The 2026 Student CPG
Build Challenge
In 24 hours, teams will:
This one rewards execution thinking.
Find Your Niche
Identify a real market opportunity using actual data and consumer insights.
Design the Product
Build a differentiated product concept that stands apart from what exists in the market.
Plan the Launch
Develop a strategy to reach market within a defined budget.
Present to Judges
Make your case in seven minutes to industry professionals.
No months of preparation.
Just strategy, speed and smart decisions.
Pick Your Category
Reward
Minimum of 6 competing teams
3 Industry Judges
What Participants Receive
The money is real.
The connections are better.
The credibility lasts.
3 Months of Enterprise-level SmartScout Access
Three months of the top Amazon Marketplace tools to research, price, and scale your brand.
Exposure to Operators & Investors
Direct meetings with operators and investors who back Amazon brands and move fast.
National Recognition
Your brand story featured across university networks and the broader CPG community.
Brand Building Experience
You learn what works by doing it under pressure with real data and real stakes.
How it Works
Lock in your spot
Choose your primary category and submit before the deadline closes. Teams fill fast.
Attend the Live Kickoff Webinar on April 10
You will be assigned your specific sub-category and get all the details you need to create your brand.
Build Your Pitch in 24 Hours
Twenty-four hours to identify the gap, design the product, and plan the launch.
Present Live to Judges on April 11
7-minute presentation limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Any currently enrolled college student can compete. Teams of one to four are allowed, and solo competitors are welcome. You do not need prior experience, just the willingness to work fast and think strategically.
Is the event virtual?
Yes, the entire challenge runs online. The kickoff webinar happens April tenth. Live judging takes place April eleventh. Universities with six or more participants may receive a stipend to host local events.
What is the deliverable?
A strategic plan to launch a new Amazon brand capable of scaling to $5M+ annually. You are not manufacturing a real product (yet), but are building the strategy.
Can I use a previously built business/project?
No. The challenge requires you to build a brand from scratch. You start with zero and develop a plan to reach five million dollars in revenue. Previous projects or existing businesses are not allowed.
How are categories assigned?
You select a primary category during application:
Beauty & Personal Care
Grocery & Supplements
Pet & Baby
Sub-categories are assigned live at kickoff at random for fairness.
How long do we have?
24 hours.
The clock starts immediately after the kickoff webinar.
What tools do we receive?
Approved students receive:
Unlimited access to Enterprise-level SmartScout tools for the duration of the challenge + 3 months.
Pre-event training content
What’s at stake?
Each category awards:
$5,000 for 1st Place
$1,000 for Runner-Up
What’s the presentation format?
A pitch deck and live presentation, with brief Q&A to follow. Exact details are subject to change.
Can we use AI tools?
Yes. Execution quality and data interpretation matter most.
