UW-Madison Center of computing Research, Education and Innovation for the Next Wave of Computing Systems
N+1 Institute
The N+1 Institute at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is building a new model for computing education, research, and innovation. At a time when technology is advancing rapidly and the demand for skilled computing talent continues to grow, N+1 brings together students, faculty, researchers, and industry partners to bridge the gap between academic discovery and real-world application.
Through applied learning, advanced research, and industry collaboration, the Institute creates opportunities for students to move beyond the classroom, develop practical expertise, and work on challenges shaping the future of technology. By connecting emerging ideas with hands-on experience and industry needs, N+1 fosters a collaborative community where students learn by building, research drives innovation, and partnerships turn ideas into meaningful impact.
N+1 is committed to preparing the next generation of computing talent and advancing technologies that address real-world challenges.
Now available!
Infer-X
Thanks to a generous gift from Qualcomm, the Institute launched a brand new Edge Computing Lab.
Infer-X is the N+1 Institute’s hands-on program for exploring Edge AI and edge computing. Students get the opportunity to work with real-world edge devices and build AI applications that run directly on devices such as smartphones, laptops, IoT systems, and robotics platforms.
Interested in learning more about Infer-X, the Edge Computing Lab, available hardware, projects, andhow to get involved? [Learn more about Infer-X →]
News
Bringing Edge Computing to Life: Arduino UNO Q Workshop at N+1
How can we build smarter applications that interact with the physical world? At the N+1 Institute, students explored this question through a hands-on workshop featuring the Arduino UNO Q, a platform that brings together computing, hardware, and software to enable a new generation of intelligent IoT applications. Rather than simply learning about edge computing in theory, participants got to experiment directly with the technology, work with Arduino UNO Q devices, and explore how software can power real-world applications at the edge. Students investigated how connected devices can collect data, interact with their environments, and process information closer to where it is generated, enabling applications that are more responsive and efficient. Through hands-on experimentation, participants gained practical experience connecting computing concepts with physical hardware, troubleshooting technical challenges, and thinking creatively about what they could build with edge devices. The workshop also highlighted the growing role of edge computing in the Internet of Things (IoT), where intelligent devices can support applications across areas such as smart environments, automation, and real-time monitoring. By giving students the opportunity to move from concepts to experimentation, the workshop encouraged curiosity, collaboration, and creative problem-solving while helping participants envision new possibilities for building intelligent, connected systems. At N+1, experiences like this bring computing beyond the screen and into the real world, empowering students to explore emerging technologies and develop the skills to build the next wave of computing applications.
At New N+1 Institute, industry collaboration shapes the next wave of computing
The pace of change is accelerating, but a novel industry membership model will enable the N+1 Institute to keep up.
N+1 Institute and GE HealthCare collaborate for faster biohealth innovation and real-world education for students
N+1 Institute announces GE HealthCare as its founding member. Together, they’ll explore edge computing as a route to faster biohealth innovation within patient monitoring.
TOGETHER WE ACHIEVE THE FUTURE
Our unique blend of students, faculty, industry pioneers, and early adopters fuels a new approach to innovation. Research leads to groundbreaking tech advancements, education builds the skills needed to lead us forward, and industry collaboration bridges the gap between raw technology and use-inspired application. N+1 at UW-Madison is building a better future.