Farm Robotics Challenge

The Farm Robotics Challenge is the nation’s premier collegiate competition advancing robotics and artificial intelligence for agriculture. Powered by UCANR Innovate and the AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems (AIFS), our annual event empowers student teams from across the country to tackle real, pressing problems facing growers — from autonomous navigation and precision mapping to harvesting, pest control, and more. Each team partners with a grower, confronts an on-farm challenge, and designs an innovative solution using robotics and AI. Projects span the full agricultural cycle, focusing on technical excellence, design creativity, system complexity, societal benefit, and commercial viability. Why compete? The Farm Robotics Challenge is not just a contest — it’s a launchpad for future leaders in ag tech. Gain hands-on experience, expand professional networks, and showcase your achievements to leading experts and employers. Finalists compete for significant prizes and earn travel stipends to attend the FIRA USA ag tech conference in California, opening doors to new connections and opportunities. Whether you’re a student innovator, educator, startup, or sponsor, join us to help shape the future of sustainable agriculture. Registration for the 2026 competition is open. Let’s transform today’s prototypes into tomorrow’s market-ready solutions — and build a smarter, healthier food system together.