Think BIG. Build something real.

FABricate is UGA’s student entrepreneurship competition that helps you develop innovative ideas, work with mentors, and compete for cash prizes. Open to all undergraduate and graduate students—no business experience required.

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Woman speaking into microphone — Participating students pitch their initiatives in the FABricate Entrepreneurial Initiative Pitch Contest Final Round.

Man holds winning check from FABricate contest — The winning proposal, Niche, took home the $10,000 prize in 2026.

Man stands in front of automated chicken coops — Chiktopia’s automated chicken coops won the company several entrepreneurship awards at UGA.

Celebrating 10 years of student innovation

Grand prize

$10,000

Any major

Open to all UGA students

Team-friendly

Compete solo or together

Mentoring path

Who can participate?

You can compete if you are

A currently enrolled UGA undergraduate or graduate student (or graduated within the last 3 semesters)
Competing alone or on a team of up to five students
Interested in solving a real-world problem

You don’t need	You do need
A business degree	Curiosity
Startup experience	A problem to solve
A prototype	Creativity
Investors	Motivation

Your FABricate journey

1) Explore an idea

Identify a problem worth solving in agriculture, food, sustainability, technology, health, or another field.

2) Register early

Submit your concept and get matched with a mentor for feedback and coaching.

3) Build and refine

Work with mentors, improve your business model, and practice your pitch.

4) Quick Pitch

Present your idea briefly and receive feedback from judges and mentors.

5) Semifinals

Advance to a deeper evaluation and continue refining your venture.

6) Finals

Pitch live for the championship and compete for the $10,000 grand prize.

Why students participate

Professional experience

Build entrepreneurial, leadership, and presentation skills that stand out on a résumé.

Mentorship and networking

Connect with entrepreneurs, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals.

Real venture development

Test your idea, gather feedback, and learn how businesses are built.

Funding opportunities

Top teams compete for cash prizes and additional recognition.

2026-27 FABricate timeline

August 24, 2026

Registration opens

January 25, 2027

Mentoring matching deadline

February 12, 2027

Final registration deadline

Events at Delta Innovation Hub:

February 2027

Quick Pitch

March 2027

Semifinals

March 2027

Final competition

Frequently asked questions

CAES hosts FABricate but is open to UGA students from all backgrounds and colleges within the university.

Individuals or teams of up to five UGA students can compete
Teams can include both undergraduate and graduate-level students
Teams that have raised over $50,000 in startup funds or revenue will not be accepted
If a member of the startup team has graduated, they must have graduated within the past 3 semesters to qualify

Yes, the FABricate contest is fully open to all current University of Georgia students from any major, background, or academic college across the university.

New Food Product: any new, original food product. Products should have a high potential for being marketed and sold on a commercial basis. For this category, the actual item does not have to be developed, but teams are encouraged to develop a prototype or proof of concept, if possible, depending on the nature of the project.

Agricultural Technology: any type of new product or service that would be used in a business related to agriculture. For this category, the actual item does not have to be developed but teams are encouraged to develop a prototype or proof of concept, if possible, depending on the nature of the project. Proposed products or services should have the potential for being manufactured and sold on a commercial basis.

Agricultural or Food-related Business: ideas for new businesses that involve food or agriculture. The proposal should include ideas for businesses that do not currently exist, that are creative and enterprising. Business in this category will likely be experience or service related.

Environmental or Sustainable Business: ideas for new businesses that involve the environment or an enterprise that capitalizes on having minimal negative impacts on the global or local environment. Businesses in this category offer progressive environmental and/or human rights ideas in the form of a service or product.

Judges look for:

Innovation
Feasibility
Pitch quality
Real need
Customer value
Growth potential

Submit your business plan outline by the early mentor matching deadline. We will connect you with people and resources who will help you develop your plan as soon as we receive your proposal.

Yes! Students may enroll in an optional course associated with FABricate (AESC 4950/8220) designed to give them a head start in learning how to start up and operate a successful business, including the fundamentals of market research, development of a business plan, and marketing of a product or service. This course involves workshops, case studies, and discussions on guest lectures.