About the Tech Exploration Lab

Innovation Starts Here

The UW Tech Exploration Lab is a dynamic collaboration between the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, the Wisconsin School of Business, and other forward-thinking partners across campus. We exist to fuel innovation and entrepreneurship through hands-on student exploration, alumni engagement, and real-world challenges brought in by industry leaders.

This isn’t a classroom. Or an incubator — it’s a launchpad. The Lab connects students from all disciplines with emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, IoT, blockchain, robotics, and VR/AR, and empowers them to explore their potential through real-world applications.

What We Do

• Turn big challenges into bold experiments: We start with real business or societal problems and activate student teams to explore use cases and new solutions using cutting-edge tech.
• Build entrepreneurial mindsets: Students gain the freedom and support to test ideas, prototype fast, and collaborate across disciplines.
• Bridge campus and industry: Companies and alumni bring insight, guidance, and opportunities—students bring fresh thinking, energy, and technical talent.

Who It’s For

Students

Whether you want to launch your own idea or work on a real-world industry challenge, the Lab provides mentorship, resources, and a community of creative collaborators. Gain valuable experience, learn new skills, and connect with the people who can help you take the next step.

Industry

Tap into the energy of campus. The Lab gives you a front-row seat to tomorrow’s talent and a testbed to explore early-stage ideas, surface innovation, and prototype use cases in a risk-free, academic environment.

Alumni

Reconnect with UW–Madison and help shape the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. Bring a challenge, mentor a team, or explore new ideas alongside students on the frontier of technology.