“The world isn’t lacking for innovation. It’s lacking for implementation.”
– Ian Wiese, LEC Entrepreneur-In-Residence
The Lubar Entrepreneurship Center (LEC) at UW-Milwaukee is your launchpad for innovation, creativity, and success. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or community member, we have the programs and resources to fuel your entrepreneurial spirit. Ready to Connect, Create, and Contribute?
Discover Your Path to Innovation with LEC Programs
Why Get Involved?
Expand Your Network
- Connect with industry leaders, mentors, and like-minded innovators.
- Participate in networking events and pitch competitions.
- Engage with successful entrepreneurs and alumni.
Access Funding
- Explore grants and funding opportunities to bring your ideas to life.
- Benefit from partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
Retain Ownership
- Your intellectual property remains yours – we’re here to help you succeed.
- Receive guidance on protecting and commercializing your innovations.
Develop Crucial Skills
- Learn design thinking methodologies and lean startup principles.
- Enhance your problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
Who Can Get Involved?
- Current UWM students from all disciplines
- UWM alumni
- Innovative community members
Success Stories
“The Startup Challenge is an amazing program composed of amazing, supportive staff who will do whatever they can to help you succeed. The biggest thing I’ve learned from my time spent there is to never give up. To keep nurturing your entrepreneurial spirit despite any failures or pivots.”
Terrance Thomas, Creator of Forbidden Plates | Information Science Technology, B.S., ’21
“Participating in the startup challenge has been a game changer for Easy Wear Jewelry. It provided invaluable opportunities to refine our pitch, connect with mentors, and gain exposure. The constructive feedback and networking have propelled us forward, accelerating our growth and refining our vision. During the startup challenge I focused on finding the right suppliers to develop my product and raising funds. I’m thrilled to say that I’ve partnered with manufacturers and have raised an additional $150,000! I’m grateful for the experience and excited for what lies ahead!”
Kayla Lokker, Founder & CEO of Easy Wear Jewelry | Business Administration & Management, B.B.A, ’24
“Social innovations are new social practices that aim to meet social needs in a better way than the existing solutions, resulting from working conditions, education, community development or health. Social Good Morning gives us new ideas so we can create with the goals of strengthening civil society.”
Crissi Bates, Founder of Jackson’s House Milwaukee | Biomedical Science, B.A. ’21
“Becoming aware of the Student Startup Challenge was the most exciting moment I’ve had since returning to school. Going through Customer Discovery was an eye-opening experience that taught me that you never truly know how good your product is until you hear honest feedback from potential customers.”
Fabien Edjou, Supply Chain, B.S., ’19
“My time at the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center has been completely invaluable. I made many dozens of connections related to my product, many of whom gave me advice which altered my path to success, I learned about lean launch methodology which helped me conduct over 100 customer discovery interviews and create a stellar minimum viable product.”
Kyah Probst, Creator of Body Space | Education ’22
Still undecided on what to do next?
Come to Launch & Lunch any Wednesday from 12 PM – 1 PM or check out our other upcoming events.