Innovation in Milwaukee (MiKE), an initiative of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, will present Flying Car, a showcase of emerging Milwaukee-area innovation and technology talent.
The June 1-10 celebration will feature a variety of local events.
A rebranded, revamped version of 2012’s Innovation Week, Flying Car will showcase the innovative talent that exists in Milwaukee, both among entrepreneurs and within the corporate community. Over the course of 10 days, Flying Car will feature workshops, networking and pitch events and a signature gala event where inventors, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and others will celebrate tomorrow’s possibilities.
“Flying Car showcases the emerging culture of innovation and creativity in Milwaukee in a new and exciting way,” said ManpowerGroup president and MiKE Council co-chair Jonas Prising. “ManpowerGroup is proud to be a sponsor, and we can’t wait to see what new ideas are presented during the week’s events.”
Flying Car will allow innovators and entrepreneurs to make connections and learn about the resources and spaces available in Milwaukee that can foster greater innovation and progress. A majority of the week’s events are free.
“Milwaukee has gained important recognition in the last year as an emerging hub of technology and innovation,” said Greater Milwaukee Committee president Julia Taylor. “We need to continue to put ourselves on the map, and with MiKE and Flying Car, we’re doing just that.”
Milwaukee’s entrepreneurial culture will enjoy center stage at events like the Kohl’s Innovation Challenge, on Saturday, June 1. Inventors, thinkers and creative minds will pitch their best ideas on how Kohl’s can enhance its online retail presence In exchange, the winning team will receive $10,000 and a year working with the Kohl’s internal innovation team to bring their idea to life.
“Last year’s Innovation Week, the first of its kind in Milwaukee, brought together people from all backgrounds,” said Briggs & Stratton CEO and MiKE Council co-chair Todd Teske. “With the Flying Car concept, people are again encouraged to create and share their vision of the future — their ‘flying car.’”
Casual networking events will offset the robust schedule of competitions. MillerCoors will again host Libation Innovation at their Historic Stables building on Wednesday, June 5. Attendees will sample the craft and microbrew creations of the many MillerCoors brands, including Leinenkugel’s and Crispin, while enjoying the music of Thrifttones and Miles Cohen.
“When Innovation Week launched last year, we knew it would be important for the city,” said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. “The city’s creatives and innovators are truly our future. Flying Car is the perfect embodiment of everything happening here.”
Flying Car will culminate in the Flying Car Gala on Friday, June 7, at the Potawatomi Expo Center with 1,500 of Milwaukee’s most inventive creators, venture capitalists, and curious dreamers. The night will feature a blend of 1950s retro-kitsch, paired with the glitz and thrills of a technological “Tomorrowland.” Winners will be announced for the Kohl’s Idea Challenge and other competitions, and attendees will view robotics demonstrations, a made-in-Milwaukee 50s fashion show, and a mini-festival of local filmmaking and illustration. The night also will feature local band sensation Uncle Larry and the dance team Femme Feroce.
Flying Car is sponsored by Briggs & Stratton Corp., Kohl’s Department Stores, ManpowerGroup, MillerCoors, Spirit of Milwaukee, We Energies, Wisconsin Housing Economic Development Association and the Greater Milwaukee Committee.
Learn more at www.flyingcarmke.com.
