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

Douglas D. Bradley Digital Health Challenge – Focus on Brain Health

Reimagining Technology for Brain Health

Challenge Launch: February 2, 2026
Submission Deadline: April  10, 2026
Finalist Showcase: Finalists present @ Technology & Innovation Leadership Forum (UW–Madison) – April 23, 2026

Register for the Challenge • Starting in Fall 2025, take part in warm-up and learning events plus reminders, office-hour invites, and updates.

Overview

Brain health is one of the most urgent frontiers in healthcare today. From Alzheimer’s and dementia to stress, mental health, and recovery from brain injury, millions of people face challenges that affect their quality of life and longevity. Advances in AI, digital health tools, and connected experiences are opening new possibilities — but fresh ideas and bold experimentation are needed.

The UW Tech Exploration Lab invites innovators, startups, students, researchers, and professionals to the 2026 Digital Health Challenge: Focus on Brain Health. We’re seeking bold, technology-driven ideas and prototypes that advance brain health—from prevention and early detection to treatment support and lifelong cognitive well-being.

Expect a guided experience: optional peer feedback sessions, mentors, and curated resource roundups to help you strengthen your concept before the deadline.

Finalists present (virtually or in-person) at the Technology & Innovation Leadership Forum in April 2026, to an audience of industry leaders, alumni, and faculty innovators.

Who Should Apply

  • Student teams (UW and beyond)

  • Startups & entrepreneurs (early-stage welcome)

  • Researchers & campus innovators (faculty/staff/collaborators)

Focus Areas

  • Prevention & Early Detection – risk identification for cognitive decline, neurodegenerative disease, TBI.

  • Cognitive Support & Rehabilitation – tools to maintain/restore memory, attention, and processing.

  • Mental & Emotional Well-Being – stress reduction, focus, resilience.

  • Caregiver & Clinician Support – monitoring, coordination, and engagement tools.

Key Dates

  • Launch: February 2, 2026

  • Peer Feedback #1 (Virtual): March 2, 2026

  • Mentor and Expert Office Hours (Virtual & In-person): March 16-18, 2026

  • Peer Feedback #2 (Hybrid at the Lab): March 30, 2026

  • Submission Deadline: April 10, 2026

  • Finalists Notified: April 23, 2026

  • Finalist Showcase: April 23, 2026 (Industry Forum @ UW–Madison)

Prizes & Recognition

All Finalists

  • Present at the Technology & Innovation Leadership Forum (April 23)

  • Exposure to industry leaders, alumni, and UW thought leaders

  • Certificates + Lab spotlight features + ongoing mentorship options

Students (any accredited college/university)

  • 1st: $1,000 • 2nd: $750

  • Invitation to the next Venture Discovery program (mentorship + industry connections)

Startups

  • 1st: $1,000 • 2nd: $750

  • Scoped industry feedback session with relevant corporate experts; Team-Up option with a curated cross-disciplinary UW-Madison student team

Researchers / Campus Innovators

  • 1st: $1,000 • 2nd: $750

  • Strategy session with the Tech Exploration Lab (commercialization pathways, partnerships); Team-Up option with a UW-Madison student team

What to Submit

  1. Team/Organization Info – names, roles, affiliation, contact

  2. Project Title & Summary – 250-word overview

  3. Problem Statement – the brain health need and who it affects

  4. Proposed Solution – approach + tech used; where it fits (prevention, detection, treatment support, ongoing well-being)

  5. Impact & Feasibility – beneficiaries, outcomes, scalability, technical readiness

  6. Innovation & Differentiation – what’s new, how emerging tech is used responsibly

  7. Prototype / Supporting Materials (optional) – links to demos, mockups, visuals

How Submissions Are Evaluated

  • Problem Clarity – real need, well defined

  • Solution Fit – directly addresses the need

  • Innovation – originality and differentiation

  • Use of Emerging Tech – effective and responsible

  • Feasibility – realistic near-/mid-term path

  • Impact Potential – benefit to individuals/caregivers/communities

  • Presentation Quality – clear, well structured

Guided Accelerator Touchpoints (Optional, Recommended)

  • Peer Feedback Sessions – share progress, get constructive critique

  • Mentor Office Hours – targeted guidance on tech, market fit, and execution

  • Resource Roundups – tools, templates, case studies to sharpen your approach

How to Submit

About Douglas D. Bradley, M.D.

The Douglas D. Bradley Digital Health Challenge honors the life and legacy of Douglas D. Bradley, M.D. (UW–Madison BS ’54, MD ’57), a physician, leader, and proud Wisconsin alumnus.

Dr. Bradley’s career was marked by deep integrity, service, and vision. He served with distinction in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, ultimately achieving the rank of Brigadier General, and later held leadership roles at Kaiser Permanente in California, where he championed preventive medicine and patient-centered care. Throughout his decades of service, he remained dedicated to improving lives through leading by example, collaboration, and a belief in innovation as a force for good.

By naming this Challenge in his memory, we celebrate Dr. Bradley’s lifelong commitment to advancing health and well-being and carry forward his passion for building a healthier future through education, innovation, and responsible leadership.