COMPETITION INFORMATION
PRIZES & DATES
- This challenge includes any problem in our community. Need ideas? Some of our leading issues center around transportation, affordable childcare, affordable housing, healthcare, cybersecurity, obesity, diabetes, access to healthcare, disabilities, homeless, food deserts, etc.
Competition Dates:
- March 10, 2026: First round, 5 slides, submissions due @24:00 (midnight)
- March 25, 2026: Pitch Competition, 8:00am at the Georgia Cyber Center, 5 minute pitches for top ten teams in each level.
- April 6-7,2026: USG Pitch Competition at Kennesaw State University.
Deliverables:
- Lean or Business Model Canvas, Download: https://augustauniversity.box.com/s/21agz4lqf4fdfilq3a00td8ez5j9p6dj
- Pitch Slide Deck
Competition Awards:
- Entrepreneur Award: Open to anyone in the community
- Winning award: $5,000
Augusta University Undergraduate Level
- First Place: $5,000 + Pabt Patent Office provisional patent for free if applicable
- Second Place: $3,500
- Third Place: $2,500
Augusta University Graduate Level
- First Place: $5,000 + Pabt Patent Office provisional patent for free if applicable
- Second Place: $3,500
- Third Place: $2,500
CFIC Audience Choice Award:
- Undergraduate: $500
- Graduate: $500
Innovate winning teams will be offered the following from the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce
Exclusive Invitation to a Chamber Member Economic Luncheon – Each team will have the opportunity to attend one of our four Member Economic Luncheons of their choice during the 2025 year.
Presentation Opportunity at a Chamber Board Meeting – The top three teams will have the chance to present their ideas to the Chamber Board of Directors.
Augusta University students are judged on the following rubric:
https://augustauniversity.box.com/s/n7mnj40kxup0uodx7glhj2ug2py7uglp
Do you need help? We help guide you through speaking events and offer mentorship: https://augustainnovation.com/events
GET IN TOUCH
E-mail: innovate@augusta.edu
Phone: (706) 945-4726
Need Help?
Here is an example format:
Slide 1: Problem
- Start with a compelling story, statistic, or real-life example that highlights the issue.
- Clearly define the problem.
- Explain the impact (who is affected and why it matters).
Slide 2: Solution
- Introduce your solution and how it directly addresses the problem.
- Keep it clear, simple, and actionable.
- Explain what makes it unique compared to existing solutions.
Slide 3: Impact
- Show who benefits from your solution (community members, organizations, stakeholders).
- Provide a quick data-driven estimate of potential reach and outcomes.
- If applicable, include potential adoption rates, partnerships, or testimonials.
Slide 4: Sustainability
- How will your solution continue long-term? (Funding sources, revenue model, grants, partnerships).
- Briefly outline your implementation roadmap (phases, milestones, or key actions).
- Mention any scalability potential beyond the initial community.
Slide 5: Your Ask
- Clearly state what you need from the judges (funding, partnerships, resources, mentorship).
- Specify the amount or type of support required and how it will be used.
- End with a strong call to action that reinforces why this solution is worth investing in.
COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS
