Think big. Build what’s next.

Turn your innovative idea into something tangible through FABricate, UGA’s student entrepreneurship competition. Work with mentors, build your idea and compete for cash prizes.

View contest timeline

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 are eligible to compete if you are:

A currently enrolled UGA undergraduate or graduate student or recent graduate (having graduated within the last three 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

Aug. 24, 2026

Registration opens

Jan. 25, 2027

Mentoring matching deadline

Feb. 12, 2027

Final registration deadline

Events at Delta Innovation Hub:

February 2027

Quick pitch evaluation

March 2027

Semifinals

March 2027

Final competition

Frequently asked questions

FABricate 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 three semesters to qualify.

Yes, the FABricate contest is fully open to all current UGA students or recent graduates 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 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

The actual item does not have to be developed for this category, but teams are encouraged to develop a prototype or proof of concept 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

Businesses in this category will likely be experience- or service-related. The proposal should include business ideas that are creative and enterprising and do not currently exist.

Environmental or Sustainable Business: ideas for new businesses that involve the environment

An enterprise that capitalizes on having minimal negative impacts on the global or local environment would fit this category. These businesses offer progressive environmental and/or human rights ideas in the form of a service or product.

Judges look for:

Innovation
Feasibility
Pitch quality
Demonstrated 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. The course is designed to teach the basics of how to start up and operate a successful business, including market research fundamentals, business plan development, and product or service marketing. This course includes workshops, case studies and guest lecture discussions.