Description
We are excited to introduce several updates to this year’s program, including a new name—Launch Wisconsin—and a refreshed application process designed to better reflect how early-stage companies communicate their ideas to investors and stakeholders.
The mission of Launch Wisconsin is to encourage entrepreneurs in the startup stage of tech-enabled businesses in Wisconsin. The contest links up-and-coming entrepreneurs with a statewide network of community resources, expert judges, mentors and possible sources of capital.
For Phase 1, participants will now submit an Executive Summary rather than answering a set of standalone questions. This change allows founders to present their business in a more cohesive, compelling, and real-world format. If you already have an executive summary prepared, you may simply upload your existing document using the upload option in the application. If not, you can complete the structured sections provided to build your executive summary directly within the platform.
Entry Guidelines
- Submissions must be no more than 1,500 words (or 12,000 characters including spaces).
- Each section is required and must be completed (unless uploading an existing executive summary that covers all sections).
- Each response field has a 1,500 character limit (including spaces).
- Entries must fall into one of four categories: Advanced Manufacturing, Business Services, Information Technology or Life Sciences.
Your Executive Summary should clearly and concisely communicate your business across the following eight sections:
1. Company Overview
Provide a high-level snapshot that quickly orients the reader. Include what your company does, your stage, founder(s), when the company was formed, and any key milestones achieved (or upcoming).
2. Team
Highlight the people behind the company, including founders, key team members, and any advisors or partners. Emphasize relevant experience, skills, and expertise that demonstrate your ability to execute.
3. Product
Explain your product or service and why it matters. Clearly define the problem you are solving, what your solution is, and what makes it better or different from existing alternatives.
4. Revenue Model
Outline how your company plans to make money. Identify your primary revenue stream, who your customers are, and why they will pay. Keep this simple and realistic for your stage.
5. Market
Describe your target customer and the broader market opportunity. Include a high-level market size and your initial go-to-market approach.
6. Competition
Provide an honest assessment of the competitive landscape. Identify direct and indirect competitors, gaps in current solutions, and why your company is positioned to win.
7. Comparables
List 1–3 similar or adjacent companies to validate your business space. Briefly explain what these companies demonstrate about the opportunity.
8. Financing + Milestones
Outline your funding needs and how capital will be used. Include a simple milestone plan that shows how funding translates into progress.
Example Format:
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Milestone
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Timeline
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Purpose/Outcome
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MVP Development
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[Date]
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Build initial product
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Pilot Launch
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[Date]
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Acquire early users
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Market Validation
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[Date]
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Refine product based on feedback
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Revenue Generation
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[Date]
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First paying customers
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Editing Your Submission
- Click on the “SUBMISSION” tab on the left-hand side of the screen.
- Select the orange “EDIT” button at the top.
- Move through your application and make any updates.
- Click “SAVE & LOGOUT” at the end to ensure your changes are saved.
- When your application is final, click “SUBMIT” before the deadline to be considered for Phase 2.
Important Reminders
- You may edit your submission until 11:59 p.m. on June 15, 2026.
- Be sure to click “Save & Exit” each time you make changes.
- You must click “Submit” for your entry to be included in the judging process.