Badger Build Fest 2026
Badger BuildFest 2026 is a 24-hour hackathon where participants build the next big thing, hosted by the Tech Exploration Lab (TEL) alongside industry, campus, and student organization partners. Designed as a campus platform where frontier technologies are explored, tested, and brought to life, BuildFest brings together builders from across all majors to collaborate, innovate, and compete for over $10,000 in prizes.
Dates & Locations
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When: Saturday, September 26, 11:00 AM – Sunday, September 27, 2026, 11:00 AM
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Where: Morgridge Hall (Hello World & Garden Atrium) & 1403 University Ave (For Overnight Building)
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Comms: Join the TEL Discord for announcements and finding teammates early: https://discord.com/invite/ubAHakcM33
Tracks & Challenges
Every team will select exactly one Track to compete in and may enter up to two optional sponsor Challenges. Track finalists are selected through preliminary screening before the live pitch round on Sunday.
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Applied AI & Automation (Sponsored by Google): AI agents, SaaS, automation, productivity, business workflows, fintech, analytics, and developer tools.
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Health, Sustainability & Society (Sponsored by TEL): Health, sustainability, education, accessibility, campus/community, and social-impact applications.
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Emerging Technology & Entrepreneurship (Sponsored by Wisconsin School of Business): Hardware, robotics, IoT, XR, blockchain, new products, ventures, and experimental technologies.
Note: Challenge awards are judged independently from Tracks.
Event Schedule (Run of Show)
Saturday, September 26
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9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Participant check-in, breakfast & networking (Morgridge Hall)
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10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Opening ceremony, event overview, and sponsor Challenge intros
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10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Idea pitching & final team formation
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11:00 AM: Hackathon begins!
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12:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Lunch served
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1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Student organization workshops, tabling, and mentor office hours
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5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Dinner served (1403 University Ave)
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6:00 PM onward: Overnight hacking continues at 1403 University Ave
Sunday, September 27
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10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Breakfast, mentor office hours, and final build time
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11:00 AM: Submissions Close (Repo, Video, Questions due)
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11:30 AM: Lunch & Preliminary screening
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1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Live finalist pitches (Up to 5 teams per track)
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3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Winner announcements, Awards, and Closing Ceremony
Hosted on Devpost
