New North builds collaboration and innovation across northeast Wisconsin

As part of MKEStartup.News’ ongoing series exploring Wisconsin’s regional startup ecosystems, we’re heading up north where collaboration, innovation, and industry strength drive one of the state’s most dynamic economies.

The New North Inc. spans 18 counties in northeast Wisconsin, including Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara, and Winnebago. The organization that guides the region’s economic development is led by President and CEO Patti Habeck.

The region represents approximately 22% of Wisconsin’s total population, employment and gross domestic product. Manufacturing remains the backbone of the New North economy, particularly with transportation equipment, dairy products, machinery, and advanced materials. The state’s paper industry has an estimated annual output of between $18.2 billion and $23.4 billion, with a majority of that activity concentrated in the New North.

Entrepreneurship and innovation

Entrepreneurship is central to the region’s vision for the future. The NEW Launch Alliance was established to connect entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and resource providers across all 18 counties of the New North. The alliance hosts monthly virtual meetings featuring startup founders, pitch contests, and discussions about access to capital, creating the kind of “purposeful collisions” that spark innovation.

The region’s startup ecosystem is further strengthened by TitletownTech, launched in partnership between the Green Bay Packers and Microsoft in 2019. This unique collaboration combines Packer pride and global technology leadership to support high-growth startups and attract new ventures to northeast Wisconsin.

Several gener8tor programs also operate within the region, including the U.S. Venture Mobility and Sustainability Investment Accelerator in Appleton and 1915 Studios, a free accelerator for early-stage technology startups powered by gener8tor and Georgia-Pacific. These programs provide investment, mentorship, and national networks that help founders scale their companies while deepening the region’s innovation economy.

Investing in people

New North’s success relies on its skilled workforce and strong educational partnerships. Home to UW-Oshkosh, UW-Green Bay, and several technical colleges, the region offers access to talent pipelines that serve employers across multiple industries. Collaboration between campuses, technical schools, and employers helps align training with emerging workforce needs.

A connected region

From Green Bay to Sheboygan and Oshkosh to Marinette, the region’s communities share a commitment to collaboration and innovation that drives Wisconsin’s broader economic success. Through coordinated leadership, a strong manufacturing foundation, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, New North Inc. continues to advance regional prosperity — ensuring that northeast Wisconsin remains a competitive and vibrant part of the state’s innovation story.