FinTech @ Rocky Top: Vibe Coding Challenge, Fall 2026
September 25 - November 20, 2026
FinTech @ Rocky Top invites University of Tennessee undergraduates to build something real: a working finance tool of their own design, created with AI-assisted coding and guided by faculty, startup coaches and industry mentors. No computer science background required.
Registration closes on September 11, 2026 for the FinTech @ Rocky Top: Vibe Coding Challenge
Here’s how it works
- In September, students pitch their original idea.
- They then have the Fall 2026 semester to build it, working in a mentor-supported environment.
- In November, the strongest teams will have the opportunity to demonstrate their working products.
- A handful of finalists will be invited to advance their products into spring, with the chance to win up to $5,000.
The Fintech @ Rocky Top Vibe Coding Challenge is sponsored by the Department of Finance, the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Haslam College of Business.
Take On the Challenge
Ready for the Challenge? Participation is simple. Teams of one to five register online, then submit their entry: a one-page concept PDF and a two-minute team video. Reviewers advance 15–20 semi-finalists into the build sprint: five Friday sessions of side-by-side building with rotating mentors. Demo week follows, where the top 10 demonstrate what they’ve made and an external panel selects four to six finalists. Those teams carry their projects into the spring Take it to Market phase, culminating in Launch Day, a live showcase of working products.
Eligibility
- Open to UT undergraduates; teams can consist of up to five people, though solo entries are also welcome.
- Every project must be the team’s original idea and its own intellectual property.
- Any demonstrable format counts: an app, a dashboard, an Excel tool, an automation, a research tool, a simulation, etc.
- No coding background needed; free resources are provided to teach AI-assisted building from scratch.
Prizes
Each of the fall finalist teams receives $1,500 and advances to the spring phase, which ends at Launch Day. Prizes for the spring phase will be $5,000 for first place; $3,000 for second place; and $2,000 for third place.
Become a FinTech Innovator
Curious about this year’s Challenge? Get full details, judging criteria and free build resources at https://fintech.ekkfinance.com. We’d also love to hear from professionals and alumni interested in serving as reviewers, mentors, judges or speakers.
Ready to compete? Register your team today at https://ftportal.ekkfinance.com.
Key Dates
- Registration closes: Friday, September 11
- Entry due (one-page PDF and two-minute video): Friday, September 25
- Semi-finalists announced: Friday, October 9
- Build sprint: Friday sessions, October 16 through November 13
- Demo week: November 16–20