Experiment. Collaborate. Innovate. Launch.
Staying competitive in today’s rapidly evolving AI-driven world requires fresh thinking, emerging technology insights, and access to forward-thinking talent. The UW Tech Exploration Lab is your partner in innovation—bringing together students, alumni, and industry professionals to explore what’s next and bring bold ideas to life.
Why Partner with TEL? We begin with real-world industry needs and activate student-led experimentation to explore promising use cases for technologies like AI, AR/VR, robotics, and IoT. Through guided exploration, industry-aligned learning experiences, and mentorship, we help companies surface ideas, test concepts, and connect with the next generation of innovators.
From concept to prototype, and from exploration to venture, the Lab enables fast, creative progress on challenges that matter. You don’t have to have it all figured out—we’ll help you shape and guide the process.
Ways to Engage
Whether you’re an industry leader or UW alum, here’s how you can collaborate with the Lab:
- Propose an industry project or challenge to explore with a student team
- Sponsor innovation by providing funding or technology resources for student experimentation
- Mentor student innovators or serve as an Executive- or VC-in-Residence, offering direct feedback and guidance to student teams. Fill out this quick form so we can match you to the best opportunities.
- Join our events — come to networking mixers, salons, demo days, and bi-annual Technology and Innovation Leadership Forum
- Collaborate in an alumni or industry-led workgroup related to a key theme. You can create your own or plug into groups that are going now including Digital Health Innovation, Women Leading Innovation, and Responsible AI
- Visit us during Open Labs (Mondays and Thursdays 3:00–6:00 p.m. at 1403 University Avenue). All are welcome!
Ready to Learn More? Contact: sandra.bradley@wisc.edu to learn how we can help you move from insight to impact.