University Housing

100-Hour Challenge: Nov. 14 – 18, 2019

Put your creativeness to the test in this accessible-to-all innovation contest. You could win $1,200 in cash prizes in one weekend!

Create and pitch a valuable, innovative or socially beneficial product or service using materials from UW SWAP (Surplus with a Purpose). Think like an entrepreneur and keep in mind the three elements of entrepreneurship: having an idea, taking action and creating value. To succeed in this Challenge, test assumptions, seize opportunities and be creative. The contest is administered by the StartUp Learning Community at UW-Madison and is open to all currently enrolled UW-Madison students.

Sponsors: StartUp Learning Community, WI School of Business, UW Makerspace, MDS SWAP, and Innovate Network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Rules

How it Works

  1. Attend the SWAP Item Pick-Up at the Makerspace in the 2nd floor of Wendt Commons (next to Union South) to select pieces to be repurposed into your creation
  2. Work alone or with a team to build and document your working prototype…have fun and be creative!
  3. Submit and pitch your creation by posting a video or photo series to a public website (here are some video submissions from previous years)
  4. Winners will be selected in three categories: Most Potential Revenue Value, Most Creative, and Most Potential Social Value.

Important Dates

  • Nov. 14 – SWAP Item Pick-Up is open
  • Nov. 18 – Submit your video/photo gallery of your prototype by 1pm

If you still have questions after consulting the contest rules and technical requirements, please contact the StartUp Learning Community Program Coordinator, Sari Judge or call 608-332-3941.

2019 Winners

  • Most Potential Revenue Value: HydroSpine
    Our judges felt this device rides the intergenerational trend of increasingly sedentary lifestyle and solves a key problem that comes along with it. Health and self-improvement seem like big market opportunities.
  • Most Potential Social Value: Sustainable Parking Garage
    The judges felt this product has extremely important social implications as it provides an efficient and sustainable way to solve a significant problem with the way status quo parking lots are built and powered.
  • Most Creative: Solar Buzz Pop Socket
    Our judges felt this concept creatively solves a very common issue in this device-driven age and had a very well-crafted and creative presentation. 

Past Winners

2018 Results

2017 Results

2016 Results