Venture programming with the Lab is a launchpad for students building at the frontier of emerging technology. Bring an idea. Build it, test it against mentors, alumni, and industry partners who’ve done it before, and launch it into the real world.
Jump in at the stage that fits you. Every team on the Pathway has the option to compete for cash prizes at Demo Night, the Lab’s bi-annual showcase.
Explore & Discover and Venture Build each have their own application this fall — apply directly to the stage that fits you. Founder Lab is by invitation or referral only.
New to the Pathway? See the full Venture Pathway →
STAGE 1 — EXPLORE & DISCOVER (FALL 2026)
Build your idea into something real. Test it fast against mentors, alumni, and a peer community who’ll tell you what actually holds up.
Apply for Explore & Discover: Applications due September 29, 2026
STAGE 2 — VENTURE BUILD (FALL 2026)
Push a validated idea or working prototype toward launch. Industry mentors and Wisconsin MBA collaborators help you build out your value proposition and go-to-market strategy over the semester.
Apply for Venture Build: Applications due September 29, 2026
STAGE 3 — FOUNDER LAB
Invitation-only. For founders ready to launch a validated MVP into the market with real users. Dedicated mentors, structured sprints, and a trip to San Francisco to test your venture against VCs and the broader ecosystem.
Request an invitation or refer a team: Sandra Bradley, Executive Director → sandra.bradley@wisc.edu
OPEN TO EVERYONE — DIGITAL HEALTH CHALLENGE & COMPETITION
No application or track required. Propose a solution to a real health and wellness problem. Kicks off this fall with events and warm-ups, building toward submissions in April 2027 for a shot at up to $5,000 in prizes.
NOT READY, OR NOT ACCEPTED?
Come to Open Labs, Build Nights, BuildFest, hackathons, workshops, and other Lab events — open to everyone, no application required.