Madison, Wisconsin – This weekend the University of Wisconsin‑Madison turned Morgridge Hall into a bustling tech lab as the annual MadHacks hackathon challenged up to 375 undergraduate participants to design, code and prototype a project in just 24 hours.

Student teams work against the clock

Students formed teams of up to four members, each tasked with turning a single idea into a functional prototype before the Sunday deadline. The intense schedule is meant to spark creativity and give participants a sense of accomplishment beyond the regular semester workload, according to event sponsor Steve Mathesius, chief information security officer at TDS.

“The 24 hours is to really inspire creativity, and give a sense of, uh, completion amidst the overall college schedule,” Mathesius said.

Projects range from software apps to assistive devices

One team, led by mechanical‑engineering student Vikram Bangalore, focused on a walking‑assistance device. Bangalore, also active in Wisconsin Robotics, said his prior experience prepared him for the marathon effort.

“Like last year, I think I slept for maybe, like, an hour or two, but it wasn’t that great. I think I’d just feel better if I go the full 24 hours,” he explained, noting that his team planned to divide tasks to stay on track.

Industry mentors guide the innovators

Throughout the event, professionals from local tech firms and startups served as mentors and judges, offering technical advice, feedback on user experience and insight into real‑world product development. Their presence gave students exposure to career pathways and networking opportunities that extend beyond the campus.

Mathesius added that the event also helps participants build relationships with peers from other universities, expanding their professional circles and exposing them to diverse problem‑solving approaches.

Final presentations and future impact

On Sunday afternoon, each team presented its prototype to a panel of judges, highlighting functionality, innovation and potential market relevance. While the competition is friendly, the experience equips students with practical skills—rapid prototyping, teamwork under pressure and communication with industry experts—that are valuable in today’s technology‑driven economy.

For many participants, the hackathon is more than a contest; it is a chance to test personal limits, collaborate with friends and contribute fresh ideas to the local tech ecosystem.

Community support for student innovation

The university and local sponsors view MadHacks as an investment in the region’s future workforce, reinforcing Madison’s reputation as a hub for engineering talent and entrepreneurial spirit. By encouraging students to tackle real‑world challenges in a compressed timeframe, the event aligns with broader efforts to retain skilled graduates and foster home‑grown innovation.

Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.