Farm Robotics Challenge
The Challenge
The Farm Robotics Challenge brings together student teams to tackle real-world agricultural challenges with cutting-edge robotics. Led by UCANR Innovate—the innovation arm of the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources and the AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems (AIFS), the competition is further strengthened through collaboration with innovation partner the Reservoir and technology partner Bonsai Robotics.
Student teams design and prototype novel solutions to pressing on-farm issues by leveraging robotic platforms with autonomous navigation, artificial intelligence, and specialized attachments. Projects span a wide range of production agriculture topics—including planting, weeding, harvesting, pest management, mapping, and data collection.
Entries are evaluated on multiple dimensions: technical accuracy, design innovation, safety, system complexity, interdisciplinary collaboration, societal benefit, and commercial viability.
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Assemble a group of motivated students with various technical skills. The Challenge features three division flights:
Division I* - 4 year colleges and universities
Division II - 2 year community colleges and trade schools
Academy - middle/high schools (grades 7-12)
All teams require a team advisor, typically a faculty or staff member, graduate student, or teacher.
*Division I teams can be a mix of undergraduate and graduate students, but no more than 50% graduate students.
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Work with a grower to identify a problem in agriculture that can be addressed using AI, automation, and robotics. Design a solution, field test your results, submit your innovation to the competition.
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The challenge empowers students to spearhead technological innovation in agriculture. Participants develop in-demand job skills, expand their professional networks, and compete for recognition, exciting prizes—including this year’s Grand Prize of $50K presented by the Reservoir, and travel stipends to attend the prestigious FIRA USA ag tech conference in California.
View our full list of prizes and awards on the Prizes page.
Check out last year’s winners and get inspired to make your mark!
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We envision the Challenge as only the beginning of your venture’s success. Leverage our extensive network to connect with the people and opportunities that will help you transform your prototype into a thriving, market-ready solution.
Key Dates & Deadlines
2026 Competition
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration | Opens August 1 |
| Team Formation & Proposal Research Period | August - October |
| Project Proposals Due | November 14, 2025 |
| Development & Testing Period | November 2025 - April 2026 |
| Final Projects Due | May 3, 2026 |
| Awards Ceremony | May 21, 2026 |