Venture programming with the Lab is a launchpad for students building at the frontier of emerging technology. Bring an idea. Build it, test it against mentors, alumni, and industry partners who’ve done it before, and launch it into the real world.
Jump in at the stage that fits you. Every team on the Pathway has the option to compete for cash prizes at Demo Night, the Lab’s bi-annual showcase.
STAGE 1 — EXPLORE & DISCOVER (FALL 2026)
Build your idea into something real. Test it fast against mentors, alumni, and a peer community who’ll tell you what actually holds up.
STAGE 2 — VENTURE BUILD (FALL 2026)
Push a validated idea or working prototype toward launch. Industry mentors and Wisconsin MBA collaborators help you build out your value proposition and go-to-market strategy over the semester.
STAGE 3 — FOUNDER LAB (WINTER BREAK AND SUMMER 2027)
Invitation-only. For founders ready to launch a validated MVP into the market with real users. Dedicated mentors, structured sprints, and a Trip to San Francisco to test your venture against VCs and the broader ecosystem.
Request an invitation: Sandra Bradley, Executive Director → sandra.bradley@wisc.edu
HOW TO APPLY
One application launches you into Explore & Discover or Venture Build. Founder Lab is by invitation/referral only.
Spots are limited — applications due September 29, 2026
Not ready yet, or not accepted? Come to Open Labs, Build Nights, hackathons, and other events.