MADISON, Wis. – Finalists representing a mix of tech-based sectors in Wisconsin’s early-stage economy will present live to judges and others Tuesday, Oct. 6, in Milwaukee as part of the Launch Wisconsin contest at Marquette University’s Alumni Memorial Union.
Twelve contestants emerged from two rounds of judging in the contest organized by the Wisconsin Technology Council, which produces the contest and conference with its partners and sponsors. The major sponsor of the contest is the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
This year’s finalists will deliver five-minute pitches on their startups. A panel of five judges from Wisconsin’s venture investment community will select the winner immediately following the pitches. To register for the conference at Marquette University’s Alumni Memorial Union, click here.
Entries were submitted in four categories: consumer tech, deep tech, enterprise tech and health tech. Finalists submitted five-minute video pitch decks for review by a panel of about 70 judges.
The Tech Council also partnered with three regional organizations across Wisconsin: the Greater Green Bay Chamber, HATCH and the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood. Each organization had the opportunity to select a finalist from its region to advance to the live presentations, helping bring more regional representation to Launch Wisconsin and highlight promising companies from communities across the state.
Sponsors are contributing cash, office space, legal assistance, accounting, information technology consulting, marketing and more. About $3.1 million in cash and in-kind prizes have been awarded since the inception of the contest in 2004.
In addition to WEDC, lead sponsors of the 2026 contest include: Michael Best, MKE Start Up News, MKE Venture Mentoring, Novii CPA, Phil Ouellette EOS Implementer, Pieper Properties, Quarles and Brady, SCORE, Spencer X. Smith, University Research Park and Ward4. Associate sponsors include: StartingBlock, Strategic Growth Group and SustainableHR PEO. Additional sponsors include: Cap Times, MG&E, Murphy Desmond, UW-Madison Office of University Relations, UW-Milwaukee and Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.
The 2026 “Diligent Dozen” are listed below. Reporters wishing to contact individuals may do so through the Wisconsin Technology Council by emailing julie@
