Where student
ideas take flight.
ACC's student startup showcase returns for Fall 2026. Pitch your idea, connect with mentors, and compete for prizes. No experience needed — just a vision and the courage to share it.
An Entrepreneurship & Innovation Academy Initiative · Hosted by Team EDGE
Upcoming
Attend the Info Session — October 21
Not sure which form to fill out or how to prepare your pitch? Come to the info session on October 21 at ACC Highland Campus. We'll walk through everything, answer questions, and help you get set up before the November 4 submission deadline.
What to Prepare for Your Pitch
Business Idea Summary
A clear, concise description of your venture — what problem it solves, who it's for, and why it matters.
3–5 Minute Pitch
Prepare to present your idea on stage. Focus on the problem, your solution, target audience, and what makes you different.
Visual Support (Optional)
Slides, a demo, or a prototype. Not required, but visuals help judges understand your vision.
Revenue or Growth Plan
How will your venture make money or grow? Even a rough plan shows judges you're thinking ahead.
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.
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.
Partner With Us
Sponsor NEST FEST
Invest in Austin's next generation of founders. Connect with student talent across ACC's 11 campuses.
Every dollar supports student entrepreneurship at ACC. No minimum, no commitment — just your belief in what students can build.
Contribute via ACC Marketplace →Common Questions
FAQ
Do I need a business plan or finished product?
No. You can pitch an idea, a concept, a prototype, or an early-stage business. Judges evaluate your thinking, not your polish. Many Fall 2025 presenters pitched ideas that were just a few weeks old.
Can I pitch with a partner or team?
Yes. Teams of up to 3 can present together. Just submit one application and list all team members.
Do I need slides or a demo?
Optional but encouraged. Visual support helps judges understand your idea, but a strong verbal pitch is enough. We offer coaching before the event to help you prepare.
I'm not a business major. Can I still participate?
Absolutely. NEST FEST is open to all ACC students regardless of major. Past presenters have come from nursing, culinary, CS, liberal arts, and more.
What happens after I submit my idea?
You'll receive a confirmation email. Team EDGE will follow up with pitch coaching resources, timeline details, and prep materials before November 6.
What are the judges looking for?
Innovation, feasibility, presentation quality, and passion. You don't need a perfect business — judges want to see that you've thought critically about a problem and have a vision for solving it.