KENOSHA, Wis. (October 1, 2025) – Today, the City of Kenosha and the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, Inc. (KIN) hosted a grand opening celebration for the new 64,000-square-foot Kenosha Innovation Center (KIC). The $23.5 million KIC will serve as a major hub in the region for startups, entrepreneurs and established companies seeking to be a part of a thriving ecosystem.
KIC is strategically located in the heart of Kenosha along the I-94 corridor between Chicago and Milwaukee. The three-story building is an anchor development located on a 3.5-acre portion of the KIN, which totals 107-acres.
“This land is being reimagined and revitalized through the collaborative efforts of government, civic and business leaders,” said Kenosha Mayor, David Bogdala. “Our shared vision is to be an innovation leader here in Kenosha and throughout the region. We want to elevate our community by bringing in entrepreneurs, startups and businesses that want to grow and invest in Kenosha for the long-haul. I want to thank all our public and private partners for seeing our vision and making this project a reality.”
Tenants and Impact Partners
The KIC has leasable tenant space, as well as meeting and business event space. The KIC is already attracting a diverse mix of startups, entrepreneurs and businesses, creating a cross-pollination of ideas and perspectives in a variety of business segments.
Initial tenants Include:
- Kivi Bio – Bringing cutting-edge biotech solutions and education programs, while anchoring Kenosha as a hub for bioscience.
- M3 Insurance – Innovating in insurance tech, mentoring startups, and driving community engagement.
- Gateway Capital Partners and Mastercraft Ventures – Two Wisconsin-based venture capital firms investing directly into startups launched and scaled at the KIC with dedicated dollars to invest in Southeast Wisconsin.
- Private Grooming – A Shark Tank startup scaling from Kenosha, bringing innovation in consumer products.
- Carthage College – Launched BizStarts Kenosha, a six-week business bootcamp designed to equip local entrepreneurs with the tools and mentorship to grow their ventures.
- UW-Parkside – Parkside Works is the University’s engine for partnership and innovation, collaborating with the community and aligning education with workforce needs.
- Wintrust Kenosha, a branch of State Bank of the Lakes – Providing financial education, services and products tailored to founders, small businesses and communities.
To accelerate innovation, the KIC is excited to introduce three Impact Partners, Microsoft,Michael Best and MSOE University. These partners will provide onsite training, mentorship and other resources in areas such as business planning, AI, legal guidance and more.
“Our Impact Partners are leaders in their respective industries and truly believe in what we’re building here in Kenosha,” said Kelly Armstrong, President of Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood. “Their presence is more than just a name on the wall — they will serve as on-site, active advisors and mentors to help our KIC partners thrive.”
Funding
To fund the KIC, the City of Kenosha received a $15 million Neighborhood Investment Fund grant from the state to support the funding of the $23.5 million facility, with additional funding through a New Markets Tax Credit. The city is managing the development for the KIC project and will transfer operations to KIN, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
“Four years ago, I created the Neighborhood Investment Fund program to help make long-term investments that would help our communities and our state rebound and rebuild after the worst economic crisis in a decade. Today, I’m honored to be able to see firsthand the results of our work and investments here in Kenosha, which are going to be a game-changer for this community,” said Gov. Evers. “Folks choose Kenosha and Wisconsin to kickstart their business, grow their career, and put down roots because of amazing efforts like those the Kenosha Innovation Center represents. By offering job training, support for entrepreneurship and startups, and more, this state-of-the-art center works to ensure Kenosha and the entire Southeast region of our state continue to thrive. I’m incredibly grateful that my administration and I could play a role in making this happen.”
Gov. Evers created the Neighborhood Investment Fund program in August 2021 to help communities deliver innovative public services, including new or improved facilities, in response to the pandemic and the worst economic crisis Wisconsin had experienced in a decade. Gov. Evers directed over $250 million to fund the Neighborhood Investment Fund and two other capital programs designed to help communities across Wisconsin, including Kenosha, invest in their long-term economic success. In March 2022, Gov. Evers visited Kenosha to announce that the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood would be receiving a $15 million grant to support the Kenosha Innovation Center project, in addition to attending today’s grand opening. Additional information on the Neighborhood Investment Fund program can be found here.
“We worked closely with the Mayor, Common Council, City Planning Commission and other government and civic groups to develop this project,” said Tim Mahone, Board President of the KIN. “We wanted to ensure that everyone had a voice and a seat at the table. Working together, we created something special that will have long-term benefits for Kenosha and its citizens.”
Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA)
In March 2023, the City of Kenosha selected Milwaukee-based Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA) and unveiled its design plans for the KIC. EUA is best known for designing environments that elevate human potential and enrich communities. The 118-year-old firm is nationally recognized for its work in the education, workplace, healthcare, senior living, student housing, mixed-use, entertainment, and science + technology markets. Their dedicated team of 260+ employees includes 140+ registered professionals and 40+ LEED-accredited experts who deliver planning, design and engineering solutions from offices in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Denver and Atlanta.
In December 2023, the City of Kenosha awarded Neenah-based Miron Construction Co., Inc. the bid for construction. Miron Construction is one of the nation’s premier construction firms and industry leaders, provides innovative preconstruction, construction management, design-build, industrial, and general construction services nationwide. The forward-thinking, century-old private company is headquartered in Meenah, Wis. with regional offices in Eau Claire, Wis., Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Wausau, Wis., Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Marquette, Mich.
The Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, Inc., is a non-profit organization led by a volunteer board of directors composed of local and regional leaders dedicated to fostering economic recovery, improving economic sustainability and resiliency and ensuring equitable community access to prosperity through the development of the Kenosha Innovation neighborhood (KIN).
The KIN – the revitalization and transformation of 107-acres of vacant land in the heart of Kenosha – is a collaborative, mixed-use project that is bringing the community together to define and deliver a regional destination with sustainable, innovation-focused office, medical, educational, commercial, residential space that meets the unique needs of neighbors, the broader Kenosha community, visitors and end-users. Learn more about the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood at www.innovatekin.org.
