ACC Student Startup Showcase — Spring 2026
Where student
ideas take flight.
ACC's student startup showcase returns for Spring 2026. Pitch your idea, connect with mentors, and compete for prizes.
Hosted by Team EDGE
What is NEST FEST?
Four pillars of the experience
A one-day showcase where ACC student entrepreneurs present ventures, connect with the Austin startup community, and compete for recognition and prizes.
Present
Take the stage and pitch your startup idea to judges, mentors, and fellow students. Whether you have a prototype or just a concept, your idea deserves to be heard.
Connect
Network with Austin's entrepreneurship ecosystem. Meet investors, business leaders, and fellow student founders who share your drive to build something new.
Compete
Compete for recognition and cash prizes. Our panel of expert judges evaluates every venture on innovation, feasibility, and presentation. First place takes home $500.
Grow
Leave with real feedback, new contacts, and the confidence to take your venture to the next level. NEST FEST is just the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey.
Spring 2026
Event Schedule
About the Program
The Entrepreneurship & Innovation Academy
The Entrepreneurship & Innovation Academy (EIA) at Austin Community College is a college-wide initiative designed to support students who want to explore, launch, and grow their own ventures. The program removes barriers to entrepreneurship by meeting students where they are — regardless of major, background, or experience level.
NEST FEST is the flagship event of the EIA, organized and run by the EDGE Team — a student leadership body dedicated to building an entrepreneurial culture on campus. EDGE stands for Entrepreneurship Development Growth Events.
Event Archive
NEST FEST Fall 2025
15 student ventures. 4 judges. 60+ attendees. ACC made history with the inaugural student startup showcase.
View Fall 2025 Archive →The People Behind It
Our Team
Faculty advisors and student leaders who make NEST FEST possible each semester.
Dr. Andrea Kehoe
Office for the Future, ACC
Harshal Shah
Business Leader & Advisor
Student Leadership — EDGE Team
Leadership Opportunity
Lead a NEST FEST Committee
Marketing, Logistics, Sponsorship, or Student Experience. Open to EDGE Team members.
Apply to Lead a Committee →Spring 2026 Applications Open
Submit Your Startup Idea
All ACC students welcome. No experience required. Pitch your idea at NEST FEST Spring 2026 and compete for recognition and prizes.
Deadline: April 21, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Event: April 23, 2026 — ACC Highland Campus
Idea Submitted!
We've received your submission and sent a confirmation to your email. Team EDGE will follow up with next steps.
Get Involved
Volunteer at NEST FEST
Help make NEST FEST an unforgettable experience. Volunteers assist with setup, registration, event coordination, and more. It's a great way to build your network and support fellow student entrepreneurs.
No experience needed — just enthusiasm and a willingness to help!
You're signed up!
Thanks for volunteering! We'll send you details as the event approaches.
Questions?
Get in Touch
Have questions about NEST FEST, the EIA program, or how to get involved? Drop us a message and Team EDGE will get back to you.
Email: edge@austincc.edu
Message Sent!
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