The UWM Startup Challenge

The UWM Startup Challenge is where bold ideas come to life. Now entering its 15th year in Fall 2026, the Challenge empowers students from every background to define what it means to “start up.”  

For some, it’s launching a business. For others, it’s turning a passion into impact, shaping a career, or reimagining life after graduation. “Starting up” isn’t about where you begin—it’s about the possibilities that open when you take action.  

The Startup Challenge is a launchpad for ideas, a community of builders and dreamers, and a space where imagination meets real-world change. Here, you’ll discover what drives you, design your own path, and create work that inspires joy while making a difference. 

 At the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center, beginnings are our specialty. We believe forging your path isn’t about following a formula—it’s about finding what matters to you and learning how to bring it to life. 

 Sometimes it starts with a sketch on a napkin, the first draft of a big idea, or a leap into the unknown. Other times it’s a choice: to grow, to explore, and to build a future that feels like your own. 

Who is it for? 

The UWM Startup Challenge is open to everyone—undergraduates, graduates, all majors, and all backgrounds. Whether you’re a current UWM student, from another university, or part of the broader community, you are welcome to apply. If you’re curious, motivated, and ready to explore new ideas, this program is for you. 

You might come with a fully formed idea, or simply a strong interest in collaborating and working on one. Either way, the Startup Challenge provides the resources, mentorship, and community to help you take the next step. 

If you are applying as part of a team, please note that each team member must submit an individual application to ensure full access to program resources and opportunities. 

Once you submit your application, Startup Challenge Director Tiera Trammell (trammel4@uwm.edu) will follow up with you directly to guide you through the next steps. 

What will we offer you 

At the Lubar entrepreneurship center we believe that innovation grows through collaboration and community. As part of the startup challenge, you’ll gain access to a unique network and an array of resources designed to accelerate your growth: 

• Student innovators and entrepreneurs who share and drive your ambition
• Dedicated UWM professors and staff who bring both expertise and encouragement 
• Experienced mentors who understand the journey and provide practical guidance 
• Influential leaders from Milwaukee’s business and startup community who can open doors to new opportunities 

Beyond the people, you’ll gain access to tools, workshops, and events that help you shape your ideas into action. The startup challenge is a launchpad for your future, a space where your creativity persistence and vision are supported every step of the way. 

Your commitment 

The Startup Challenge is a community driven experience. To get the most out of the program and to access the resources available, we ask participants to commit to the following: 

• Attend required Boosted sessions once per month, where you’ll build skills, share progress, and learn from others 
• Actively engage with the Startup Challenge community, contributing to the collaborative spirit that defines our program
• Participate in the UWM Innovators Expo, showcasing your project to peers, mentors, and community members 
• Support both your peers and your own growth, recognizing that collaboration is essential to success  

Participants who consistently meet these commitments will unlock a wide range of resources, including mentorship, access to funding opportunities, and specialized programming. These benefits become available after you attend at least one session and meet with the program director to discuss your goals. 

The more you put into the Startup Challenge, the more you’ll gain in return.