The Milky Way Tech Hub, a Milwaukee group focused on equitably growing the city's tech ecosystem, is introducing this year's WI Tech Month in October with an intensified focus on artificial intelligence.
WI Tech Month is Wisconsin's annual celebration of technological innovation, STEM education and entrepreneurship across the state organized by the Milky Way Tech Hub, founded by Nadiyah Johnson, and Milwaukee's Latinos in Tech, co-founded by Ben Juarez and Carlos Vasquez. This year will be the first that organizers are also leading Milwaukee Tech Week, previously a program of the nonprofit MKE Tech Hub Coalition.
With the two events that aim to elevate Wisconsin's burgeoning tech industry now under one umbrella, WI Tech Month attracted a record number of partnerships with Uline, Milwaukee County, Associated Bank, SoftwareOne, Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC), the Wisconsin Science Festival and Wisconsin Athletic Club.
The Wisconsin Athletic Club is joining as an exclusive fitness partner offering Milky Way Tech Hub members 21-day access to all WAC clubs, adding a wellness component to the month, said Johnson in a press release.
Uline and SoftwareOne are empowering Women in Tech Week through sponsorship and logistical support.
WI Tech Month launches Sept. 28 with a kick-off party at 5 p.m. at Rise & Grind Cafe, 2737 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, while Milwaukee Tech Week kicks off Oct. 2 with Advocacy Day at City Hall with the Common Council and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. WI Tech Month events will be held throughout the entire month of October.
Milky Way Tech Hub founder Nadiyah Johnson answered some emailed questions from the Milwaukee Business Journal, offering some insights into this year's event.
This is the first year you’re organizing both WI Tech Month and MKE Tech Week. How and why did that come about?
"The decision to bring WI Tech Month and Milwaukee Tech Week under one umbrella was driven by the shared vision and objectives of both initiatives. We saw the incredible potential for synergy between the two, both being platforms that celebrate innovation, technology, and community. Merging the two programs allows us to amplify our reach and make a more profound impact in Wisconsin's tech ecosystem. By doing so, we can offer a richer, more integrated experience to our participants, sponsors and the community at large."
What are the challenges and advantages of organizing and holding both events simultaneously?
"The integration of WI Tech Month and MKE Tech Week has been quite seamless, largely because traditionally we have focused on MKE tech ecosystem during the first week of WI Tech Month. It wasn't so much a challenge as it was an opportunity for us to consolidate our resources and provide an even more enriching experience for all involved.
"The advantages of this seamless integration are manifold. We can now offer a larger, more unified platform that serves as a beacon for tech innovation, networking, and professional development throughout the state. We also foresee increased engagement and a heightened sense of community, which are key for the sustained growth of Wisconsin's tech industry."
Why is there a focus on artificial intelligence this year?
"Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just a trend; it's a transformative technology shaping multiple sectors, from health care to transportation and beyond. Wisconsin has some fantastic talent and companies working in this space, and we felt that now is the perfect time to shine a spotlight on this. By focusing on AI, we aim to foster discussions, partnerships and innovations that will drive the state's tech industry forward, placing us on the national and global map for AI development."
Who are some of your new partners and what will their involvement entail?
"We are thrilled to have partnered with a diverse group of organizations this year. To name a few, we've joined forces with WCTC for academic engagement, SoftwareOne to address enterprise solutions, and Data for Black Lives to focus on tech for social good. These partnerships will include panel discussions, workshops and collaborative projects aimed at fostering innovation and developing the local tech talent pool. Each partner brings a unique perspective and set of resources to the table, enriching our overall program."
Anything else we should know?
"WI Tech Month and Milwaukee Tech Week aim to be more than just annual events. Our vision extends to creating a sustainable, inclusive tech ecosystem in Wisconsin that operates year-round. We are investing in long-term initiatives like educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and community building to ensure the continued growth of the tech industry in our state. So while October is a month of celebration and showcase, the work continues all year long."
Click here for more information about WI Tech Month.
