Milwaukee based Milky Way Tech Hub is currently taking applications for its second Accelerator Program.
Milky Way Tech Hub, the group behind Wisconsin Tech Month, has opened up applications for the second round of its Accelerator Program. The program will be a two-week intensive bootcamp for early stage to Series A tech founders to equip them with entrepreneurship skills, protecting their intellectual property and integrating artificial intelligence in their businesses. There are seven open spots for interested companies.
“It could be more than the product standpoint, taking their MVP to the next version, supporting them with the design implementation. It could be individuals who maybe have a couple of recurring customers, who are looking to break more into the market at scale a bit, supporting individuals with market outreach and strategy,” said Nadiyah Johnson, founder of Milky Way Tech Hub. “Our biggest emphasis is on intellectual property.”
Throughout the two weeks, those selected will be matched up with mentors in the tech industry and startup veterans to give guidance on navigating and growing their companies. Additionally, interactive workshops will be held to cover essential business topics like operations, finance, marketing, insurance, legal issues and scaling along with the chance to network with others.
The bootcamp will cap off with a pitch competition where participants will compete for funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.
The last round of Milky Way Tech Hub’s Accelerator Program included companies in sectors like financial tech, food tech and social entrepreneurship. PerceptForm, an end-to-end tech company using blockchain technology based in Raleigh, NC., described as a “prolific crypto founder” by Johnson, started its own cryptocurrency called “CityCoins.”
The coins are a unique form of crypto for each city it’s in to represent a stake in the community. CityCoins aims to provide an avenue for financial contribution by individuals to improve their cities.
Johnson envisions applicants, like PerceptForm, as those who are looking to make it to the next level.
“My goal is that companies that come into the program leave in a position where they’re able to take the next big step,” Johnson said.
While companies need to be ready to make it to the next level, they don’t need to be in the top tier yet. The Accelerator Program is looking for companies that at least have a minimum viable product and past ideation phase.
Applicants are required to be at least 18 years old, have an established company with an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and have less than $1 million in annual revenue.
Applications are due by April 19. The bootcamp will be held virtually weekdays for eight hours between May 6-17 with a set time yet to be determined.
Applications can be submitted to Milky Way Tech Hub’s website.
