MKE Tech Hub Coalition

"𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙪𝙠𝙚𝙚, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙜𝙡𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙡 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚."    Felix Frimpong, a current FOR-M Founder, is on a mission to transform the international education journey. As a former international student himself, he understands firsthand the complexities of studying abroad – so much so that he started a small business in Ghana to guide others through the process. Now, he’s taking his impact even further with College League App (CLA360), an end-to-end platform designed to empower students to navigate the system independently, without relying on costly third parties.    Since launching version 1.0 in February of this year, his platform has already attracted 100+ users, marking just the beginning of his ambitious vision for accessible global education. Felix is looking forward to having FOR-M serve as a strong foundation as he grows and develops his startup.    Ready to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level? FOR-M is accepting applications on a rolling basis. Join Founders like Felix to get your idea off the ground, receive coaching and resources, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs taking this journey with you: https://lnkd.in/gdUkdBfP 

The latest Synapse by MKE Tech Manufacturing AI Workshop helped 17 professionals from six local manufacturers discover how AI can address real business challenges.     Through our structured methodology, participants journeyed from identifying pain points to developing actionable AI-powered solutions for their organizations. The energy in the room was electric as teams unlocked opportunities that could take their companies to the next level.    From this hands-on workshop, participants gained several valuable insights:    📌𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆: The most impactful AI implementations start by deeply understanding business challenges across the value chain. Technology follows purpose, not the other way around.    📌 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆: Using techniques like the 5 Whys, manufacturers discovered that many persistent challenges share underlying causes that can be addressed systematically with AI solutions.    📌 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁: Successful AI adoption isn't about perfect implementation on the first try. It’s about designing smart experiments to validate solutions before scaling. Our participants left with specific, actionable implementation plans tailored to their highest-priority challenges, turning abstract AI concepts into concrete next steps for their businesses. “It was a great experience—fun, insightful, and energizing. We came back to the office ready to keep pushing forward on our continuous improvement journey using AI as a positive catalyst," said Gonzalo Martínez, President & CEO of Schaefer Brush Manufacturing, LLC.   Join us for our next #ManufacturingAI Workshop on May 29th, where we'll guide another group through this proven process. https://lnkd.in/g_uXgaVN    Thank you to all participants for their engagement and contributions to strengthening Wisconsin's manufacturing innovation ecosystem!    #mketech #AICommunity #WisconsinManufacturing #MilwaukeeManufacturing #AIImplementation  

New this year: Tech Ed Upskilling will be unveiled at the #SummerfestTech conference – offering advanced technical skilling opportunities to #mketech professionals. Tech job postings have seen a 75% change in skills in the last five years, according to Lightcast’s report on the Speed of Skill Change. To help local businesses and employees stay competitive, we are expanding our long-standing partnership with Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. to offer advanced technical skilling to accelerate the adoption of new technologies. Join us June 24–25 for expert-led sessions on AI in cybersecurity, operations, and supply chain; hybrid and zero-trust networking; and communication strategies for tech professionals. These sessions will be delivered by leading tech companies including Microsoft, Databricks, Palo Alto Networks, STEP CG, Heartland Business Systems, and Esper Collective. 🎟️ Advance your tech skills and register via Summerfest Tech's website: https://lnkd.in/gfrDvXys

The power of strategic workforce development partnerships is crystal clear in the journey of Beatrice Alvares, a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student. Through the Skills to Build grant program, a collaboration between MKE Tech Hub Coalition, Employ Milwaukee and employers such as Komatsu North America, Beatrice secured a Business Intelligence Analytic Engineering internship that has launched her career. "At Komatsu, I’m encouraged to collaborate with engineers and analysts to develop python automation scripts and create real-time data visualizations," Beatrice shared. "Beyond the technical development, this experience has equipped me with the skills and confidence to take the next step in my career." The Skills to Build grant provides employers the flexibility they need to develop in-demand skills through internships, apprenticeships, and targeted training initiatives. For students, this grant creates pathways for those in advanced manufacturing, information technology, and professional services – all critical growth sectors in the #mketech region. Beatrice is one of two interns from this program who will continue their employment with Komatsu. Strategic partnerships like this help build sustainable talent pipelines that benefit both students and local businesses. Are you an employer interested in participating in the Skills to Build program? To learn how we can help you develop your future workforce, visit https://lnkd.in/g-vbNjna

On Tuesday, we gathered for an MKE Tech member meeting, where we explored and celebrated the pre-release of 𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬. Keynote speaker, New York Times bestselling author, and cofounder & general partner at Character Capital, John Zeratsky led a hands-on exercise utilizing a framework he and Jake Knapp use to help founders and corporate innovators bring their ideas to life.  From this immersive exploration of 𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬'𝘴 two-day Foundations Sprint, we gained these valuable insights: 📌 Treat ideas as testable hypotheses: Rather than becoming attached to untested concepts, successful innovators view their ideas as hypotheses that require validation through systematic testing with real users. 📌 Strong foundations precede successful launches: The most successful product launches are built upon a solid strategic foundation, including clear problem definition, audience understanding, and value proposition refinement—all established before development begins. 📌 Differentiation drives momentum: Identifying your unique value proposition and key differentiators not only helps you stand out in the marketplace but also provides clarity and focus for your entire team's efforts. 𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬 officially releases on April 22. Pre-order and unlock bonuses here: https://lnkd.in/eMx4wy3y Thank you to Baird for serving as our venue host and to the #mketech community for coming together to learn, connect, and grow the ecosystem! 

A hello from Eyas Hamdan of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Here's how he's powering his future. 𝐀𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? As of today, my career aspirations are to become a Data Engineer, Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, or Data Analyst. Most importantly, I want to be in a role where I can continuously learn, solve complex problems, and leverage data to create a meaningful impact for my company.    𝐈𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦? I applied to the FUSE program because I wanted to deepen my understanding of machine learning and AI while collaborating with like-minded individuals to use AI in solving real-world problems. The opportunity to work on hands-on projects and see the real impact of AI in different industries made FUSE especially exciting for me.    𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐅𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡? FUSE reinforced my passion for AI and data science by giving me hands-on experience in applying machine learning to real-world problems. It also helped me develop valuable technical and teamwork skills that have shaped my career direction and confidence in pursuing roles in AI and data. The alumni journey highlights students who are part of #TeamFUSE. These profiles represent their program experience and career aspirations. Applications for the 2025 summer AI bootcamp are open. Learn more and be part of the experience: https://lnkd.in/gqmU2P4t

Last year, we facilitated four AI Manufacturing Workshops, bringing together 25 regional manufacturers to explore the potential of artificial intelligence in their operations. Through these workshops we learned:  • Manufacturers of all sizes are looking to keep pace with the rapidly changing AI landscape • Leaders in manufacturing are highly engaged and looking to understand how technology can help their business. • It's not just about the technology; manufacturers need clarity, confidence, and practical pathways to value Synapse by MKE Tech builds directly on the foundation laid by our workshops, transforming those initial offerings into a larger pathway for practical AI adoption. Its purpose is to connect and amplify regional expertise while creating a shared network of resources to help manufacturers confidently evaluate and implement AI solutions that drive real business value.  By uniting industry veterans, educational institutions, and technology partners, we've created a comprehensive support system for manufacturers at every stage of their AI journey.   💡Learn more about Synapse and our upcoming workshops for mid-market manufacturers: https://lnkd.in/gMqV8rfd

Meet local venture investor and product designer John Zeratsky!     He's a cofounder and general partner at Character Capital and a New York Times bestselling author. Previously, he was a design leader for YouTube, Google Ads, and FeedBurner, as well as a partner at Google Ventures.    John is known for his groundbreaking book 𝘚𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘵, his breakthrough design work with 200+ software teams, and his investments in some of the world's most successful startups, including Slack, One Medical Group, Gusto, Flatiron Health, and Uber.     Originally from small-town Wisconsin, John moved to Milwaukee from San Francisco in 2019, bringing his wealth of knowledge and innovative spirit to the #mketech region.     His new book, 𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬, is a guide to starting big projects the smart way. It contains ten important lessons, a step-by-step playbook for the Foundation Sprint, and memorable stories from Nike, Google, Slack, and startups at the frontiers of artificial intelligence.    Join us next week for a rare opportunity to learn from John himself. On Tuesday, April 8th, from 2-4 PM at the Baird Headquarters in downtown Milwaukee, you can participate in a hands-on innovation exercise and grab an exclusive pre-release copy of 𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬. 🎟️ Get your ticket here: https://lnkd.in/dx28yse2 

A hello from Khatera Nazari of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Here's how she's powering her future. 𝗔𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀? Since I enjoy working with data, I want to become a data engineer. FUSE broadened my vision and encouraged me to explore more, leading me to participate in UWM’s Connected Systems Institute Hackathon, focused on building a mobile application for Brady Corporation. There, I manipulated data, built an app, and trained machine learning models to make predictions. I find it really exciting to shape models to work the way I want. This experience has inspired me to start a personal project focused on machine learning and data applications.    𝗜𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺? I have always wanted to join an AI bootcamp and learn more about AI. FUSE gave me the opportunity to connect with others, explore AI beyond just coding, and understand how it applies to different fields like finance. The program helped me develop teamwork and problem-solving skills while preparing for a future in data science. It also gave me a chance to see AI’s impact in real-world applications. Being honored with the Big Cheese Award and Peer Shout Out Award made the experience even more rewarding.    𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗙𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵? During FUSE, my team and I worked on building an app and website with enhanced features for banks, such as an in-app calculator, stock market integration, and, in the long term, a predictive algorithm to help users estimate their savings over 5-10 years. One key feature we also hoped to develop was a chatbot for a banking app, along with stock market predictions. This experience showed me how valuable data is for AI and how powerful predictions can be in real world applications. FUSE deepened my interest in using AI to solve problems in data science. The alumni journey highlights students who are part of #TeamFUSE. These profiles represent their program experience and career aspirations. Applications for the 2025 summer AI bootcamp are open. Learn more and be part of the experience: https://lnkd.in/gqmU2P4t

Would you rather spin your wheels for months or get clarity in just two days?    The new innovation guidebook, 𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬, from John Zeratsky and Jake Knapp makes the choice easy. These two pioneered the 5-day sprint methodology while at Google and are back with a new tactical manual for a 2-day foundation sprint, a structured approach that helps teams make better bets in the earliest stages of an idea… before they invest time and money on the wrong thing.     Instead of endless debates, scattered brainstorming, and gut-feel decision-making, this playbook shows you how to align your team on 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭, all 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 you start building. To the corporate innovators, startup founders, and tech professionals: Join us for a rare opportunity on Tuesday, April 8th from 2-4 PM at the Baird Headquarters in downtown Milwaukee. Learn directly from John Zeratsky, participate in a hands-on innovation exercise, and grab an exclusive pre-release copy of 𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬.   🎟️ Get your ticket here: https://lnkd.in/dx28yse2