Meet Founder Factory Cohort 1
Founder Factory has selected its first cohort of five high-growth Wisconsin startups to participate in the Stage 1 Pre-Accelerator, a 10-week program designed to help founders validate market opportunities, refine their business models, and accelerate commercialization.
Among the selected companies are three ventures with UW-Milwaukee connections, highlighting the strength of UWM’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Meet the first cohort of companies to participate below.
Built-N-Bioassays
Built-N-Bioassays uses genetically engineered algae, computer vision, and machine learning to rapidly screen chemicals and assess water quality. The platform could help accelerate chemical discovery while supporting environmental monitoring and safety efforts. The technology was advanced with support from a UWMRF Catalyst Grant awarded to UWM researchers Rebecca Klaper and Eric Ostovich.
HydraCore Technologies
HydraCore Technologies is commercializing a patented wearable resistance vest designed to help users improve strength, balance, and mobility. Based on technology developed by UWM athletic trainer Chad Henneberry, the vest has applications in physical rehabilitation, healthy aging, and fitness training.
Iova Labs
Iova Labs is developing FREVR, a patent-pending microscope upgrade that helps researchers maintain nanometer-scale focus during imaging experiments. The technology has the potential to improve research outcomes and reduce failed experiments in scientific and biomedical laboratories. The underlying technology was previously supported through a UWMRF Catalyst Grant awarded to UWM researchers Ionel Popa, Valerica Raicu, and Michael Stoneman.
SeeMed
SeeMed develops virtual and augmented reality solutions for healthcare applications, including dental, orthopedic, cardiac, and cancer care. The company’s platform is being enhanced with artificial intelligence to further improve medical training and clinical applications.
UbiVital
UbiVital is creating a smartphone-based diagnostic tool that combines a clip-on device with AI-powered analytics to provide rapid white blood cell counts without needles, laboratory testing, or specialized staff.
As participants in Founder Factory, these startups will receive mentorship, training, and ecosystem support as they work to reduce commercialization risk, validate customer needs, and position their ventures for future growth and investment. Their selection reflects the strength of UWM’s innovation ecosystem and the increasing success of translating university research and entrepreneurial ideas into emerging companies.
Interested in learning more about the founders and technologies shaping Wisconsin’s startup future? Follow Founder Factory on LinkedIn throughout the program as Cohort 1 advances toward commercialization and growth.
Founder Factory is a founder-focused venture development initiative delivered through a coalition of partners across Southeast Wisconsin. The program helps entrepreneurs validate markets, strengthen business models, and prepare for future investment and growth. Founder Factory is supported by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) through its Ignite Wisconsin initiative, which is designed to expand Wisconsin’s pipeline of high-growth startups.
