Bobcat Innovation Launch Pad 2026

Healthy Ecosystems: Preserve. Protect. Progress.

Ready to innovate? Collaborate? Compete? Have fun? This is for you!

Frostburg State University is excited to host the 2026 Bobcat Innovation Launchpad Competition, September 12 & 13! Teams will work quickly to develop creative business models and solutions to real-world problems—but it’s about more than just the competition! Come ready to think big, collaborate, create, and have some fun! Throughout the weekend, there will be food, fun activities, prizes, and even some furry friend visitors to help keep the energy high.

What is the Innovation Launch Pad?

The competition seeks and brings together student experts from fields in:

Technology
Healthcare
Humanities
Arts
Environmental Sciences
Social Sciences
Business

With their varied skills, teams collaborate to create a vision to solve an economic, social, and/or cultural need in a community's ecosystem. The competition ends with a pitch and prototype of your idea, product, or service... with real prizes for top teams!

Guided by regional and disciplinary experts in business and problem-solving, teams identify key markets and commercial viability for their proposed solutions.

Using the agile methodology, teams will conduct market research to create a commercially viable solution and subsequent new technologies to solve difficult issues. The top three teams will receive starting funding, mentorship and resources to bring their innovations to life. First place receives $2,500, second place receives $1,500, and third place receives $1,000. Additionally, all participating teams will gain access to a network of experienced professionals with the knowledge and connections to help take their ideas to the next level.

Potential Focus Areas

Participants are invited to identify regional challenges and develop bold, practical solutions that preserve what makes Western Maryland unique, protect the resources and people that sustain our communities, and propel the region toward a thriving future.

	Smart Agriculture & Local Food Systems Reimagine farming and food production through precision agriculture, agri-tech, regenerative practices, and innovative approaches that strengthen local food systems and support resilient rural economies.
	Clean & Resilient Energy Explore renewable energy, energy efficiency, microgrids, and other solutions that can help communities become more energy independent, affordable, and environmentally responsible.
	Digital Access & Rural Connectivity Bridge the digital divide with innovative solutions that expand high-speed internet, support remote work and education, improve access to telehealth, and connect rural communities to new opportunities.
	Outdoor Recreation & Adventure Reimagine Western Maryland's trails, parks, waterways, and outdoor assets as drivers of health, tourism, entrepreneurship, and economic development. Consider accessible recreation, adaptive equipment, smart trails, adventure experiences, and technology-enhanced outdoor spaces.
	Community Health & Well-Being Develop creative approaches to improving physical and mental well-being, expanding healthcare access, strengthening community connections, and bringing services to residents where they live.
	Attracting, Retaining & Growing Communities What makes people want to stay, return, or put down roots in Western Maryland? Explore solutions around housing, employment, entrepreneurship, education, childcare, amenities, and community-building that can help rural communities thrive.
	Culture, Heritage & Creative Communities Preserve and reimagine the stories, traditions, architecture, arts, and cultural assets that make Western Maryland unique. Develop new ways to celebrate heritage while creating opportunities for artists, entrepreneurs, residents, and visitors.
	Sustainable Tourism & Place-Based Experiences Turn Western Maryland's natural, cultural, and recreational assets into sustainable economic opportunities. Imagine tourism experiences that attract visitors while protecting the resources and communities they come to enjoy.
	Main Street & Community Revitalization Transform vacant buildings, underutilized properties, and overlooked spaces into places where businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, nonprofits, and neighbors can connect, create, and grow.

The Challenge

We aren't asking participants to simply solve a problem. We're asking them to imagine what Western Maryland could look like when its communities, natural resources, businesses, technology, and people are working together.

Preserve what matters.
Protect what sustains us.
Progress toward what’s possible.

What will you build for the next generation of Western Maryland?

HOW TO APPLY

There are no costs to students and lunches and refreshments will be provided during the event.
Online applications are being accepted until Monday, September 7 at 11:59 p.m.