Student Opportunities
Have a bold idea or want to explore the edge of emerging tech? The UW Tech Exploration Lab is your launchpad for experimentation, invention, and entrepreneurial learning—powered by real-world insights from alumni and industry professionals.
Located at 1403 University with events in the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, the Lab is open to students from all disciplines—engineering, business, design, computer science, communications, and beyond. Whether you’re developing your own idea or working on a challenge provided by our alumni and industry partners, the Lab offers space, tools, and mentorship to help you turn curiosity into action.
- Collaborate with alumni and industry mentors who bring real problems and fresh insights
- Work with passionate, cross-disciplinary student teams to explore and build ideas
- Prototype with emerging technologies like AI, IoT, Blockchain, VR/AR, and robotics
- Work in the Lab’s AI Sandbox
- Grow your entrepreneurial mindset in a low-risk, high-reward environment
- Understand real market needs and innovation pathways through direct engagement
How to Get Involved
Drop-in for Thursday Open Labs: Over the summer we hold Open Lab meetings from 3:30-5:30 on Thursdays at 1403 University Ave. Come by just to say hello, meet some people, or just hang out and work on projects together.
Stay Connected: Join our discord server and email list to get updates, event invites, and open calls for events or to join projects. You can also follow us on instagram. See all the ways to stay connected including the Lab’s calendar of events.
Learn More: Attend our Fall Kickoff September 12, 2025 at 1403 University Ave. We will talk about lab events and options for industry projects, support for self-directed ideas, Venture Discovery and Trendspotting + Playground. Bring your questions!
Join the Lab as an Innovation Fellow: We have options for students to get involved in a volunteer role with the lab to build connections, skills, and experience. Learn more about volunteering as an Innovation Fellow
Submit a Project Proposal: Have your own idea you want to explore or launch? Fill out this form and let us know what you need. The lab can provide connections, resources, space, equipment and more to get you to the next place. Submit your project idea here for Fall 2025