UW Tech Exploration Lab

A Launchpad for Innovation and Discovery
The UW Tech Exploration Lab is where forward-looking ideas take shape. A collaboration between the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery and the Wisconsin School of Business, the Lab invites industry leaders, alumni, and students to explore bold ideas at the edge of emerging technology. From AI to AR/VR and beyond, multidisciplinary teams experiment, prototype, and reimagine what’s possible—turning industry challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities and real-world learning.

For Students

Whether you’re developing your own entrepreneurial idea or want to collaborate on real-world challenges, the Lab provides mentorship, tools, and opportunities to explore emerging technologies such as AI, VR/AR/XR, robotics, IoT and more.

• Advance your own ideas with support and guidance
• Work with multidisciplinary teams on industry-driven projects
• Explore new technologies and gain hands-on experience
• Build valuable connections with mentors and professionals

“Working on DermaVision through the Tech Exploration Lab has been one of my most meaningful experiences at UW–Madison. The Lab connected me with peers passionate about AI and healthcare, provided access to advanced tools and mentorship, and helped me turn an early idea into real progress. It’s more than a lab—it’s a launchpad.”

For Industry

Stay ahead of the curve by engaging with student innovators and testing new ideas in a low-risk, exploratory environment.

• Share real challenges to shape student-led exploration
• Discover emerging technologies and new ideas
• Gain insights and perspectives from future talent
• Help guide the next generation of tech talent

“The lab is unique in that it connects students from across campus with advanced tools and industry mentorship to rapidly prototype and gain essential skills for an increasingly AI-driven world. It’s exciting to watch entrepreneurial ideas develop, and there is significant value in bringing the best of Google’s AI to support students’ exploration.”

For Alumni

Stay connected to campus innovation and give back through mentorship, collaboration, and support.

• Mentor student teams and share industry insights
• Host innovation challenges or workshops
• Attend lab showcases and networking events
• Support the lab’s mission through partnerships or sponsorship

“I came to the UW Tech Exploration Lab to mentor, but left with momentum. The Lab gave me the space—and the spark—to test a wellness idea I’d been quietly incubating. Working with sharp, driven students helped turn that early vision into a viable concept. It was a powerful reminder that innovation thrives on curiosity, collaboration, and a little Badger grit.”