Meet FOR-M: Your First Step to Starting a Tech Startup in Milwaukee
Milwaukee is quickly becoming one of the Midwest’s most exciting places to launch a tech startup — and FOR-M is helping lead the charge.
Backed by the MKE Tech Hub Coalition, FOR-M (Founders for Milwaukee) is a free startup incubator for early-stage founders. It’s here to help you take that idea that’s been bouncing around in your head and turn it into something real — connecting you with mentors, resources, and a clear path forward. Whether you’re just starting to validate your concept or figuring out your next move, FOR-M helps you plug into Milwaukee’s thriving tech ecosystem.
What is FOR-M?
FOR-M isn’t your average incubator. It’s an open, inclusive, community-driven program designed to meet founders where they are. FOR-M helps local entrepreneurs build momentum through:
- Kickoff Dinners for networking and idea sharing
- Monthly Virtual Coaching with experienced mentors
- Founders Day monthly coworking sessions
- Access to learning resources is available 24/7
- Biannual Showcases to celebrate progress
Since its founding in 2019, FOR-M has supported over 300 founders and brought together 150+ volunteer coaches — all working toward one mission: making Milwaukee a more inclusive and innovative tech hub.
But what really sets FOR-M apart? The people.
Let’s Meet a Few of Them and Hear How They’ve Gone From Idea-Makers to Startup Founders.
Felix Frimpong: Building Tools That Empower Students
Felix Frimpong came to the U.S. as an international student from Ghana, and now, he’s helping others navigate that same journey. Felix’s startup provides a digital platform that simplifies the process of studying abroad, with the goal of putting the power back in students’ hands.
“The goal is to empower the student to do it themselves and not have to go pay a third party.”
Felix is already seeing traction — over 100 students are using his platform — and he credits FOR-M with giving him the foundation he never had when he first got started.
“It’s way beyond Milwaukee, but it’s great to start something very global here.”
Maia Scurry: Gamifying Mental Health for Students
Maia Scurry knows that mental health and motivation go hand-in-hand. Her groundbreaking app rewards students for completing wellness activities and homework — a concept born from her own experience as a student at UW-Milwaukee.
“Some days it’s really hard to be motivated. It would be nice to be rewarded for completing tasks — I think that would help a lot of people.”
Now in her second year with FOR-M, Maia says what she values most is the community:
“Having that community is really important. I know I’m not alone and can talk to people who are going through what I’m going through.”
Katie Grillaert: Creating Ethical AI Solutions
After pivoting from a previous business, Katie Grillaert leaned into her passion for AI and ethics to launch a startup that helps companies assess AI risks and implement responsible solutions. What began as a hobby — learning to code while pursuing her master’s in Philosophy and Ethics — quickly revealed the perfect intersection of her interests.
“One of the things I like about this space is I can impact the protection of human rights by helping companies develop trustworthy AI.”
Through FOR-M, Katie has found valuable mentors and resources in Milwaukee’s growing tech scene.
“FOR-M has been instrumental in connecting me with mentors and helping me find resources in the Milwaukee community.”
Why Milwaukee? Why Now?
Milwaukee offers a unique mix of affordability, talent, and community. It’s home to over 2,000 tech-enabled companies and 80,000+ jobs. Organizations like MKE Tech Hub are creating new on-ramps to tech careers and startup opportunities, and FOR-M is one of the most accessible ways to get started.
Whether you’re building something in AI, education, wellness, or something the world hasn’t seen yet, FOR-M is the place to begin.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you’re an aspiring founder — or even just curious about startups — FOR-M is free, flexible, and built with you in mind. Applications for our tech startup incubator are now open, but spots are limited and filled on a rolling basis.
Want to support the next generation of founders? You can also volunteer as a coach and help guide startups like Maia’s, Katie’s, and Felix’s.
Milwaukee is ready for you. Let FOR-M be your first step.
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