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2025 Community College Innovation Challenge Winners Announced

On June 12, 2025, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) in collaboration with the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) officially announced the three winning teams of this year's Community College Innovation Challenge (CCIC). This annual event is designed to promote entrepreneurial thinking among community college students by encouraging them to devise STEM-based solutions for pressing real-world issues. It also serves as a platform for participants to leverage their STEM knowledge to make impactful changes in society.

The Victorious Teams

First Place: Bergen Community College, NJ

Project: Pop-Up Hydroponic Farms
The innovative concept from Bergen Community College focuses on addressing food security through hydroponic farming, showcasing an environmentally sustainable solution designed to grow fresh produce in urban areas.

Second Place: Perimeter College at Georgia State University, GA

Project: RoyaNest – Life-Saving Care Device for Asphyxia Neonatorum
Perimeter College's project tackles neonatal health issues by providing a device aimed at preventing asphyxia in newborns, a critical step towards improving health outcomes for vulnerable infants.

Third Place: Dallas College, TX

Project: Alerts VIA Detection and Ranging (AVIADAR)
This winning project from Dallas College revolves around enhancing aviation safety through advanced detection technologies, emphasizing the need for innovation in transportation safety and security.

This year's competition featured finalists from 12 community colleges across the nation, each having engaged in a special Innovation Boot Camp. During this program, they learned from seasoned entrepreneurs about effective business planning, stakeholder engagement, and communication strategies. The event culminated in a Student Innovation Poster Session, where finalists pitched their ideas to a panel of industry and entrepreneurial figures.

James L. Moore III, the assistant director for STEM Education at NSF, expressed immense pride in the creativity and innovation demonstrated by the teams. “The innovative ideas presented this year exemplify the knowledge and skills that are essential for addressing current and future real-world challenges,” he noted. For over 75 years, NSF has been committed to fostering opportunities like the Community College Innovation Challenge, empowering students to become agents of change.

Walter G. Bumphus, AACC's president and CEO, emphasized that the projects reflect the ingenuity and determination of community college students and their commitment to solving societal and economic issues. He congratulated Bergen Community College and all the finalists for showcasing excellence in STEM and a strong sense of purpose.

Diverse Innovations

This year, finalists showcased a range of innovative solutions aimed at tackling issues such as food insecurity, improved burn care, enhanced aviation safety, and the mitigation of nicotine addiction. The projects reflected a strong emphasis on energy efficiency, fire safety, neonatal care, and the development of autonomous assistive technologies.

With support from AACC and NSF, this competition not only highlights the potential of community college students but also their capability to apply their skills in real-world contexts. To stay updated on the winners and their projects, follow @Comm_College on social media or visit the official AACC Innovation Challenge website.

About AACC

The American Association of Community Colleges serves as the leading advocate for the nation’s community colleges, delivering educational and economic opportunities for more than 10 million students pursuing the American Dream. AACC is dedicated to ensuring all students have access to quality education and career attainment.

About NSF

The U.S. National Science Foundation is committed to advancing scientific research across various fields. With a budget exceeding $9 billion for the fiscal year 2024, NSF issues numerous grants annually, supporting research initiatives vital for maintaining the nation's leadership in innovation and technology.