Wisconsin startups showcase innovation across sectors as 52 advance in Launch Wisconsin contest
Fifty-two startup companies and entrepreneurs representing 25 Wisconsin communities have advanced to the semifinal round of the 2026 Launch Wisconsin contest, highlighting the depth and diversity of the state's innovation economy.
Selected by an independent panel of approximately 70 judges organized through the Wisconsin Technology Council, the semifinalists represent four technology sectors: consumer tech (15), deep tech (13), enterprise tech (12) and health tech (12).
This year's semifinalists reflect many of Wisconsin's emerging strengths. Technologies range from smart vending machines and AI-powered financial tools to precision guidance systems for small uncrewed aircrafts; advanced soil monitoring technology; platforms that transform fragmented medical data into actionable clinical intelligence; and virtual clinical pharmacology tools and workforce training platforms designed to help organizations remain compliant.
The semifinalists also demonstrate the statewide reach of innovation in Wisconsin. More than half of the advancing companies are based outside Milwaukee and Madison, with entrepreneurs representing the following communities: Big Bend, Brookfield, De Pere, Delafield, Franklin, Green Bay, Hartland, Kenosha, Lake Tomahawk, Menomonee Falls, Mequon, Oshkosh, Pewaukee, Tomah, Waukesha, Wauwatosa and Williams Bay.
“Trends reflected in the top 52 entries match up well with Wisconsin’s traditional and emerging strengths,” said Gary Frings, chairman of the Tech Council. “Good ideas come from all high-growth sectors of the economy and from all corners of the state.”
The semifinalists now advance to Phase 2 of the competition, where they will prepare a five-minute recorded pitch presentation for judges.
The top dozen contestants will give live presentations at the Launch Wisconsin conference, Oct. 6 in Milwaukee at Marquette University. Category winners, as well as the 2026 grand prize winner, will be announced during the conference. Click here to learn more and register for that event.
Sponsors are contributing cash, office space, legal assistance, accounting, marketing, social media management and more. About $3.1 million in cash and in-kind prizes have been awarded over time. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. is a major sponsor.
Additional lead sponsors of the 2026 contest thus far include Michael Best, Novii CPA, Phil Ouellette EOS Implementer, Pieper Properties, Quarles and Brady, SCORE, Spencer X Smith and Ward4. Associate sponsors include Starting Block. Additional sponsors Cap Times, MG&E, MKE Start Up News, MKE Venture Mentoring, Murphy Desmond, Strategic Growth Group, SustainableHR PEO, UW-Madison Office of University Relations, UW-Milwaukee and Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.
Here are the 2026 semi-finalists, alphabetically listed by submission name. Reporters wishing to contact individual contestants may do so through the Wisconsin Technology Council by julie@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com
