SparkTank

Spark Tank @ FVSU

An Innovation & Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition empowering FVSU students to turn ideas into impact.

Top teams advance to the University System of Georgia competition and may win up to $25,000.

Registration Deadline: February 9, 2026

Program Overview

Fort Valley State University’s Spark Tank is an innovation and entrepreneurship pitch competition designed to encourage creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking among students.

Participants pitch business or social impact ideas, receive feedback from academic and industry professionals, and compete for the opportunity to represent FVSU at the state-level competition.

2026 Competition Timeline

 
February 2, 2026
Interest Meeting (Jones Student Center Ballroom, 4:00 PM)
Registration Opens
February 9, 2026
Registration Closes
February 16, 2026
Preliminary Competition (Closed Session)
March 2, 2026
Final Competition (Live Pitch)
April 6–7, 2026
State-Level Competition — Atlanta, Georgia

Program Objectives

  • Foster innovation and entrepreneurial mindset among FVSU students
  • Provide hands-on experience in idea development and pitching
  • Connect students with mentors, judges, and entrepreneurial resources
  • Select a top team to represent FVSU at the state-level competition

Example Focus Areas

  • Business or Commercial Ventures
  • Social Impact or Nonprofit Innovation
  • Technology & STEM Innovation (AI)
  • Agriculture, Food, or Sustainability

All innovation and entrepreneurship ideas are welcome.

Competition Structure

Round 1: Closed Qualifying Pitch Round

Teams deliver a 3–5 minute live pitch with slides, followed by judge Q&A.

Final Round: Live Shark Tank–Style Showcase

Finalists pitch in front of judges and a live audience.

Awards & Recognition

  • First Place: Advancement to state-level competition
  • Best Social Impact Idea
  • Most Innovative Concept
  • Audience Choice Award

Contact Information

Ramana Gosukonda, Ph.D.
Email: gosukonr@fvsu.edu
Phone: 478.825.6836

Jazmin Thomas-Pullen, MPA
Email: jazmin.thomas@fvsu.edu
Phone: 478.825.6319

 

Spark Tank Registration 2026

Please fill out the form below. Required fields are indicated with a * symbol. Thank you.

Spark Tank teams are required to have 2 team members, but no more than 5 members. 

First Name
MI
Last Name
Suffix
First Name
MI
Last Name
Suffix
First Name
MI
Last Name
Suffix
First Name
MI
Last Name
Suffix
Team Member 4 Classification
First Name
MI
Last Name
Suffix
All innovation and entrepreneurship ideas are welcome.
If so, please provide their name and email address.

If you have any questions, please contact Jazmin Thomas-Pullen at jazmin.thomas@fvsu.edu or 478.827.3233.