Student teams will soon compete in WiSys’ fourth annual Prototype Hackathon for a $1,000 cash prize and a chance to develop their product commercially.
- BUILD DAYS: March 29, 4 to 11 p.m., and March 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Engineering Hall, UW-Platteville.
- PRESENTATION: April 24, 5:30-8 p.m. in Nohr Gallery, Ullsvik Hall, UW-Platteville.
Teams will have two designated days to design and build a prototype in late March and then will present their refined prototypes to a panel of judges on April 24. The teams will be judged based on functionality, market need and overall presentation.
The prototype and accompanying presentation deemed best by a panel of judges will win a $1,000 award to be split equally between team members and will be accepted into the WiSys portfolio for potential intellectual property protection. Additionally, there will be a $500 award for second place and a $250 award for third place to be split equally between team members.
“Each year, I’m impressed with the ideas the students bring to this competition,” said WiSys Regional Associate Tony Hanson. “They’re original, innovative ideas that are being developed outside of their normal coursework. It’s been fantastic that WiSys and UW-Platteville have continuously partnered to grow the event each year.”
To assist the teams in achieving their maximum market potential for their prototype, UW-Platteville marketing and business students will be available to help the teams. WiSys will also work with the teams on how to disclose ideas in a way that protects intellectual property rights.
“The Hackathon is an exciting crash course in entrepreneurism,” said WiSys President Arjun Sanga. “The competition demands collaborative and creative thinking and gives students the tools and inspiration to bring their ideas to life.”
The event also highlights WiSys’ commitment to enhancing the student educational experience in the UW System.
“Students are a core constituency in our mission to inspire Wisconsin innovation,” said Sanga. “Events like the Prototype Hackathon help us contribute to the development of the next generation of Wisconsin inventors, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers.”