This October is Wisconsin Tech Month, recognizing "the state's role in advancing innovative technology solutions" and "working towards the inclusion of people of all backgrounds in the future of the technology industry," Gov. Tony Evers said in a Sept. 7 proclamation.
More than 20 events are being coordinated throughout the state in cities including Milwaukee, Madison, Beloit, Kenosha, Platteville and Eau Claire.
Wisconsin Tech Month is being presented by the Milky Way Tech Hub, an organization focused on creating equitable opportunities for people of color in Milwaukee's technology sector, and the progressive nonprofit network Wisconsin Voices.
"We’re excited to be working with organizations throughout the state to drive awareness around the importance of technology and highlight its role in decreasing racial wealth and achievement gaps,” Milky Way Tech Hub founder Nadiyah Johnson said in a statement.
The first week of October will focus on advocacy, with events aimed at educating the general public about tools and knowledge related to advocacy, policy and legislation. On Oct. 8, the groups plan to lobby at the Wisconsin State Capitol to advocate for broadband access, community upskilling and the equitable distribution of resources for Wisconsin entrepreneurs.
“There is a severe gap in representation and resources for Black entrepreneurs and workers in the tech industry," Wisconsin Voices co-executive director Tim Schindler said in a statement.
The last week of October is MKE Tech Week, organized by the MKE Tech Hub Coalition. More than 40 events are planned that week, including the Healthcare Innovation Pitch Competition and Reverse Pitch MKE. The weeklong event has been held since 2016 but previously was called Startup Milwaukee Week and hosted by the Wisconsin Startup Coalition.
Learn more about all of the Wisconsin Tech Month and MKE Tech Week events at www.milkywaytechhub.com/witechmonth and www. wistartupcoalition.org/startup-week/milwaukee/.
BY THE NUMBERS
7%: Percentage of the Wisconsin workforce in the technology sector
44,000: New technology jobs in Wisconsin in the past decade
Source: State of Wisconsin Office of the Governor
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Oct. 8: MKE Tech Lobby Day at the Wisconsin State Capitol
- Oct. 13: Smart Cities Design Thinking Workshop at UW-Parkside
- Oct. 15: Using Data Wisely to Help Communities of Color (virtual program)
- Oct. 26: Healthcare Innovation Pitch Competition
- Oct. 27: Reverse Pitch MKE
