Augusta University is preparing for its annual INNOVATE Pitch Competition, which in 2026 will introduce a new element. For the first time, a team from Augusta University (AU) will be chosen to represent the institution at the newly launched University System of Georgia (USG) Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition in April.
The INNOVATE Pitch Competition continues to invite AU students and local community members to present their entrepreneurial ideas. Vinea Capital returns as the headline sponsor for a second year, providing both an award for a community entrepreneur and dinner for winners.
“INNOVATE is about shaping the future for a purpose. It challenges students and community innovators to look beyond what exists today and imagine solutions to the problems that matter most,” said Lynsey Steinberg, director of innovation for AU’s Entrepreneurship and Community Innovation team within Strategic Partnerships and Economic Development. “With expanded mentorship and a longer program in 2026, we’re equipping students to think bigger, build smarter and create impact that lasts.”
The USG Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition is open to student innovators from all 26 USG institutions. Each institution will select one team of up to five students to compete at Kennesaw State University on April 6-7. Teams will pitch their original ideas before judges with opportunities to win cash prizes totaling $25,000, receive mentorship from industry experts, and access institutional accelerators.
“Augusta University is deeply committed to cultivating a culture of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking across our campuses, communities and throughout the state of Georgia. The INNOVATE Pitch Competition is an opportunity for our student entrepreneurs to bring bold ideas to life, gain real-world experience and connect with leaders who can help accelerate their vision,” said Tina Baggott, interim executive vice president for Strategic Partnerships and Economic Development at AU.
“We encourage every student with a concept, curiosity or passion for problem-solving to step forward and participate,” she added. “This competition reflects our belief that great ideas can come from anyone, and that Augusta University will continue to champion the talent, ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of our students and community.”
For 2026, the INNOVATE competition adopts the theme “INNOVATE 2026: Pitches for a Purpose” with adjustments made so AU’s representative can be selected in time for USG’s event. Five virtual seminars are scheduled via Microsoft Teams between January 14 and February 2 on topics including legal protection of ideas, design thinking, commercialization strategies, pitching techniques, and business development.
Following these seminars, AU student competitors must submit their concepts by February 6 through an online submission form. Once selected as AU’s representative team for USG’s event, participants may continue benefiting from additional mentorship sessions offered during February and March.
The pitch competition began in 2019 with an emphasis on addressing community challenges through innovative solutions inspired by real-life stories such as Emma—a young girl living with medical needs. The contest provides teams five minutes each to present proposals aimed at improving lives locally.
“When students and entrepreneurs are challenged to think differently, it doesn’t just generate ideas—it builds a pipeline of leaders who remain engaged… We’ve seen that impact in powerful ways,” Steinberg said. She noted past successes including Shaun Andrews—winner of the community entrepreneur pathway—who now leads Accelerate Augusta; Gigi Addai-Domfe—student winner—who secured an internship following her participation; as well as ongoing post-competition mentoring opportunities provided by venture capitalists.
In 2025—the most recent edition—the competition saw record participation after expanding eligibility beyond university affiliates thanks largely to sponsorship by Vinea Capital. Forty individuals or teams submitted entries; twenty-five were invited after initial judging rounds; final presentations took place at Georgia Cyber Innovation & Training Center on March 27.
Among last year’s winners were Shaun Andrews (“Mind HAC,” AI support app), Chandler Covert (“Easy Dose It,” adaptive medicine dispenser), Patrick Rimbey (“AeroSniff,” affordable air quality sensor). Their projects reflected practical approaches intended both for immediate application within healthcare or utility sectors—and potential broader uses over time.
