Innovation at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee is powered by a strong, collaborative community, and the UWM Research Foundation celebrated that impact at our annual Partners’ Reception in May. From newly issued patents to startup formation and dedicated mentorship, this year’s honorees are advancing solutions across energy, health, manufacturing, agriculture, and water quality.

Congratulations to our 2026 awardees:

• Patents: Carol Hirschmugl, Karyn Frick, Pradeep Rohatgi, Kaustubh Rane, Swaroop Behera, and Ching‑Hong Yang
• Startups: Woo Jin Chang (Septillionth); Eric Ostovich and Rebecca Klaper (Built‑N‑Bioassays)
• Mentors: Gontran Kenwood and Matthew McNeill

This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as we marked our 20th anniversary. Thank you to our partners and community members for helping shape the future of innovation at UWM. Generously hosted by Michael Best.

Founder Factory recently hosted its Idea to Enterprise Pitch Night at the UWM Lubar Entrepreneurship Center, bringing together leaders from Marquette University, the Medical College of Wisconsin, Versiti Inc., and UWM.

The event showcased venture-ready technologies, giving attendees insight into innovations poised for commercialization. Presentations were followed by structured networking sessions connecting participants directly with inventors and research teams.

UWMRF President Jessica Silvaggi presented three UWM innovations:

• LiteShield – An on-device cybersecurity platform that protects edge AI systems (robots, drones, smart cameras) from hidden attacks without retraining models
• Low-cost surface alloying – Improves corrosion resistance and machinability in copper and brass castings without major equipment changes
• Ultra-rapid pathogen detection – Helps food packagers detect trace amounts of pathogens, like Salmonella, in minutes

Founder Factory is part of the state’s first Ignite Wisconsin cohort, focused on strengthening the startup ecosystem, attracting investment, and accelerating innovation. Led by the Universities of Wisconsin's Center for Technology Commercialization and UWM Research Foundation, the program is supported by WEDC and regional partners.

We’re expanding our YouTube presence with short videos showcasing UWM research and market‑ready technologies!

In a recent video, Rebecca Klaper and Eric Ostovich share how their biosensing platform uses genetically engineered algae and AI to quickly detect chemical toxicity. Supported by UWMRF, their technology has grown from idea to startup.