The Tech Exploration Lab

Where real-world problems meet emerging tech and become real innovation and ventures.

Led by the Wisconsin School of Business in collaboration with the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery at UW–Madison. From first idea to first customers, all year, for every discipline.

From idea to venture

Building got easy. Knowing what’s worth building didn’t. Every Lab program helps you find out early, with real users, mentors and evidence.

• Explore/Discover: Is the problem real? Test it with the people who have it.
• Venture Build: Is there a business? Go deep on customers and market fit with MBA teams.
• Founder Lab: Will it work in the real world? Pilot with design partners and meet investors in San Francisco. The Lab takes no equity.

No application needed to start. BuildFest, the Four-Week Sprint, Build Nights and the Digital Health Challenge are open to every student.

This fall at the Lab

Who it’s for

Students: Test an idea, build a venture, or take on a real industry problem. Start Here →

Industry Partners: Bring a problem, sponsor a challenge, or explore AI with the talent who’ll build what’s next. Work With Us →

Researchers & Faculty: Raise a challenge, or bring research with commercial potential. Explore Research Translation →

Alumni: Mentor, bring a venture, or join the Lab’s network. Get Involved →

“It’s more than a lab — it’s a launchpad.” — UW–Madison Student Innovator

“It’s exciting to watch entrepreneurial ideas develop.” — Kristin Storhoff, Google

“I came to mentor, but left with momentum.” — UW Alum and Lab Mentor

See more testimonials →