You Won't Believe What Local Startups Are Unveiling at UW-Green Bay—Don't Miss This One-Day Showcase!

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The entrepreneurial spirit in Northeast Wisconsin is set to receive a significant boost as the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UW-Green Bay), in collaboration with Brown County and gener8tor, announces the inaugural UW-Green Bay Pre-Accelerator Showcase. This event, scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, will take place at the UW-Green Bay University Union (Phoenix Room B).

Open to the public, the Showcase will feature pitch presentations from five early-stage startups, providing an opportunity for attendees to network with regional entrepreneurs and community leaders. Guests will also enjoy hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register online.

The UW-Green Bay Pre-Accelerator is a free, seven-week program that does not require equity stakes from participants. It aims to foster innovation by offering concierge coaching, expert mentorship, and access to gener8tor’s national network of customers, corporate partners, and investors. This initiative is particularly aimed at supporting founders in Brown County and the broader Northeast Wisconsin region.

During the Showcase Celebration, attendees will hear brief pitches from the five inaugural cohort companies:

• Copacati
• MyVendue
• PhoenixAid
• SecAsset
• TEST MEKA

Emma Snyder, Program Manager of the UW-Green Bay Pre-Accelerator, emphasized the significance of the event: “This is more than a pitch night; it’s a celebration of the founders who are building right here in Northeast Wisconsin. We’re thrilled to welcome the community to meet this inaugural cohort, hear what they’re building, and be part of the momentum we’re creating in Brown County.”

Supporting Local Innovation

The Pre-Accelerator program follows the gBETA curriculum, developed by gener8tor, a global venture firm and accelerator network. gener8tor is known for its commitment to supporting diverse startups, workers, artists, and musicians across various demographics. With programs operating in over 45 communities across 25 states and territories, as well as three countries, gener8tor has been recognized as one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company in both 2021 and 2022. Additionally, it was honored as the Global Venture Capital Firm of the Year by the International Trade Council in 2022.

Since its inception in 2015, gener8tor’s gBETA accelerator has facilitated the growth of early-stage companies, requiring no fees and taking no equity from startups. Alumni of the accelerator have collectively raised over $940 million in capital and created more than 6,500 jobs across the U.S. and Canada, demonstrating the profound impact of support systems on local entrepreneurship.

UW-Green Bay, which serves over 11,519 students annually and offers more than 200 academic degrees, programs, and certificates, is positioned as a key player in nurturing innovation in the region. With campuses spread across Green Bay, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan, the university aims to be an access point for learners from all walks of life, fostering an environment of growth and resilience since its establishment in 1965.

For aspiring entrepreneurs and startups interested in the UW-Green Bay Pre-Accelerator program and its resources, further information and application details are available on the university's website.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Event Concludes: 8:00 PM
Location: UW-Green Bay University Union – Phoenix Room B
Address: 2430 Campus Ct, Green Bay, WI 54311
Admission: Free and open to the public; register here.

This showcase not only highlights the creative endeavors of local startups but also serves as a reminder of the power of community support in driving economic growth and innovation. As the region continues to cultivate its entrepreneurial landscape, events like the UW-Green Bay Pre-Accelerator Showcase will play a crucial role in shaping its future.