The partnership aims to address the gap in Wisconsin’s manufacturing ecosystem, where mid-market manufacturers face mounting pressure to modernize using AI solutions but lack access to strategic guidance tailored to their specific needs and resources.
Joe Poeschl. Submitted photo,
“MKE Tech Hub’s mission has always been to serve as a catalyst for innovation through meaningful connections,” said Joe Poeschl, executive director of MKE Tech Hub Coalition. “This partnership exemplifies that mission perfectly — bringing together the best manufacturing expertise across Wisconsin to support companies that are the backbone of our economy. When mid-market manufacturers succeed, entire communities thrive. This collaboration ensures they have access to the strategic guidance and technical support they need to compete globally.”
The partnership will leverage each organization’s respective strengths to support mid-sized manufacturers. MKE Tech Hub Coalition, though its Synapse program, provides AI strategy and transformation leadership to companies across the state.
The MOC works with WMEP to give manufacturers tailored, hands-on support in lean process improvement, quality management systems, supply chain optimization, leadership development, and the adoption of advanced technologies.
While WMEP serves southern and eastern Wisconsin, MOC serves northern and western Wisconsin.
Chris Baichoo
CAM-AI provides statewide applied research, technical problem-solving, and hands-on engineering solutions in advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, robotics, AI/ML and innovation prototyping.
“Our manufacturers have been asking for help navigating AI, but they need more than technical training — they need clarity on where AI can create value in their operations,” saidChris Baichoo, CEO of WMEP. “This partnership allows us to bring that strategic lens to our clients, grounded in the real-world manufacturing experience WMEP is known for.”
The partnership specifically caters to Wisconsin manufacturers operating below $500 million in revenue. By leveraging MKE Tech Hub’s tax-exempt status and the partnership’s collaborative model, the initiative will be able to offer consulting expertise at accessible pricing.
MKE Tech Hub’s Synapse initiative operates as a “network orchestrator” — developing strategic methodologies and coordinating delivery through verified partners without competing on implementation. This approach ensures manufacturers receive vendor-neutral guidance focused solely on business value.
“This partnership represents a fundamentally different approach to manufacturing transformation,” added Sanjay Mohan, executive director of AI strategy at MKE Tech Hub Coalition. “What manufacturers need most isn’t more AI hype — it’s a clear framework for making smart decisions about technology investments. We’re not selling AI solutions — we’re helping manufacturers identify their biggest business challenges first, then determining whether AI is the right answer. By combining Synapse’s problem-first DRIVETM methodology with WMEP’s operational excellence and UW-Stout’s technical expertise, we’re giving Wisconsin manufacturers something they can’t get anywhere else: vendor-neutral strategic guidance backed by world-class implementation support.”
All organizations will coordinate on joint service offerings including comprehensive manufacturing AI assessments, transformation programs, proof-of-value implementations, and innovation workshops, with each organization contributing its specialized expertise
Elizabeth Morin is a writer based in Virginia Beach. She is passionate about local sports, politics and everything in between.
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