Marquette University's computer science department is teaming up with Milwaukee tech founder Nadiyah Johnson to pilot a product development program that connects students with newly created startups.
To provide students with experience working with startups across various industries, while also giving minority-owned startups access to software development at no cost, Marquette's principles of design class will provide product development to social-impact focused startups that are partnering with The Milky Way Tech Hub, an initiative under software company Jet Constellations to inject diversity and inclusion into Milwaukee's tech scene.
“There is a critical need for more programming around product development in the city of Milwaukee," said Johnson, founder of Jet Constellations and a 2020 Business Journal 40 Under 40 winner. "There are huge racial disparities in the (venture capital) world that continue to make it difficult for Black founders and other underrepresented demographics to raise funds to develop even a minimum viable product. Many times, our journey of product development begins with little to no help. Programs like the one we’ve established with Marquette are absolutely essential as we work toward making Milwaukee a tech hub that centers on marginalized communities."
The startups will be focused on social impact.
“Marquette seeks to produce graduates who are not merely savvy programmers, but who will use their powers for the good of the community and for the world," said Dennis Brylow, vice chair of Marquette's computer science department. "This kind of substantive engagement with our local tech ecosystem provides an ideal educational opportunity for our students at a critical stage of their professional development, while also giving a much-needed boost to budding entrepreneurs in our city.”
