Wisconsin Inno Fire Awards: Meet the 25 technology leaders heating up in 2021

We're recognizing 25 companies, groups and organizations on fire.

Cat Francis, American Inno

By Teddy Nykiel - Reporter

November 26, 2021, 05:01am CST Updated 11/29/2021 3:10 pm

Throughout 2021, momentum has been building within Wisconsin's technology and startup sector.

As spaces began to open up following last year's pandemic lockdowns, communities gathered again to collaborate and connect about their latest ventures. New funds were raised to help finance emerging entrepreneurs. Existing companies achieved milestones in hiring, development and go-to-market strategies.

And, following the Milwaukee Bucks' NBA championship win, there was a sense that the global spotlight could also illuminate the existing and potential opportunities in the region's innovation economy.

To mark the end of a standout year, Wisconsin Inno and the Milwaukee Business Journal sought nominations for our annual Fire Awards to recognize companies, groups and organizations across Wisconsin that are "heating up" the state's technology ecosystem.

Our editorial team chose the following 25 finalists across five categories. Click on the link below each category to read more about the finalists.

A team of independent local judges with knowledge of the technology sector will select one winner — or, in Inno speak, "blazer" — from each category, to be announced and featured online in December.

The judges are Tina Chang, CEO of Brookfield's SysLogic Inc.; Mark Grosskopf, president and CEO of Milwaukee's New Resources Consulting; Andy Nunemaker, CEO of Milwaukee's Groupware Technologies Inc.; and Ranell Washington, partnership development advisor for American Family Insurance.

Investors and funders