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

Fall Kickoff Event – September 18

September 18 – Get Started with the Lab
1403 University Ave.
On Thursday, September 18, 4:00-5:30, we will host a Lab Kick Off for students to propose ideas, meet team members, be matched to industry projects, learn about Innovation Fellowships, and hear about the Digital Health Challenge. Everyone should come to learn more with projects finalized in the week following.
RSVP for the Lab Kickoff on September 18

Ways to Get Involved – Fall 2025

The UW Tech Exploration Lab is where students from every discipline come to explore, build, and launch bold ideas. This fall, there are two levels of opportunities depending on how you want to engage:

Self-directed Innovation

Jump into hackathons, sandbox sessions, and themed explorations where you can test out new tools, pilot ideas, and learn by doing. You can just show up, bring your curiosity, and get hands-on experience or you can propose your own idea to explore. Submit proposals by September 15.

Venture Build

Already have an idea, prototype, or MVP? Venture Build is a structured sprint (Sept 30 – Dec 3) where student teams are paired with MBA students from the School of Business’ New Product Innovation course. Together, you’ll refine your value proposition, test with real users, and develop a go-to-market strategy.

Best for teams that want to move from prototype to venture-ready concept.
Apply by September 18 for Venture Build

Innovation Fellow Program

Join the Lab’s competitive Innovation Fellows cohort and be part of our core student team driving innovation. Fellows work on Lab projects, industry collaborations, and venture experiments.

Two tracks are available:

  • Volunteer Fellows – flexible, exploratory, 1–7 hrs/week

  • Industry Fellows (Paid) – stipend-supported, 5–10 hrs/week tied to defined deliverables

Best for students seeking broad exposure to innovation, cross-disciplinary teamwork, and industry mentorship. SPOTS ARE LIMITED.
Apply by September 15 for the Innovation Fellow Program.

Digital Health Challenge

The launch for the Challenge will be in February 2026 but the Lab will be hosting warm-up and learning events throughout fall semester for those looking to shape ideas. During the Challenge, you will work with mentors and industry experts to explore how emerging technologies and AI can transform brain health, longevity, and aging. Teams tackle real-world use cases with high social impact and compete for cash prizes.

Open to students in tech, business, health, design, and beyond.
Register for the Digital Health Challenge now to stay in the loop on Fall warm-up events and announcements.

Weekly Sessions + Showcase

All participants in Self-directed Innovation, Venture Build, Innovation Fellows, and the Digital Health Challenge will take part in weekly Open Labs and sessions featuring workshops, speakers, and team time. The semester culminates in the Fall Showcase & Demo Night on December 3, an expo-style event for students, alumni, and industry partners.

Who Can Get Involved

  • Open to undergrads, grad students, and postdocs from any major.

  • No prior experience required — just curiosity, creativity, and commitment.

Apply by September 15, 2025 for Self-directed Innovation, Venture Build, Innovation Fellows, or the Digital Health Challenge.

Or just drop into Open Labs and other Lab events throughout the semester.

Questions? Contact sandra.bradley@wisc.edu