Where Tech Meets Purpose: Real Stories From MKE
If you want to understand what makes Milwaukee’s tech ecosystem different, you only have to step inside the FOR-M Founder Showcase. The space was buzzing, not just with applause and demos, but with genuine belief. The kind you feel when a community shows up not out of obligation, but because they want these founders to win.
After months of refining their ideas, pressure-testing their business models, and leaning on experienced coaches, FOR-M founders shared their startups with a packed room of people eager to champion Milwaukee’s tech future. It was a snapshot of what makes this city special: support, purpose, and a belief that big ideas can grow here.
The night also included a major announcement: this year’s FOR-M alumni grant recipients, each receiving a $10,000 award backed by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. It was a powerful reminder that Milwaukee invests in its founders, not just with encouragement but with real resources.
Meet FOR-M, a Tech Startup Incubator Program
Backed by the MKE Tech Hub Coalition, FOR-M (Founders for Milwaukee) is a free startup incubator built for early-stage founders. Whether you’re refining a brand-new concept or figuring out your next move, FOR-M connects you with resources, mentorship, and a community for launching meaningful tech solutions.
FOR-M Founders Who Are Moving Ideas Forward
The FOR-M Showcase also highlighted the people behind the concepts, founders who are solving meaningful problems using tech innovation.
Felix Frimpong with CLA360
As a former international student from Ghana, Felix built CLA360, a digital platform that makes studying abroad easier, clearer, and more student-led.
Felix already has more than 100 students using it, and he credits FOR-M for giving him the foundation he wished he had early on.
“It’s way beyond Milwaukee, but it’s great to start something very global here.”
Maia Scurry with Sisu Connects
Maia, a UW-Milwaukee alum, created an app that rewards students for completing wellness tasks and homework, addressing motivation through encouragement and positive reinforcement.
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 with Assessed Intelligence
Katie pivoted into AI through her Philosophy and Ethics graduate work, eventually building a company that helps organizations evaluate AI risks and design responsible systems.
“One of the things I like about this space is I can impact the protection of human rights by helping companies develop trustworthy AI.”
FOR-M helped her surround her idea with the right people and guidance:
“FOR-M has been instrumental in connecting me with mentors and helping me find resources in the Milwaukee community.”
Why More Founders Are Choosing MKE
Milwaukee offers something rare: a tech scene where opportunity and community grow together.
- 2,000+ tech-enabled companies
- 80,000+ tech jobs
- A culture of accessibility, affordability, and collaboration
- Organizations like MKE Tech Hub Coalition are building real pathways into tech
FOR-M is one of the clearest entry points into that ecosystem: free, flexible, and built to meet founders where they are.
If you’re ready to build something meaningful and move your idea forward, FOR-M is the place to start.