{"id":13513,"date":"2026-04-16T09:21:34","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T14:21:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/?post_type=campus_story&#038;p=13513"},"modified":"2026-04-16T09:21:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T14:21:34","slug":"new-1m-consortium-positions-northeast-wisconsin-as-statewide-leaders-in-innovation","status":"publish","type":"campus_story","link":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/story\/new-1m-consortium-positions-northeast-wisconsin-as-statewide-leaders-in-innovation\/","title":{"rendered":"New $1M Consortium Positions Northeast Wisconsin as Statewide Leaders in Innovation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/378\/2026\/03\/GRB_uwgb-green-bay-campus-aerial-drone-STEM-Center-Fall-2021-0901-600x400-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/378\/2026\/03\/GRB_uwgb-green-bay-campus-aerial-drone-STEM-Center-Fall-2021-0901-600x400-1.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial photo of UW-Green Bay campus\" class=\"wp-image-13514\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/378\/2026\/03\/GRB_uwgb-green-bay-campus-aerial-drone-STEM-Center-Fall-2021-0901-600x400-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/378\/2026\/03\/GRB_uwgb-green-bay-campus-aerial-drone-STEM-Center-Fall-2021-0901-600x400-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In a demonstration of regional collaboration, the University of Wisconsin\u2013Green Bay and\u00a0New North, Inc.\u00a0are proud to announce their joint leadership in the\u00a0Cheese Wedge Consortium, a major entrepreneurship initiative supported through a dedicated\u00a0$1 million Ignite Wisconsin grant\u00a0for Northeast Wisconsin.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This award specifically fuels the region\u2019s unique strategy to accelerate high\u2011growth startups, expand innovation capacity and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the 18\u2011county New North region. The consortium\u2014led by&nbsp;New North, Inc.\u2014builds on the organization\u2019s longstanding leadership in Northeast Wisconsin and leverages the future&nbsp;Phoenix Innovation Park\u2019s&nbsp;deep integration with UW\u2011Green Bay.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cEntrepreneurship cultivates the innovation and curiosity needed to solve real-world problems,\u201d said New North President and CEO, Patti Habeck. \u201cWhen strong partners come together with shared purpose, we don\u2019t just support startups \u2014 we build a resilient, thriving regional economy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This unified platform will connect universities, corporations, investors and service providers to create an energized and coordinated pipeline for entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSupporting the community\u2019s economic needs and driving entrepreneurship for everyone in the region are at the core of who we are,\u201d said UW\u2011Green Bay Chancellor Michael Alexander. \u201cThis consortium amplifies our commitment to working collaboratively, advancing statewide education and economic development, and ensuring learners of all ages have access to the skills they need to succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving Results for the Region&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>UW\u2011Green Bay and New North have collaborated for years to advance economic growth, workforce development and innovation across Northeast Wisconsin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The consortium\u2019s design leverages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>New North\u2019s established network of regional partners\u00a0and deep expertise in convening business, community and government leaders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>UW\u2011Green Bay\u2019s emerging Phoenix Innovation Park, positioned to serve as a dynamic hub connecting universities, corporations, investors and service providers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>National accelerator\u00a0gener8tor, which will deliver programming and mentorship directly to founders.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This joint platform is intentionally region-first, ensuring Northeast Wisconsin receives the strategic focus and resources needed to strengthen its entrepreneurial brand, talent pipeline and business competitiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Cheese Wedge Consortium will support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Accelerator programming\u00a0tailored to regional needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pre\u2011seed bootcamps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Corporate innovation and engagement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Equity investments for startups<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Legal and housing stipends for relocating founders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Co\u2011working space and community-based outreach<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In its first year alone, the consortium is projected to support 21 startups, engage 42 participants, fund 18 companies directly, create 46 new jobs and generate $3.4 million in regional revenue. These outcomes reflect the consortium\u2019s commitment to building a high-impact, high-visibility entrepreneurship engine for Northeast Wisconsin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UW\u2011Green Bay\u2019s participation demonstrates its growing leadership as the region\u2019s access\u2011driven university and as a driver of lifelong learning and talent development. The partnership with New North strengthens:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The university\u2019s role in solving regional challenges<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opportunities for students, entrepreneurs and industry to collaborate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access to applied research and faculty expertise<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The development of in-demand workforce skills<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving Wisconsin\u2019s Entrepreneurial Future \u2014 Starting in the New North Region<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gov. Evers\u2019 Ignite Wisconsin initiative invests more than $3.5 million statewide across four consortiums to strengthen high-growth startup sectors. The Cheese Wedge Consortium is uniquely positioned to elevate Northeast Wisconsin\u2019s innovation profile and accelerate high-potential startups that will directly impact the region\u2019s economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>New North and UW\u2011Green Bay leadership will continue working closely with WEDC and local partners to ensure this investment strengthens the region\u2019s entrepreneurial ecosystem and draws attention to Northeast Wisconsin as a destination for talent, capital and opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About New North, Inc.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>New North, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit, regional economic development corporation fostering collaboration among private and public sector leaders throughout the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, known as the New North region. The New North brand unites the region both internally and externally around talent development, brand promotion and business development, signifying the collective economic power behind the 18 counties. The counties include Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewnorth.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cbouchark%40uwgb.edu%7C8c2e3ac8faef4518c24308de6f40169f%7C7fc34f9d1f754f96b5b33cdcaab03aea%7C0%7C0%7C639070518461724989%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=8CjzNKnjJHXhJTnSX%2BmE2%2FOdUudZ6Bw16T2tAD2I12A%3D&amp;reserved=0\">www.thenewnorth.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About UW-Green Bay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a school of resilient problem solvers who dare to reach higher with the power of education that ignites growth and answers the biggest challenges. Serving 11,500 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as well as 101,000 continuing education learners annually, UW-Green Bay offers 200 academic degrees, programs, and certificates. With campuses in Green Bay, Manitowoc and Sheboygan, and a theatre in Marinette, the University\u2019s access mission welcomes all students who want to learn, from every corner of the world. Championing bold thinking since opening its doors in 1965, it is a university on the rise \u2013 Wisconsin\u2019s fastest growing UW. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/uwgb-my.sharepoint.com\/personal\/bouchark_uwgb_edu\/Documents\/2024\/2024%20Releases\/www.uwgb.edu.\">www.uwgb.edu.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p>Written by Kristin Bouchard<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Link to original story: <a href=\"https:\/\/news.uwgb.edu\/phlash\/news\/02\/27\/new-1m-consortium-positions-northeast-wisconsin-as-statewide-leaders-in-innovation\/\">https:\/\/news.uwgb.edu\/phlash\/news\/02\/27\/new-1m-consortium-positions-northeast-wisconsin-as-statewide-leaders-in-innovation\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In a demonstration of regional collaboration, the University of Wisconsin\u2013Green Bay and\u00a0New North, Inc.\u00a0are proud to announce their joint leadership in the\u00a0Cheese Wedge Consortium, a major entrepreneurship initiative supported through a dedicated\u00a0$1 million Ignite Wisconsin grant\u00a0for Northeast Wisconsin.\u00a0 This award specifically fuels the region\u2019s unique strategy to accelerate high\u2011growth startups, expand innovation capacity and strengthen [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":13514,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","institution":[111],"story_category":[148,146],"class_list":["post-13513","campus_story","type-campus_story","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","institution-uw-green-bay","story_category-economy","story_category-research-innovation"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/campus_story\/13513","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/campus_story"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/campus_story"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13513"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13514"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13513"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"institution","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/institution?post=13513"},{"taxonomy":"story_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/story_category?post=13513"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}