FCLI Spark Tank: The Pitch Competition for Innovation, Inclusion, and Creativity


Announcement

Join us for the inaugural Spark Tank Pitch Competition, a high-stakes "Shark Tank" style event where faculty pitch transformative teaching ideas centered on the core pillars of Innovation, Inclusion, and Creativity. Selected innovators will compete live for direct grant funding to prototype high-impact projects that bridge equity gaps and redefine the student learning experience.

About

This event is a pitching opportunity where a panel of reviewers (the "Sharks") awards grants based on the quality of the innovation pitch (the “Sparks”).  Any faculty member of Austin Community College may submit an ‘Intent to Pitch’.  Selected submissions will then be supported by a ‘Pitch Coaching’ session (held in March) to hone their presentation and defense skills.  The pitch competition day (Friday, April 3, 2026) features live presentations and negotiations for each accepted pitch.  Winners are announced live during the ‘Spark Tank’.

Goal

This "Spark Tank" turns a bureaucratic process into a high-energy learning and networking event, aligning perfectly with the goal of embedding innovation and creativity into the professional development culture.  The Innovation, Inclusion, and Creativity (IIC) pillars include Fostering Innovation, Deepening Inclusion, Cultivating Creativity, and including a Strategy for Execution and Sustainability.

The proposals are assessed on four key criteria:


Attendance Options


Where: Austin Community College Highland Campus, Building 2000, Presentation Hall Room 1550 OR Online Via Zoom (link will be emailed to RSVP'd attendees)

When: Friday, April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.


Please note that only in-person attendees will be provided with refreshments throughout the day and a chance to win several raffle prizes.  In addition, in-person attendees will have the opportunity to speak with the presenters about their pitches before voting on the winning teams.


Submit your Team for the Competition and become a 'SPARK'!

Any faculty member of Austin Community College may submit an ‘Intent to Pitch’ to compete for up to $5,000.  

Attend the Competition and Vote on the Winning Teams!


Just want to attend, not pitch?  Please RSVP.



Questions

If you have any questions, please email fcli@austincc.edu