Reimagining Technology for Brain Health
Challenge Launch: February 2, 2026
Submission Deadline: April 6, 2026
Finalist Showcase: Finalists present April 10
You can work at your own pace and submit by April 6.
Subscribe to this Challenge to get updates and learn about deadlines, mentor opportunities, and submission information.
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.
You can work asynchronously or take part in optional peer feedback sessions, mentors, and curated resource roundups to help you strengthen your concept before the deadline.
Finalists will be invited to present (virtually or in-person) on April 10, 2026, to an audience of industry leaders, alumni, and faculty innovators.
Who Should Apply
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Student teams
- Researchers & campus innovators (faculty/staff/collaborators)
Focus Areas
- Explore the Frontiers of Brain Health We are seeking technology-driven ideas that address the full spectrum of brain health—including dementia, Alzheimer’s, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and mental health.
Key Dates
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Launch: February 2, 2026
- Information Session: February 4, 2026
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Submission Deadline: April 6, 2026
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Finalists Present: April 10, 2026
Prizes & Recognition
All Finalists
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Present at a Showcase event in April
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Exposure to industry leaders, alumni, and UW thought leaders
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Certificates + Lab spotlight features + ongoing mentorship options
Students (team members can be from any accredited college/university but should have at least one UW-Madison team member)
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1st: $1,000 • 2nd: $750
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Invitation to the next Venture Build program (MBA partners + industry connections)
Researchers / Campus Innovators
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1st: $1,000 • 2nd: $750
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Strategy session with the Tech Exploration Lab (commercialization pathways, partnerships); Team-Up option with a UW-Madison student team
- Invitation to the next Venture Build program (MBA partners + industry connections)
What you will Submit
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Team/Organization Info – names, roles, affiliation, contact
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Project Title & Summary – 250-word overview
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Problem Statement – the brain health need and who it affects
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Proposed Solution – approach + tech used; where it fits (prevention, detection, treatment support, ongoing well-being)
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Impact & Feasibility – beneficiaries, outcomes, scalability, technical readiness
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Innovation & Differentiation – what’s new, how emerging tech is used responsibly
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Prototype / Supporting Materials (optional) – links to demos, mockups, visuals, short video pitch
How Submissions Are Evaluated
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Problem Clarity – real need, well defined
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Solution Fit – directly addresses the need
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Innovation – originality and differentiation
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Use of Emerging Tech – effective and responsible
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Feasibility – realistic near-/mid-term path
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Impact Potential – benefit to individuals/caregivers/communities
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Presentation Quality – clear, well structured
Guided Accelerator Touchpoints (Optional, Recommended)
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Peer Feedback Sessions – share progress, get constructive critique
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Mentor Office Hours – targeted guidance on tech, market fit, and execution
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Resource Roundups – tools, templates, case studies to sharpen your approach
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Questions? sandra.bradley@wisc.edu
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 technology and 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.