Innovation Days will show off potential young entrepreneurs

Madison, Wis. — Fifty-two University of Wisconsin undergrads are going to vie for a piece of $26,000 in prizes this Thursday and Friday for creative inventions that could turn into businesses down the line.

The Schoofs Prize for Creativity and Tong Prototype Prize reward students for engineering new devices that aren't part of any curriculum. At this year's Innovation Days, undergrads will show off their contributions at the Engineering Centers Building, 1550 Engineering Drive.

Last year's winner went on to take second place in the university's business-plan contest, making them a finalist in the statewide Governor's Business Plan Contest.

"These off-timetable learning experiences help the students become more engaged, involved and socially responsible members of their future communities, and they demonstrate to employers that UW-Madison students bring the 'full package' to their companies," said College of Engineering dean Paul Peercy, in a press release.

• UW-Madison: Full list of participants • WTN: Read about last year's Innovation Days

• WTN: Read about last year's UW business-plan contest