For Students: Build, Learn, and Launch
About Badger Build Fest
Badger Build Fest is a 24-hour, half-hackathon, half-pitch competition where students choose between themes for pitching ventures and building with AI and blockchain to launch the next big thing.
Whether you’re a developer, designer, entrepreneur, or just curious about emerging tech, the event offers:
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Hands-on workshops and access to cutting-edge AI and blockchain tools
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Expert mentors and industry judges
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A chance to go from idea to MVP and polished pitch in one weekend
From brainstorming to your final demo and presentation, you’ll gain experience in rapid prototyping, teamwork, and storytelling—all while connecting with the UW–Madison innovation community.
When: November 15–16, 2025
Where: Morgridge Hall & UW Tech Exploration Lab, 1403 University Avenue
Event Highlights & Themes
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Venture Track — Rough out an MVP, focus on your value proposition and pitch, and collaborate across disciplines. We’ll match participants to teams based on skillsets and project needs. Sponsored by Cursor.
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Blockchain Track — Build decentralized apps and explore new systems with Badger Blockchain.
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Workshops: Cursor tutorials, UX design, business strategy, and emerging tech primers to help you build smarter.
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Expert and Mentor Office Hours: Get real-time advice from industry and academic experts in UX, pitch practice, technical direction
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Showcase & Awards: Present your final project to a panel of judges; top teams win prizes and recognition.
->Register Now
For Sponsors & Partners: Shape What’s Next in Tech
Help us build the next generation of innovators while connecting with top UW–Madison talent.
Why Partner with Us
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Visibility: Logo placement across event materials, slides, and recap communications
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Engagement: Mentor teams, judge projects, and host workshops
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Impact: Shape challenge themes aligned with your technologies or strategic priorities
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Talent Pipeline: Connect directly with top students across disciplines
Sponsorship Levels
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$1,000 — Supporter
Logo on materials and slides • On-site table • One judge/mentor slot • Recognition during kickoff and closing -
$2,500 — Lead Sponsor
All Supporter benefits plus a named prize (e.g., “Best Use of [Company] Tools”) • Enhanced logo placement • Featured social shout-outs • Inclusion in the post-event recap • Option to propose a mini-challenge -
$3,500 — Innovation Partner
All Lead Sponsor benefits plus two invitations to the Dec. 3 Technology & Innovation Leadership Forum • Bonus visibility at the Dec. 3 Lab Showcase • Priority consideration for Spring 2026 Lab collaborations
Cash or in-kind support (credits, mentor time, workshops, technology access) welcome.
Event Schedule Snapshot
Saturday, Nov 15
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12:00 PM — Check-in & Setup
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12:30 PM — Opening Ceremony
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1:00 PM — Building and Hacking Begin
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1:00–5:00 PM — Rotating Workshops
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5:00–7:00 PM — Dinner & Mentor Mingle
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9:00 PM — Event Winds Down
Sunday, Nov 16
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12:00 PM — Doors Open, Final Prep
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1:00 PM — Project Submissions Due
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1:00–2:30 PM — Judging Showcase
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4:00–5:00 PM — Awards & Closing Ceremony
Are you a company interested in supporting or co-shaping the event?
sandra.bradley@wisc.edu
About the Tech Exploration Lab
The UW Tech Exploration Lab—a collaboration between the Wisconsin School of Business and the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery—serves as UW–Madison’s hub for early-stage entrepreneurship and applied innovation. The Lab helps students and partners explore emerging technologies, test ideas, and build venture-ready concepts in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment. By connecting business insight with technical experimentation, the Lab acts as a launchpad for new ventures and a catalyst for shaping the next generation of innovators and founders.