Bold ideas, creative problem-solving, and community impact were on full display in the 24 student projects recently launched at the UW Tech Exploration Lab. A partnership between the Wisconsin School of Business and the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, the lab provides a space for multidisciplinary students to experiment with emerging technologies, particularly applied AI.

The projects tackle real-world challenges with mentorship from UW–Madison alumni. One such project involved a team using Google’s Gemini LLM to create analytical models to optimize retail promotional strategies for a cheese company. The custom model outperformed the vanilla version of Gemini by 10-15%. Another team, consisting of computer science students, created an AI algorithm using computer vision and thermal imaging to identify and track stray embers for wildfire risk management. A third project focused on designing a personalized memory care tool for individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

These projects highlight the lab’s mission to empower students to rapidly prototype, test feasibility, and pursue high-impact solutions, demonstrating the Wisconsin Idea that education’s benefits should extend beyond the classroom. The lab provides students with access to advanced tools and mentorship, helping them to turn early ideas into tangible progress.

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