Building Momentum: How Industry and Alumni Partnerships Are Powering Innovation at UW

Mike Grall, CEO with Fulcrum Solutions watches a demo of a Quest headset with UW-Madison student Mason Baloun.

At the UW Tech Exploration Lab, we believe the future of innovation is built through collaboration — and this semester, that belief came to life in powerful ways.

From welcoming mentors from Google, Salesforce, Nike, and other leading companies, to building real-world experimentation pathways for student teams, our Lab is becoming a dynamic bridge between campus and industry. These relationships don’t just expose students to emerging technologies — they connect them directly with the challenges, insights, and mentorship that fuel meaningful innovation.

What makes this especially exciting is that many of these partnerships were catalyzed by UW alumni who are passionate about giving back. Their involvement brings a unique blend of experience, enthusiasm, and forward-thinking leadership that enhances every aspect of the Lab — from our AI Venture Sprints to discussions on responsible tech and entrepreneurial exploration.

We’re proud of the momentum we’re building — and even more excited about what’s ahead.

🔗 Read more about our recent partnerships and where we’re headed next.