Build something real.
The Lab is for students who want to do more than study emerging technology — they want to activate it. Whether you’re launching a venture, experimenting with AI and emerging technologies on real industry and research problems, or just starting to explore, there’s a place for you here.
Most of our formal programs have applications at the start of each semester. But you don’t need to be in a program to build with us. Show up, get involved, and let the work tell you where you belong.
Find Your Path
I have an idea I want to build into a venture. → TEL Venture Pathway
The Lab’s structured track for student founders. Move from early concept to early-stage venture through three stages — Explore & Discover, Venture Build, and Founder Lab — with industry mentors, alumni advisors, and real-world pilot opportunities at every step.
[Learn more about the Venture Pathway →]
I want to work on real industry and research problems and build hands-on experience.
→ Applied Innovation & Commercialization
Not every student wants to launch a startup. Students who join our Applied Innovation & Commercialization projects work on real problems brought by industry partners and campus researchers, applying AI and emerging technologies to challenges that don’t have easy answers yet. You’ll build proof of output, develop applied skills, and gain hands-on experience working at the frontier of emerging technology in a real-world context.
We’re early-stage by design — helping companies experiment with emerging technologies in a low-risk environment, and helping researchers get early signal on whether their work has commercial potential. It’s specific, valuable work, and students who thrive here tend to be the ones who want to go deep on a real problem and come out with something to show for it.
Students selected for these projects are designated as Lab Fellows — the same credential as our internal TEL Lab Fellows, earned through real project work with industry and research partners.
[Learn more about Applied Innovation & Commercialization →]
I want to work inside the Lab and help other students build. → TEL Lab Fellows
TEL Lab Fellows are the Lab’s undergraduate student hires — paid positions for students who want to work at the frontier of emerging technology, contribute to real Lab experiments, and help other students find their footing across all tracks.
As a Lab Fellow you’ll run experiments with AI and frontier tools, support Lab operations, and serve as a peer mentor embedded in the work — connecting students to resources, programs, and each other. It’s the kind of role that builds a resume and a reputation.
As a Lab Fellow you’ll run experiments with AI and frontier tools, support Lab operations, and serve as a peer mentor embedded in the work — connecting students to resources, programs, and each other. It’s the kind of role that builds a resume and a reputation.
TEL Lab Fellows work inside the Lab on frontier technology experiments and peer mentorship. Applied Innovation & Commercialization project students earn the same Lab Fellow designation through project-based work with industry and research partners — two paths, one credential.
Lab Fellow positions are part of a two-tier fellowship structure alongside our graduate-level Leadership Fellows. Applications open each semester.
[Applications for Lab Fellows open early September →]
You Don’t Need an Application to Start
Some of our programs have applications at the beginning of each semester. But here’s the important part — you don’t need to be in a formal program to build with us.
Starting the first week of September, everyone can plug into:
- Weekly Open Labs — Mondays & Wednesdays
- Friday Build Nights — Check the calendar and let us know you’re coming
- Workshops & skill-building sessions
- Challenges and Hackathons
- Volunteer opportunities
- Monthly networking events — alumni, mentor, and industry pop-ups (check the calendar)
Whether you’re startup-curious, building your first prototype, or deep into applied AI — there’s a place for you here. Most events are on the main level of 1403 University Ave. unless stated otherwise.
The best way to stay plugged in: subscribe to our email list, join Discord, and follow our calendar.
Let’s build what’s next.
Find Us
1403 University Ave., Madison, WI
Look for the tan building marked 1403 on University Ave. (the same location as the Wisconsin Entrepreneurship Hub)
- Main level events — enter through the double glass doors facing University Ave.
- Second floor events — walk to the west side of the building (Lorch Street side), enter through the double glass doors facing the loading zone, then head upstairs.