What Participants Submit

Students can submit either:

• A 300-word essay, or
• A 60–90 second YouTube video

Submissions should describe the Lean Launch journey behind the idea. Participants are expected to explain the problem they are solving, who their customers are, and key elements from their Business Model Canvas, including how their solution delivers value.

Pitch Format

Selected participants will pitch their ideas live. Each entrepreneur gets:

• 4 minutes to present their idea
• Up to 4.5 minutes for questions from judges

After each pitch, judges take a short reset before the next presenter. The first-place winner automatically advances to the statewide Big Idea Tournament.

Prizes

Winners of the 51���� qualifier receive cash awards:

• First Place: $1,000
• Second Place: $500
• Third Place: $250

Apply here

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“It feels great to be recognized!” he told me. “I haven’t been in this field for long, so winning an award like this—it’s validating. It reminds me that everything I do comes back to the same goal: making the environment cleaner and our communities healthier. I don’t do this work for recognition, but it does feel good to know my efforts don’t go unnoticed.”

Julien has served as the Regional Engagement Coordinator for  since 2024, following his Master’s in Sustainable Peacebuilding ����Dz����������ڰ��dz� UW-Milwaukee. But his journey into environmental work started long before college. He recalls spending long days at his neighborhood park, just minutes from home. Now, as an adult, he’s working to ensure more Milwaukee residents have access to and appreciation for their natural surroundings.

His path into environmental work is deeply tied to his experience as an entrepreneur. He’s not just managing Milwaukee’s parks—he’s reimagining how people engage with them.

“The Startup Challenge directly  taught me to think outside the box. There isn’t one perfect solution to a problem. If something doesn’t work, you pivot. You experiment. That mindset has been huge in my role at the parks.”

One of the biggest challenges? Getting people together.

“Everyone I work with—residents, volunteers, community groups—has a different schedule. Some work nine-to-five, others do third shift. It’s tough to get the right people in the room at the same time, but that’s where collaboration comes in. When groups share ideas, we can actually make things happen.”

Julien is determined to bring the right voices into the conversation because the best solutions are those shaped by the communities they serve. Another challenge? There’s no single issue to solve when it comes to getting people out into the parks. That’s why he’s always thinking about partnerships and new ways to support the parks’ mission.

“You know, something like algae buildup is a big problem—it’s expensive to fix. But I started thinking back to a group I met through I-Corps at 51����. They were tackling the same issue from a different angle. I thought, ‘What if they could be part of the solution here?’ That’s where the entrepreneurial mindset kicks in. You connect people, explore different solutions, and see what sticks.”

Despite the challenges, his favorite part of the job is selling Milwaukee to Milwaukee.

“People don’t realize what we have here—freshwater lakes, green spaces, parks within a 10-minute walk of most homes. In other cities, access to nature is a luxury. Here, it’s everywhere. I love helping people see that.”

Before we wrapped up, I asked what advice he’d give to someone who wants to make an impact.

“Hate to be cliché, but just do it—like Nike,” he said with a grin. “If you have an idea, don’t keep it to yourself. Talk about it. Find people who can help. The more you put it out there, the more it’ll come together.”

And if Julien’s work is any proof, putting ideas into action is how real change happens.

To learn more about how you can join a Milwaukee County Parks Friend Group, .

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This past year, we celebrated a remarkable milestone—five years in our wonderful building and hosting over 1,000 workshops. These achievements are a testament to the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of 51���� and the dedication of our team.

One of our key initiatives remains the NSF I-Corps program, where 51���� plays a pivotal role in the Midwestern academic entrepreneurial ecosystem. This program continues to empower researchers and innovators, bridging the gap between groundbreaking discoveries and market impact.

Our Startup Challenge remains a cornerstone of our mission. We are proud to support student entrepreneurs as they transform their innovative ideas into reality, fostering creativity and growth on our campus and beyond.

This year, we are looking forward to a dynamic journey filled with experiments and pilot projects, exploring bold ideas that pave the way for future success.

Finally, we extend our deepest gratitude to our generous supporters and funders. Your unwavering commitment makes our work possible and enables us to nurture the next generation of changemakers.

2025 is poised to be a transformative year, and we can’t wait to see the incredible innovations, connections, and successes it will bring. Here’s to a year of growth, discovery, and entrepreneurship!

The post Welcome to 2025: A Year of Innovation and Collaboration appeared first on Lubar Entrepreneurship Center.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a city renowned for its cultural diversity, rich history, and hard-working spirit. In recent years, however, Milwaukee has also emerged as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. With its vibrant ecosystem of startups, accelerators, and support organizations, the city is building a reputation as a centerpiece for creative problem-solving and small business growth. This thriving entrepreneurial scene plays a critical role in shaping the local economy, especially as the holiday season approaches—a time when small businesses need community support the most.

Small businesses are the backbone of Milwaukee’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, representing the heart of local innovation and community. They not only drive economic growth but also create jobs and bring distinctive products and services to neighborhoods. However, the holiday season is a make-or-break time for many small businesses, especially in an era where online retail giants dominate consumer spending.

Supporting Local Entrepreneurs During the Holiday Season

During the holidays, small businesses rely heavily on increased foot traffic and sales to meet annual revenue goals. These businesses often reinvest their earnings locally, supporting other businesses and strengthening Milwaukee’s economy. By choosing to shop locally, Milwaukee consumers directly contribute to the vibrancy of our community, ensuring our small businesses continue to innovate and thrive.

Milwaukee’s support for small businesses during the holiday season goes beyond consumer spending. Events like and initiatives such as Small Business Saturday encourage residents to explore neighborhood shops and discover hidden gems. Organizations like the also play a significant role by creating campaigns and experiences that bring people to the city center.

For entrepreneurs, this period is an opportunity to showcase their creativity, build customer loyalty, and foster connections that can lead to long-term success. In turn, consumers benefit from unique products, personalized services, and the satisfaction of knowing their dollars are making a tangible difference.

Investing in Milwaukee’s Future Through Local Innovation

As Milwaukee continues to grow as a hub for innovation, small businesses remain integral to the city’s identity and future. Supporting these businesses during the holidays is an investment in Milwaukee’s entrepreneurial spirit that improves the consumer experience for all Milwaukee residents. By rallying around local entrepreneurs, the community helps sustain a culture of creativity, resilience, and opportunity that defines Milwaukee’s place as a centerpiece for innovation and entrepreneurship.

This holiday season let’s celebrate Milwaukee by uplifting the small businesses that make it special. Whether it’s purchasing gifts from local shops or dining at neighborhood restaurants, every effort counts in shaping a brighter future for our city.

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Through a 150-minute HCD workshop, 64 graduate nursing students reported feeling more confident in their ability to come up with new ideas and take meaningful action, alongside enhanced design-thinking traits like optimism and experimentation. Students said the experience made them feel empowered to make real changes in their workplaces. For many, it was the first time they saw creativity as a critical nursing skill.

This fresh approach to nursing education is opening doors to better patient care and stronger, more innovative healthcare systems. Discover how this approach is shaping the future of nursing and healthcare innovation.

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As we near the end of Q4, time has been a constant point of reflection. It’s one of the most fleeting, non-replaceable resources that we engage with. We cannot possess it nor hold on to it. Where money, you can always get back, once time is spent, it’s gone. But we can still use it wisely.

About halfway through 2024, I got the nagging feeling I wasn’t allocating my time properly. There was always something to balance; work, family, social life and hobbies all occurring at the same time and demanding my time. Even on my most productive workday, I knew I was sacrificing time for something else, something equally important. There was simply never enough time for everything! In that moment, when I felt the weight of missing out on the important things in life, with the weight of needing to do the things that would secure me living the life I desired, did I really sit down and take stock of my time. Here are some ways I’ve been able to redirect and feel like I’m about to work and play to my personal fulfilment.

Being Aware of Time

As we’ve heard referenced before, psychologist Nathaniel Branden infamous quote “the first step toward change is awareness.” To on how to use time wisely, I had to sit and reflect on where I was spending my time. Not only thinking but writing and visualizing so I could see. 8 hours of work, 1-hour of travel, 2 hours of meal planning, 3-hours of film study, not to mention everything in between. As with proper handling of money, budgeting time is crucial. To see where you can make improvements, you must first recognize your current patterns.

Prioritizing Time

“We all have the same 24-hours.” I’ve heard numerous times before, which is truly not the case if you’re sleeping the recommended 8-hours a night. So, how do we optimize those remaining 16 hours? Prioritize the important things and the necessities. Work, school, eating, resting… then allow the other non-immediate things to fill in. Many people use the to determine the urgent, non-urgent, important and non-important tasks in their lives, but there are many tools to help decide which tasks need to be done immediately, and which ones we can schedule later.

Routines

Creating a routine is putting everything on an automated schedule that allows you to ease through your day without feeling like something is left out. Just like your body getting naturally sleepy around 10pm with your central circadian clock, start aligning your day to have scheduled time for activities, without having to “make time” for it later. By having a framework for your day, you’re able to allocate time efficiently and eliminate the need to make decisions in real time. is known to impede the productive process. Having a of organizing your wardrobe for the week or planning your meals eliminated those tedious tasks from everyday and allow us to spend more time with the “big things.”

Daily, Weekly, Monthly Goals – Flexibility in unpredictable cases

What worked for me was establishing my goals on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Surprisingly, exercising helped me the most in this area. Regular exercise not only by releasing feel-good chemicals, but it also highlights a great way to look at your goals. Understanding that you won’t gain those 20 pounds by tomorrow or hit that PR on your first run, you’re able to recognize that incremental wins are still important. Realizing that everything doesn’t have to get done today because you’ve planned for your progress. At the LEC we call it the “.” Realize that some goals can be done in a day, but give yourself space and realistic time for those goals that might take more than a few tries or more resources to attain.

Lastly, however you’re spending your time, whether it’s laying on the couch watching tv for 8 hours, spending time with loved ones, or working on a new idea, the most important part is being present. Living fully in the moment, not needing or wanting to be anywhere else and being content with what you have because you know you have allocated the proper time for it by prioritizing your goals. Free yourself from the guilt of “I should be…” and know you’re exactly where you need to be.

The post Time as Your Greatest Asset: Prioritizing What Matters Most appeared first on Lubar Entrepreneurship Center.

Dr. AkkeNeel Talsma, a highly accomplished healthcare innovator and founder of , has dedicated her career to addressing the informational gaps faced by pregnant women. With a PhD in Nursing and an MS in Community Health Nursing from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Talsma brings decades of expertise to her work. Her latest creation, Maternity Metrix, is a web-based app designed to provide evidence-based health guidance in a format that is practical, inclusive, and accessible. Talsma’s approach is a blend of expertise, empathy, and collaboration, aimed at reducing the risks associated with pregnancy while empowering women and their families.

The development of Maternity Metrix reflects an unwavering commitment to listening to the needs of its users. Recognizing that traditional healthcare communication can often feel clinical and intimidating, Talsma and her team flipped the script. “We recreated the app from the perspective of pregnant women,” she explained, “not as nurses telling them what to do.”

User-Centric Design

To achieve this, the team gathered extensive feedback from key stakeholders, including doulas (women employed to provide guidance and support to a pregnant woman during labor), senior nursing students, and healthcare professionals. These insights helped shape the app’s simple and straightforward interface, tailored for a fourth to sixth-grade reading level and featuring intuitive graphics. The focus was on creating a tool that women could use easily and quickly, whether they were “in the parking lot of Taco Bell” or in remote areas with limited service.

The app’s content goes beyond basic pregnancy advice, addressing vital health challenges that can have long-term implications. It offers guidance on monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, and anemia—common yet preventable complications during pregnancy. Additionally, it educates users on the risks associated with smoking, vaping, and marijuana use, debunking myths about the safety of natural or herbal substances.

Addressing Preterm Births

At its core, Maternity Metrix aims to reduce preterm births, which Talsma identifies as a pressing issue. “Preterm births aren’t just a health challenge; they’re a financial burden,” she said, noting the annual $400 million Wisconsin spends on addressing preterm birth complications. By equipping women with accessible and actionable health information, the app seeks to improve maternal outcomes, reduce Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admissions (care for premature and critically ill newborns), and alleviate the emotional and financial toll on families.

The success of Maternity Metrix is rooted in its strong partnerships with initial funding from multiple donor funds including the Raymond and Bernice Eschenburg Fund; the Mr. and Mrs. William A. Johnson Fund; and the Alma Smith Wright Fund. The 51���� Lubar Entrepreneurship Center (LEC) offered space and resources for brainstorming and development. The further supported the project with grants that enabled the transition from concept to reality.

Community Impact and Health Education

Dr. Talsma’s work also extends deeply into community engagement. Collaborations with African American church health ministries and Promotores de Salud have been instrumental in adapting the app to serve diverse populations. These partnerships have also facilitated the creation of a Spanish version of the app, broadening its accessibility and impact.

One of the most exciting developments in the pipeline is the integration of telehealth functionality. This feature will allow community healthcare workers and doulas to connect with pregnant women securely through video calls, enabling consistent support and personalized guidance. “With this grant, we’re reaching out to community organizations to adopt Maternity Metrix and incorporate it into their programs,” Talsma shared.

The app’s design also supports group education. Talsma envisions it being used as a curriculum tool for doulas and non-licensed providers, helping them deliver structured and effective health education. This adaptability ensures that Maternity Metrix can meet the varied needs of women across different settings and circumstances.

Future Innovations and Accessibility

Dr. Talsma’s initiative is more than just a technological solution, it’s a testament to the power of innovation to drive social good. By addressing healthcare inequities and making critical information accessible, Maternity Metrix has the potential to transform how expectant mothers approach their pregnancies.

As the app continues to expand its reach, Talsma invites 51���� students and faculty to join her in exploring the intersections of innovation, healthcare, and community impact. Her work serves as a powerful reminder of the profound change that can occur when expertise is combined with a commitment to serving others.

With its focus on simplicity, inclusivity, and actionable health guidance, is poised to become a cornerstone of accessible healthcare for families across Wisconsin—and beyond.

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Welcome to the exciting world of innovation at the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center! We’re thrilled to introduce our newest Innovation Interns: Samantha Sarenac, Nikko Javier, and Tristan Jarvey. These dynamic individuals bring a diverse array of talents, experiences, and passions to our team, promising to infuse fresh perspectives and creative energy into our projects.

From Samantha’s international marketing aspirations and artistic flair to Nikko’s global business acumen and leadership prowess, and Tristan’s unique blend of psychology, computer science, and military experience, this trio embodies the interdisciplinary spirit that drives innovation. Join us as we embark on a journey of creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial discovery with these remarkable interns.

Learn more about each of our newest interns below!

Meet Samantha

Samantha is a current undergraduate student studying Marketing and Spanish, with a certificate in International Business. As a Milwaukee native, she loves to explore the city and all the opportunities Milwaukee has to offer. An avid lover of the arts, including music, theatre, and dance, she has become a proud member of . Samantha hopes to study abroad in Spain one day and work on promotional campaigns with global companies or entertainment agencies.

Fun fact: Samantha’s love of music has taken her to national levels as a participant in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. When she is not traveling or performing, you will often see her downtown at the Panther Arena cheering on her favorite sports team, the Milwaukee Admirals.

Meet Nikko

Nikko is a first-year undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he is pursuing a degree in finance with the intent to complement his studies with a certificate in international business. Raised in Wrigleyville, Illinois, Nikko’s life has been shaped by diverse experiences, including a few years living abroad that broadened his worldview and adaptability. After returning to the U.S., he completed high school in Wisconsin, where he cultivated a strong foundation in academics, leadership, and athletics.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Nikko is no stranger to leadership and high-level competition. He has held roles as a sports head coach, applying his skills in mentoring and strategic thinking, and he has a rich background in business through his involvement with . His achievements include winning 1st place at the Wisconsin State Career Development Conference, which highlighted his proficiency in business analysis and presentation.

Meet Tristan

Tristan is an undergraduate Computer Science student at 51����, having previously earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in December 2022. As an innovation intern at the LEC, he primarily focuses on the LEC website and newsletter.

With over eight years of professional experience across eight industries, Tristan has honed his skills in creative problem-solving, constructive persistence, and continuous improvement. His background includes six years of service in the Army Reserves as a Combat Engineer, completing his service as an E-5 squadron leader of an eight-member squad. During his service, Tristan mentored a high-performing squad member leading to their successful completion of the Army Special Forces Assessment & Selection.

Tristan’s areas of interest include software development (both back-end and front-end), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and natural language processing (NLP). His passion for innovation is evident in his consistent efforts to enhance systems, methods, and ventures for greater efficiency.

Entrepreneurship runs in Tristan’s family, with his parents having founded multiple businesses ranging from hotel development to stereo console renovation and retail. This background, combined with his technical skills and diverse experience, fuels Tristan’s drive to create software and services that improve people’s long-term quality of life.

Fun Fact:
Despite his thalassophobia turning oceans into liquid nightmares, Tristan has twice donned scuba diving gear and plunged into the “abyss.”

Connect with Our Innovation Interns!

Connect with our new interns on LinkedIn to stay updated on their innovative projects and insights (click their below image to view their LinkedIn profile)!

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Halloween in Brew City

October 31st. Halloween. A day shrouded in a crushed-velvet robe, clouded in mist and mystery. Spirits roam alleyways after rainstorms, and haunted hollows begin to howl as the lives of the undead and the living intermingle once more. Claims of the paranormal and supernatural have always been a vital piece of our legacy. From stories of Loch Ness monsters to wild witch hunts and vengeful spirits who roam rivers, these tales have lived on for thousands of years. And while some proclaim these stories as hoaxes, during the month of October, they pique interest across the world. Lucky for Milwaukee residents, these mysterious encounters are and continue to influence businesses today. Therefore, with Halloween soon approaching, we want to shed light on a few of Milwaukee’s most haunt-worthy businesses.

Shaker’s Cigar Bar and Speakeasy

One of the only places where past and present waltz in harmony within the modern-day era, is renowned for its commitment to the unknown and embracing its mysterious history, earning it the affectionate title of “the Cultural Museum.” From being a to a frequented location for other notorious Milwaukee figures, Shaker’s is not afraid of its ominous past.

We had the opportunity to sit down with owner Bob Weiss to discuss his experiences with the paranormal and his ability to flourish with the unknown. We focused on his encounters within the walls of Shaker’s itself, including the apparitions known to frequent the building, such as the young girl Elizabeth, who inhabits the bathroom, and O’Conner, an Irish Confederate soldier who resides in the cellar. For those brave enough to spend a night in the upstairs brothel from the Prohibition era, Bob warned that only about 15% of visitors make it until dawn. He remarked, “Whatever it is that you’re afraid of, some things will prey upon that.”

The foundation of Shaker’s and Hangman Tours (a historic tour company owned by Bob with tours in Milwaukee, Savannah, and Los Angeles) is rooted in the belief that “You can’t forget about your past.” A poignant statement in our fast-developing world. Bob extends this sentiment well beyond the curated wood walls of the speakeasy as a world traveler dedicated to uncovering stories of the past— “the fabric of who we are”—and raising awareness for the beyond.

Despite its chilling history, Shaker’s ambiance is incredibly welcoming. Patrons laugh throughout the evening, converse with staff, and greet Bob, creating an unmistakable connection to the space. When I asked about what it takes to join Shaker’s staff, he noted that his 30-person onsite team must attend the ghost tours and spend time in the cellar alone before their first shift. Thanks to these pre-screenings, Bob has confidence in his staff, and turnover is low, adding to the almost familial bonds that fill the space ghosts do not occupy.

Overall, Bob assured us that the spirits are content, and with the relaxed, fun-loving energy of the location and clientele, it is easy to see why. Besides his testimony, my coworker and I were unnerved by a small door that opened and closed frequently during our stay despite no one appearing. But one should not just take our word for it; as Bob said, “If your eyes are open and you want to get something, you’ll get something.” Whether hoping to encounter the beyond or simply looking for a mature dining experience, is worth a visit no matter the season.

Novak Manor

While the is not haunted itself, thanks to the vision and hard work of Patty and Adam Novak, it transforms into a frightful sight throughout October. Despite a few challenges this past year, the Novaks are dedicated to supporting their community and providing a frightfully fun experience for all!

On Fridays and Saturdays from 6-10 PM, Novak Manor becomes a completely volunteer-run haunted house featuring jump scares, spooky decor, and scare actors. Admission is a minimum dollar donation, supporting and other West Allis community programs. This haunt includes an array of classic horrors like clowns and Michael Myers. To make the Halloween spirit accessible to all, they provide glow sticks to signify those who do not wish to be scared but still want to immerse themselves in the experience.

The Novaks’ dedication is evident and appreciated by the organizations they support. Their generosity as a seasonal, home-based nonprofit shows that, no matter the time of year or who you are, giving is always in season.

Milwaukee’s Haunted Ventures in the Spirit of Halloween

In Milwaukee, the entrepreneurial spirit thrives as innovative business owners transform the city’s haunted history into captivating experiences. Venues like and blend ghostly tales with modern entertainment, inviting locals and tourists alike to explore the unknown. As Halloween approaches, these unique businesses remind us that with creativity and vision, even the most unconventional ideas can flourish. Embracing both the eerie and the entrepreneurial, Milwaukee showcases how history and mystery can create a vibrant community spirit during this haunting season.

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