Venture Build – Fall 2026
Take your project beyond the spark.
Venture Build runs annually during Fall semester. Applications for Venture Build will be posted on August 14, 2026 for fall semester.
Venture Build is where ideas and early prototypes evolve into credible venture opportunities. Teams enter with a clear problem and a validated idea or functional demo. They leave with market traction, proof points, and a compelling business case — all guided by industry-connected mentors and Wisconsin School of Business MBA collaborators. This program is part of the Lab’s Venture Pathway, designed to help teams:
- Deepen market framing and user validation
- Strengthen value propositions based on real demand signals
- Shape go-to-market strategy and commercialization pathways
- Build confidence pitching to corporate and investor audiences
Venture Build is a unique program for pairing technical builders with MBA teammates who specialize in new product innovation — combining technical innovation momentum with strategic insight.
Together, teams refine their story, run experiments with users, and prepare for early adoption — culminating in a Final Pitch Night to gain feedback from investors and VCs interested in early-stage tech innovation.
Why Join Venture Build
- Turn your prototype into a compelling product with market pull
- Collaborate with MBA talent to accelerate business development
- Access focused guidance from mentors and the Lab
- Gather feedback from target users and problem owners
- Tell a credible story of impact and future growth at the Pitch Night
Program Details
Kickoff: September 2026 @ Tech Exploration Lab (exact dates TBD)
(Weekly Lab check-ins + monthly workshops + mentor engagements)
Final Pitch Night: December 2026 (exact date TBD)
Highlight progress and momentum to the people who can help unlock what’s next.
Eligibility
Teams should have both:
✔ A defined problem grounded in real user needs
✔ A validated idea, prototype, demo, or proof-of-concept (even if early)
Strong candidates typically come from:
- The Lab’s Venture Discovery program or a UW sandbox/hackathon project
- Independent work with a technical prototype already underway
- Industry-inspired challenges or applied research
Not sure if you’re ready? Apply anyway — we’ll help determine the best entry point.
How to Apply
Applications will be posted on August 14, 2026 for fall semester.
Questions? Reach out: sandra.bradley@wisc.edu