Impactful ideation. Rapid prototyping. Real-world teamwork. That’s the NC State Make-A-Thon experience.

Make-A-Thon is NC State’s sustainability innovation competition. Collaborating in cross-disciplinary teams, students work to create the best solution to a sustainability challenge. Whether it’s about water, waste, energy, transportation or food — that’s up to each team to decide.

At the end of the competition, students will pitch their ideas to judges from campus and local companies. And, yes, there are prizes: $4,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place and $1,000 for third place. An additional $1,500 will be split between teams winning the Best Prototype, Best Integration of Social Responsibility and Judges’ Choice Award. Plus, a $500 award will be split among three teams with innovative textile solutions representing the Wilson College of Textiles.

In 2025, prize money totals $9,000, but the benefits of participating in Make-A-Thon go beyond the prizes.

Big ideas require bold thoughts that bridge diverse perspectives. Undergraduate and graduate students representing all NC State academic colleges are encouraged to apply.

Register here!