ACC Student Startup Showcase — Spring 2026
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?
A one-day showcase where ACC student entrepreneurs present ventures, connect with the Austin startup community, and compete for recognition and prizes.
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.
Network with Austin's entrepreneurship ecosystem. Meet investors, business leaders, and fellow student founders who share your drive to build something new.
Compete for recognition and cash prizes. Our panel of expert judges evaluates every venture on innovation, feasibility, and presentation. First place takes home $500.
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
About the Program
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, and Engagement.
ACC's Inaugural Student Startup Showcase
On November 7, 2025, Austin Community College made history with the first-ever NEST FEST — a student startup showcase that brought together 15 bold entrepreneurs, 4 expert judges, and over 60 community members at the Riverside Campus. From AI-powered booking systems to custom sports card frames to home bakeries, the inaugural showcase proved that ACC students are ready to build. Three ventures took home prizes, and every founder left with something more valuable: community, confidence, and connections.
Winners Podium
Deanna DeLeon
Pastry Arts
Made from scratch, baked with love. Custom cakes and holiday specials operating under cottage food laws, with a long-term goal of opening a brick and mortar shop.
Omer Ulucan
Computer Science
AI-powered appointment system handling phone, SMS, and WhatsApp bookings automatically for barbers. Reduces no-shows and creates a seamless customer experience.
Christopher Winnier-Cline
—
Custom display frames for sports cards and graded collectibles. Aluminum and wood frames specific to featured cards, targeting the booming sports card collectibles market.
All Presenters — Fall 2025
Deanna DeLeon
Pastry Arts
Made from scratch, baked with love. Custom cakes and holiday specials operating under cottage food laws, with a long-term goal of opening a brick and mortar shop.
Omer Ulucan
Computer Science
AI-powered appointment system handling phone, SMS, and WhatsApp bookings automatically for barbers. Reduces no-shows and creates a seamless customer experience.
Christopher Winnier-Cline
—
Custom display frames for sports cards and graded collectibles. Aluminum and wood frames specific to featured cards, targeting the booming sports card collectibles market.
Eduardo Mejia Arteaga
Business Administration
A curated social dining and events concept bringing people together through food experiences, community gatherings, and elevated casual hospitality in Austin.
Faiza Hussain
Hospitality / Culinary Arts
A platform and community resource helping non-traditional entrepreneurs — especially aunts, caregivers, and family-first business owners — launch and scale their ventures.
Ben Harris
Economics
Professional FAA-certified drone photography and videography services for real estate, events, construction site documentation, and commercial clients in Central Texas.
Destiny Martinez
Business Administration
A mobile esthetics business bringing professional skincare services directly to clients — facials, waxing, and treatments delivered at home, office, or event locations.
Josie Flores
Business Administration
A service business offering handywoman and home repair solutions, filling the gap for clients who prefer to hire women professionals for in-home projects and maintenance.
Kiara Quick
Psychology
An educational enrichment program designed to support neurodivergent learners with engaging, brain-based learning strategies and tailored cognitive development activities.
Cullen Cline
Business
First-person-view drone media and content creation services for brands, events, and creatives. Cinematic FPV footage giving clients a new visual perspective on their story.
Jacob Moskalev
—
A smart refrigerator management system that tracks inventory, suggests recipes based on available ingredients, and automates grocery ordering before items run out.
Cindy Gonzalez
Marketing
A marketing and promotional services firm helping small businesses and events with branded merchandise, event promotion, and community outreach campaigns.
Brittany Sanders
Business / Photography
A mobile beauty and photography service combining on-site makeup and styling with professional photo sessions — ideal for events, headshots, and social content creation.
David Dawson
Social Science
A peer support and education program providing community-centered resources for individuals and families navigating addiction recovery, reducing stigma and promoting healing.
Chutian Wu
Computer Science
A productivity-focused browser extension and web app that replaces the new tab page with a clean, distraction-free workspace featuring tasks, goals, and focus timers.
Also Submitted — Did Not Present
Vivid Experiential
Juan Tovar
Anyasi.net
Michael Chukwuemeka
Paintball Company
Demeco Minjarez
AI Email + Instagram App
Xiaoliang Wu
Judge Panel
Business Leader & Investor
Technologist & STEM Educator
Tech Founder
ACC Graduate & Tech Founder
Fall 2025 Schedule — Historical
The People Behind It
Faculty advisors and student leaders who make NEST FEST possible each semester.
Office for the Future, ACC
Business Leader & Advisor
Student Leadership — EDGE Team
EDGE Team
EDGE Team
President, EDGE Team
EDGE Team
EDGE Team
Spring 2026 Applications Open
All ACC students welcome. No experience required.
Deadline: April 21, 2026 at 11:59 PM