Relive the UW-Stout Polytechnic-Make48 With A Sizzle Reel!

Menomonie, WI – September 3, 2026 – Last month, Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University played host to our largest regional competition of the season, and the energy inside the UW-Stout Polytechnic FabLab was immediate from the moment the clock started. 

Teams took on "The Future of Fast Food Innovation," tackling real-world industry pain points with rapid prototyping and ingenuity. From initial sketching and ideation to hands-on fabrication with power tools, 3D printers, and expert guidance from our Tool Techs and mentors, the pace never slowed down. Whether you were there on the ground in Menomonie or following along from home, this is what a Make48 live competition is all about.

Catch all the action and behind-the-scenes breakthroughs in the official event sizzle reel!

https://youtu.be/Jhb-hqNZWIY?si=wpn97oY3M0E9xTYr 

Highlights From the Floor

UW-Stout Polytechnic’s hands-on labs and makerspace provided the ultimate stage, letting competitors move from lasers to 3D printers to CAD renders, creating physical prototypes in record time. Local industry leaders, university faculty, and the Tool Techs worked alongside teams around the clock to help turn rough ideas into viable innovations for the fast food challenge. 

The UW-Stout Polytechnic regional event proved once again how much creativity can be unlocked when students are given the right tools, mentors, and platform.

Stay tuned for the announcement as episodes head to Roku, and keep your eyes peeled as the winning team gears up for the Season 10 National Championship!