This summer, students at the UW Tech Exploration Lab rolled up their sleeves to explore emerging technologies, test early-stage startup ideas, and move forward internal Lab projects.
Their work spanned everything from AI prototypes to student experience innovations, including:
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AI Sports Agent – Concepting an AI agent to connect sponsors with athletes.
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AI Research Assistant – Building an AI model to streamline workflows and improve outcomes for researchers.
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Trusted to Lead AI Coach – Exploring the feasibility of an “AI coach in your pocket” for students to engage with leadership principles and guidance.
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RFID Equipment Tracking – Prototyping an innovation for novel use cases in equipment management.
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ChatBot for Entrepreneurs – Automating support for entrepreneurs in challenging times.
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Polycast – Advancing a solution to improve experiences for ESL learners.
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UW Match – Supporting a student innovation to streamline course planning for UW students.
Beyond these projects, our Fellows also played a vital role in exploring new ideas for the Lab, marketing, project management, industry engagement, events, hackathons, and Lab operations—the behind-the-scenes work that makes new ventures possible.
We are incredibly proud of the creativity, persistence, and entrepreneurial spirit our Fellows brought to every challenge. Their contributions highlight the Lab’s role as a launchpad for early-stage innovation and entrepreneurship—helping raw ideas take shape and move closer to venture readiness.
Stay tuned as we continue to expand opportunities for students to test bold ideas while engaging with alumni and industry partners to shape the next generation of startups at UW–Madison.