Transcend is UW–Madison's student-run entrepreneurship organization. 13 years, one mission: give student builders a stage, a deadline, and a community.
Built by students, for students.
Est. 2013
Our Mission
Transcend UW is a student organization focused on providing invaluable resources and opportunities to students on campus who are interested in creating their own ventures or innovations through blended-learning and cross-functional teams. We encourage collaboration between majors, disciplines and areas of expertise. We intend to create an environment that inspires entrepreneurship and innovative ideas, equips students with the tools and networks to achieve their vision and launch viable ventures.
Our utility comes from the vast network of alumni and professionals from the Madison area and beyond which we regularly call on for inspiring talks and informative workshops that our members can engage with to expand their knowledge beyond their curriculum.
Our core purpose is to enhance, support and inspire the UW-Madison student community to create innovative ideas and entrepreneurial ventures that will change the world.
What We Do
The Transcend Innovation Competition
UW's largest student-run pitch competition. $500K+ in total prizes awarded over 12 years.
The UW Entrepreneurship Kickoff
The front door to UW-Madison entrepreneurship, hosted by Transcend. The entire campus entrepreneurship ecosystem, 30+ organizations, one room, every September.
Our Story
2012
Transcend UW is founded by a group of like-minded undergrads.
2014
The Transcend Madison Innovation Competition was ran for the first time.
2025
Transcend UW's 10th annual Innovation Competition.
2026
Transcend's biggest year yet, with 120+ competition applicants and over $50,000 worth of prizes
How we work
Every part of Transcend is student-operated — sponsorships, finances, events, marketing, outreach, and the competition itself. Exec members don't shadow the work; they own it. The best way to learn to build something is to run something.
Backed by university partners and sponsors who believe our student founders are worth investing in.
Cullan Wickramasuriya
President
Ben Kuzniar
Vice-President
Hasan Rizvi
Treasurer
Krithi Gopinath
Outreach
Saba Maddahali
Marketing
Myles Gordon
Web & Operations
Aleksandra Zubrowski
People & Internal Operations
Saizan Shahnawaz
Outreach & Ecosystem Development
Fadhel Alrabiah
Advisor