​Hands-on Databricks Workshop + Guided Hackathon with Xorbix

​Build with Real Manufacturing Data and Databricks. Databricks is one of the premier Data and AI platforms on the market and one of the world's largest startups.

​Location: 1403 University Ave
Open to: UW–Madison students
Cash prizes for top teams
Food and drinks provided
Limited to ~50 participants

​Overview

​Join the UW Tech Exploration Lab and Xorbix for a hands-on workshop and hackathon exploring how manufacturing data can be used to support analytics and AI-driven insights.

​The day begins with a practical workshop led by engineers from Xorbix, who will walk participants through how production data is ingested, modeled, and analyzed using modern data platforms such as Databricks.

​In the afternoon, student teams will apply what they’ve learned in a guided hackathon, working on a manufacturing-style scenario and pitching their solutions.

​This event is designed as a small, interactive experience where students can work directly with practitioners and get hands-on exposure to real-world data workflows.

​What You’ll Do

​During the event, participants will:

​• Learn how manufacturing data pipelines are structured
• Explore how operational data is turned into analytics and KPIs
• Work with example production datasets
• Collaborate in teams to develop a prototype or analytical approach
• Present their ideas and insights during final pitches

​Hackathon Challenge

​Teams will approach the problem like data and AI consulting teams, exploring how analytics or machine learning could support operational decisions.

​Example areas may include:

​• Analyzing downtime patterns
• Exploring quality or defect trends
• Developing operational dashboards
• Prototyping an AI assistant for manufacturing operations

​Teams will present their ideas and approach at the end of the event.

​Cash prizes will be awarded to the top team pitches.

​Agenda

​10:00 – 10:30 AM
Welcome + introduction to manufacturing data challenges

​10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Interactive Workshop with Xorbix
Data ingestion → modeling → KPIs → applied use cases

​12:30 – 1:00 PM
Lunch + networking

​1:00 – 5:00 PM
Guided Hackathon
Teams work through a challenge with mentor checkpoints

​5:00 – 5:30 PM
Team pitches + judging

​Who Should Attend

​Students interested in:

​AI • Data Engineering • Machine Learning • Analytics • Operations • Applied AI

​Students from engineering, computer science, data science, and business are especially encouraged to attend.

​No manufacturing background is required.

​What to Bring

​• A laptop
• Curiosity and willingness to collaborate
• Basic familiarity with Python, data tools, or analytics is helpful but not required

​Hosted By

​Xorbix Technologies
A leading Databricks consulting firm based out Milwaukee, Wisconsin will a strong history of solving complex business challenges with modern and innovative solutions.

​UW Tech Exploration Lab
We’re helping shape the next generation of startups coming out of UW–Madison by connecting students with real industry challenges and opportunities to experiment with emerging technologies.