Launch Milwaukee, a weekend competition for hardware and software engineers, entrepreneurs and designers, will be held from June 5 to 7 at Ward 4, a collaboration space in the Historic Pritzlaff building near downtown Milwaukee.
The annual event, which started in 2012, is organized by Brandon Alberti and Matt Cordio. The “hackathon” is open to the public, regardless of experience level. Its purpose is to learn, collaborate and build new innovation in Milwaukee.
Participants will be grouped into teams, who will use customer information to develop prototypes and then present their concepts to a group of judges. Cash prizes and sponsor support will be awarded in several categories.
Contest organizers will provide the tools to build software and hardware prototypes, including 3D printers, CAD software and Raspberry Pis. Scanalytics will also open its SoleSensor platform to those interested in using an intelligent floor sensor in their products.
“We wanted to bring together the hardware and software communities together with Milwaukee’s entrepreneurs to build and launch startups over the course of the weekend,” Alberti said. “Whether it’s this weekend, next year, or even 5-10 years from now we hope to help teams learn how to launch their ideas and have confidence that they can continue to develop them in Milwaukee”
The event is sponsored by Brown Deer-based water meter manufacturer Badger Meter Inc., Milwaukee business law firm Godfrey & Kahn S.C. and Franklin-based RFID security product developer Accutech Security. Milwaukee startup floor sensor developer Scanalytics Inc. and entrepreneur organization Startup Milwaukee are partnered with Launch Milwaukee.
For more information or to register, visit www.launchmilwaukee.com. Tickets include a contest entry, meals, access to development kits, and networking opportunities with local executives and mentors.
