 24th anniversary of High Tech Happy Hour! Raise a glass, network and help us celebrate 24 years of connecting the Greater Madison community!

Join us for Game Together-Forward Fest Edition, a vibrant social gaming night where innovators, creatives, and tech lovers connect over games and craft drinks with our community.

Join us for a casual and collaborative evening where entrepreneurs, creatives, and innovators can gather to unwind, network, and share ideas over their favorite games. Whether you're into board games, console classics, virtual reality, or PC multiplayer, Git Gud is a space where creativity meets community.

Bring your old laptops, cell phones, tablets, and other digital devices to be reused or recycled! Madison-based nonprofit DANEnet is teaming up with Cascade Asset Management to collect residential digital devices to be securely wiped then recycled or refurbished for distribution to low-income households without computers.

Join presentations with entrepreneurs, investors, pharmaceutical representatives, and legal experts for a candid exploration of biotech commercialization and practical guidance towards venture creation.

This session provides practical strategies for determining the right pricing for your product or service to optimize profitability and sustain business growth. Participants will explore how to evaluate competitors, brand value, and customer segmentation to create pricing strategies that align with their business goals.

Harness the power of storytelling! In this engaging workshop, we'll transform your entrepreneurial journey—whether heart-wrenching, heroic, or humorous —into a compelling narrative that revisits your 'why' and reconnects with your audience.

This foundational webinar is tailored to demystify the basic concepts of business and self-employment taxes. From determining your tax obligations based on your business structure to exploring potential deductions that can minimize your tax liability, we cover the essentials that every business owner needs to know.

Enter AI Agents—an emerging technology that's redefining productivity for startups and small businesses. AI Agents independently automate complex workflows, integrate seamlessly across multiple tools, and allow teams to reclaim valuable hours.

This session is a must-attend for aspiring and current entrepreneurs seeking to build businesses with a strong purpose-driven mission, investors looking for the next big thing in aging solutions, and anyone interested in the future of eldercare.

End your Forward Fest week on a high note! Join us for a relaxed, high-energy happy hour where founders, creatives, and big thinkers come together one last time to connect, reflect, and celebrate everything this week inspired.

StartingBlock welcomes passionate entrepreneurs to present their new business at 1 Million Cups every Wednesday morning! Every week, entrepreneurs present business ideas to the local community and learn how those around them can support their business in its growth.

his gathering is designed to foster connections within our local tech community. Whether you are a seasoned professional, a hobbyist, or just getting your feet wet in the world of coding, there's a place for you here.

Now a full two-day event, the Summit brings together visionaries, scientists, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and investors to explore how Wisconsin’s thriving biohealth ecosystem is shaping the future—locally and globally.

Now a full two-day event, the Summit brings together visionaries, scientists, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and investors to explore how Wisconsin’s thriving biohealth ecosystem is shaping the future—locally and globally.

This one-day event brings together industry experts, thought leaders, and cutting-edge businesses to discuss practical AI applications, emerging trends, and real-world case studies that are shaping the future of business.

The Wisconsin Games Alliance is excited to present MDEV 2025, the 7th iteration of this exciting event focused around games industry professionals. More details to come soon about the Indie Game Showcase, Speakers, Panels, and exciting new happenings in 2025.

The Wisconsin Games Alliance is excited to present MDEV 2025, the 7th iteration of this exciting event focused around games industry professionals. More details to come soon about the Indie Game Showcase, Speakers, Panels, and exciting new happenings in 2025.

HATCH 2025 is back—and this year, we’re going all in on startups! Whether you’re dreaming up your next big idea, cheering from the sidelines, investing in innovation, or shaping tomorrow’s economy, we want you in the room. Join us to witness the bold ideas, brave pitches, and bright futures shaping the Chippewa Valley.