Programs that work
From education to acceleration, we support Wisconsin founders at every stage.
etc. Fellowship
4 weeks | 2x per year
What it is
Peer-to-peer learning program inspired by proven models like MuseMatrix. Each week covers a different emerging tech. Participants teach each other.
Fellowship graduates often progress to the Accelerator program or become early employees at accelerated startups.
Topics
Machine learning, LLMs, AI agents
Smart contracts, DeFi, NFTs
Mixed reality, immersive experiences, spatial interfaces
Edge computing, real-time analytics
Who should apply
Students, professionals exploring startups, researchers, business owners, anyone curious about emerging tech.
When
January and July
Cost
Free
etc. Accelerator
6-week in-person sprint + 4 months remote support | 2x per year
What it is
Intensive startup creation program focused on building a working MVP. You'll create your product, get your first users, and prepare to pitch investors.
6-week intensive sprint in Milwaukee followed by 4 months of remote support to help you maintain momentum after the program.
Structure
At the end of the weekend, you'll walk away with a defined problem, MVP roadmap, and your first lines of code. Work alongside mentors and other founders.
Iterate, grow, prepare for demo day. Weekly progress reviews and mentor office hours.
Pitch to investors and corporate partners. Get feedback and funding opportunities.
What you get
Completely free. We take no equity.
Who should apply
Founders ready to commit full-time (40+ hours/week) during the 6-week sprint. Early-stage startups with an idea and initial validation.
For out-of-state or non-Milwaukee participants, we have a hacker house available three blocks from our space, making the intensive program accessible to everyone.
When
Spring (March-April) and Fall (September-October)
Cost
Free, no equity taken
etc. Innovation Labs
Quarterly events
What happens
Half-day or full-day summits connecting startups with corporations, industry researchers, academic researchers, and investors. These events create real partnerships and pilot opportunities.
Format
Companies present problems they need solved. Startups pitch solutions.
Deep dives on specific technologies with hands-on learning.
Startup demos, investor meetings, community connections.
Who should attend
Startups seeking customers and partners, corporations exploring innovation, university and industry researchers commercializing ideas, investors looking for deals.
Cost
Free for etc. members, $50 for public
etc. Public Hackathons
Twice per year
What it is
Two-day build event introducing you to emerging technologies while creating prototypes addressing Wisconsin business challenges.
Top performers receive expedited entry into the Accelerator program with an accelerated application process.
Prizes
Who should attend
Developers, designers, entrepreneurs, students, anyone with a weekend and an idea.
When
Spring and fall (aligns with accelerator kickoffs)
Cost
Free to participate
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