2025 UWM Design Open and Innovators Expo Reflections

four women standing in front of a 2025 Design Open backdrop

Celebrating Innovation and Entrepreneurship

On May 2, 2025, the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center welcomed hundreds of students, faculty, alumni, and community members to the 2025 UWM Design Open and Innovators Expo — our largest celebration of innovation, creativity, and collaboration to date! The 2025 expo featured dynamic student projects, a thought-provoking Design Open Roundtable, hands-on workshops, and vibrant networking opportunities.

Design Open Highlights

The afternoon began with the Design Open Roundtable, where innovators from diverse backgrounds discussed how to navigate ambiguity in an increasingly complex world. Panelists from across disciplines shared insights into real-world problem-solving, fostering a conversation that set the tone for a day full of exploration and connection.

For those looking to fully immerse themselves in innovation, this year’s exclusive Design Open Workshops offered guided sessions on idea generation, prototyping, and creative expression — drawing participation from students across campus and members of Milwaukee’s innovation community. The workshops kicked off with a lively coffee and networking hour that sparked meaningful conversations and new connections.

A diverse group of eight individuals stands together in a modern workspace, smiling in front of a wall covered with colorful sticky notes

Innovators Expo Highlights

During the Innovators Expo, attendees explored over 35 exhibits showcasing student startups, product prototypes, community projects, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Projects ranged from AI-integrated healthcare solutions to sustainable product design, all demonstrating the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit at UWM.

The Nicholas Innovation Commons was buzzing with energy as attendees engaged with creators, asked questions, and exchanged ideas over refreshments.

A Word of Gratitude

Thank you to all who attended, presented, judged, or supported this year’s event. You made the 2025 UWM Design Open and Innovators Expo an unforgettable experience!

Stay connected with the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center for more opportunities to explore, create, and innovate.

A Glimpse of What’s to Come

While the 2025 Expo has concluded, the LEC team will be hard at work preparing to make the 2026 UWM Design Open and Innovators Expo even better.

Relive the Moments

Three individuals stand in front of a whiteboard with drawings and names at the UWM Innovators Expo
two women sitting on chairs near an exhibition
a man in a green jacket and black face mask holding a clipboard with the text "Wait"
two men are looking at an exhibit on a table
Dr. Joe Hamann, Director of the Connected Systems Institute, speaking to workshop attendees
a group of people observing Joel Roberts' exhibit for Shepherd Traffic
two women engaging a man seated at a table in conversation
a group of six people sitting around a table exhibit
a large group of people sitting in chairs conversating
one woman showcasing a glass mug to another
The 2026 UWM Design Open & Innovators Expo is anticipated for early May of 2026.