A major new venture-creation initiative is coming to Southeast Wisconsin. The UWM Research Foundation and UWM Lubar Entrepreneurship Center are partnering with the Universities of Wisconsin Center for Technology Commercialization (lead applicant), Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition, and Midwest Founders Community to launch Founder Factory—a bold program funded by a $772,000 grant from the Wisconsin Development Corporation (WEDC)’s inaugural Ignite program. 

Built by and for the regional innovation ecosystem, Founder Factory brings together a 20-member consortium of universities, research institutions, investors, and industry leaders. Through innovation bootcamps, entity formation clinics, a milestone-driven pre-accelerator, and strong investor engagement, the program aims to launch high-potential startups and expand Southeast Wisconsin’s long‑term innovation capacity. Applications for the first cohorts open later this year.

University discoveries can spark the next generation of high‑impact startups when the right support systems are in place.

Startup Wisconsin recently featured UWMRF President Jessica Silvaggi to discuss how university research drives Wisconsin’s startup ecosystem. She covers why faculty inventors often become default CEOs, the strong ROI of the Catalyst Grant, and what Wisconsin needs to better support research‑driven startups.

A great listen for anyone interested in innovation, tech transfer, or strengthening our state’s startup ecosystem!

As Director of the UWM Prototyping Center, Kyle Jansson is helping accelerate Southeast Wisconsin’s innovation landscape. The Center supports founders, researchers, clinicians, and students in transforming early‑stage ideas into real, functional prototypes—while guiding them through customer discovery, design, testing, and even regulatory pathways.

From working with UWM-born ventures like PerryMedical to advising more than 160 founders each year, the Prototyping Center has become a powerful engine for regional innovation. Whether you're refining a product concept or exploring a problem worth solving, the Center offers a place to gain clarity, momentum, and expert support.

Curious how Kyle and his team turn big ideas into tangible impact? Read the full article to learn more.