Startup Accelerators, Incubators, and Pitch Contests in Wisconsin

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Last Updated: April 2nd, 2025

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Pitch Competitions

Summerfest Tech Pitch
Application Deadline: April 18th, 2025

Summerfest Tech is the place for startups to showcase their technology and network with tech and business leaders. Summerfest Tech Finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their product or service to our audience of 400+ investors, corporations, and ecosystem supporters. The submitted product or service must have been launched no earlier than January 2022.

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Startup accelerators

​Level Set by StartingBlock​
‍Enrollment for Winter, Spring, and Fall 2025 Cohorts Available!

StartingBlock's Level Set program is an intense 6 week program designed to help you build and validate a business model.  Offered 6x per year, we help you explore the pros and cons of different business models, model revenue and get real world feedback on your ideas.​

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FOR-M Spring 2025 Incubator by MKE Tech
Application Deadline: TBD, Apply Now

FOR-M is your first step to creating a tech startup company in Milwaukee. Solidify the startup idea that’s been bouncing around in your head and understand your next steps. This program is limited to 25 founders and will begin accepting folks immediately…so apply soon!

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​gBETA Kenosha Spring 2025​
‍Application Deadline: April 4th, 2025

‍gBETA is a free, seven-week accelerator for early-stage companies with local roots. Each program is capped at five teams and requires no fees and no equity.

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​gener8tor Milwaukee Accelerator 2025​
‍Application Deadline: April 27th, 2025

gener8tor Milwaukee invests in five high-growth startups per cohort. This is an industry-agnostic and business model-agnostic program. We accept ALL types of startups across ALL industries and business models.

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Leapyear by StartingBlock
Application Deadline: June 15th, 2025

Leap Year is for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to go beyond the classroom and turn their ideas into real ventures. Over the course of a year, participants will identify real-world problems, develop solutions, and launch their own businesses—all with the support of expert mentors, a dedicated founder community, and 24/7 workspace at StartingBlock.

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gBETA Milwaukee 2025​
‍Application Deadline: TBD (Rolling Applications)

‍gBETA is a free, seven-week accelerator for early-stage companies with local roots. Each program is capped at five teams and requires no fees and no equity.

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Ignite Startup Accelerator
Application Deadline: TBD (Applications Now Open)

The Ignite Startup Accelerator is an 11-month collaborative startup accelerator to assist founders and entrepreneurs in commercializing their new venture. Ignite’s goal is to provide passionate entrepreneurs who have a strong business idea and have completed customer discovery, with the tools, resources, and connections to accelerate the commercialization of their ventures and get to revenue growth.