UW Tech Exploration Lab
A launchpad for emerging technologies, venture discovery, and real-world innovation.

Build an Idea. Test It. Demo It. In Four Weeks.

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The Four Weeks to Demo Sprint from the UW–Madison Tech Exploration Lab helps students move from early ideas to a clear, demo-ready concept.

The sprint is open to all Tech Exploration Lab students working on projects—including Digital Health, Self-Directed Innovation, Venture Discovery, and Founder Lab. It is also open to any UW–Madison students independently exploring an idea.

Participants can join any part of the sprint, or take part in the full four-week sequence.

The goal is simple: move from idea → concept → demo.

What You’ll Work On

Over the course of the sprint, students will:

  • Define and sharpen a problem and use case

  • Test key assumptions

  • Build or refine a lightweight concept

  • Prepare a 2–3 minute demo

The sprint culminates in Demo Night on April 10, where teams can share what they built, what they learned, and what might be worth pursuing next.

Sprint Schedule

Week 1 — Define Your Use Case (Workshop completed)

Students worked on clarifying the person → task → problem behind their ideas and began drafting an experiment plan.

Week 2 — Explore & Validate (Independent work week)

Students spend this week finishing experiment plans and exploring their idea through:

  • Early research and testing

  • Validating assumptions

  • Prototyping or sketching concepts

  • Identifying what their demo might show

Drop in on Open Labs M and W 3:00-6:00 with questions or to bounce ideas with Lab staff.

Week 3 — Build, Test & Troubleshoot (Friday, March 20 | 4:30–6:00 PM)

This session focuses on moving ideas forward and working through challenges.

Students will share what they’ve been exploring, troubleshoot technical or product questions, and receive structured peer feedback while refining their demo concept.

Register for Build, Test & Troubleshoot

Week 4 — Package & Present Your Idea (Friday, March 27 | 4:30–6:00 PM)

The final session focuses on turning your concept into a clear and compelling demo.

Students will practice short 2–3 minute presentations, refine how they communicate their idea, and receive feedback on how to make their demo clear and engaging before Demo Night.

Register for Package & Present Your Idea

Demo Night — April 10

Students participating in the sprint can optionally present their work at Demo Night, an exploration showcase focused on learning and experimentation. Instead of polished startup pitches, teams share:

  • What they explored

  • What they built

  • What they learned

Cash prizes will be awarded for most innovative and most impactful ideas in select focus areas.

Who Should Participate

This sprint is ideal for:

  • Tech Exploration Lab students currently working on projects

  • Students developing early venture ideas

  • Builders experimenting with AI or emerging technologies

  • Anyone who wants to test an idea and create a demo

You can join a single session or participate in the full sprint.