Be part of what’s next. Explore the future of emerging tech—and help shape the ideas that could become tomorrow’s ventures.
Welcome to the Frontier of Innovation
The UW Tech Lab Network is a vibrant, growing community of alumni, technologists, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who are curious about the future and want to help shape it.
At the UW Tech Exploration Lab, we go beyond traditional innovation models. We’re building a launchpad where exploration, experimentation, and collaboration around emerging technologies lead directly to real-world applications—and new venture opportunities.
This isn’t about watching innovation happen. It’s about being part of it.
We work in close alignment with UW–Madison’s broader innovation ecosystem—including research centers, entrepreneurship programs, and commercialization pathways—to complement existing efforts and accelerate applied experimentation.
Why Join the Network
By joining the UW Tech Lab Network, you’ll gain:
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Early access to ideas, prototypes, and insights emerging from campus-based experimentation
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Opportunities to shape new use cases, offer feedback, and guide emerging concepts
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A collaborative bridge to UW–Madison’s innovation ecosystem, including students, faculty, startups, and industry partners
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Connections with innovators and peers across sectors exploring what’s next in AI, XR, digital health, climate, and beyond
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A flexible engagement model—most participation is virtual and designed for collaboration across industries and geographies
How You Can Engage
The Network is designed for professionals at all stages—from experienced operators to curious contributors. Members may:
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Present or help explore real-world challenges through structured innovation sprints
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Serve as mentors, feedback partners, or subject matter experts
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Collaborate around strategic focus areas such as AI, digital health, sustainability, or emerging interfaces
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Join roundtables, pilots, or early-stage testing conversations
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Support and engage with multiple venture pathways—from student-led startups to faculty-driven spinouts or alumni-led initiatives
Who Should Join
We’re building a network around exploration-to-venture pathways—and we’re looking for people and organizations who want to be part of that journey:
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Technologists and innovators working in AI, AR/VR, automation, and emerging platforms
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Business and industry leaders seeking insight, innovation, or partnership
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Entrepreneurs and venture builders interested in collaborating with early-stage teams
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Alumni and faculty who want to engage with UW innovation in modern, meaningful ways
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Supporters of commercialization pathways across campus—from student projects to faculty research to multidisciplinary teams
Our Model Is Different
The UW Tech Lab doesn’t wait for ideas to mature—we help shape them from the beginning. Our programs emphasize:
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Exploration over pitch decks
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Multidisciplinary thinking over silos
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Fast feedback, low-barrier engagement, and real-world relevance
And when something shows real promise, we prepare it for what’s next—venture readiness, strategic partnership, or deeper prototyping.
Ready to Join the UW Tech Lab Network?
Let’s explore what’s next—together.