Training | Projects | Competition
Register for the Academy Today!
The Academy
The Farm Robotics Academy is a premier educational initiative hosted by UCANR Innovate - the innovation arm of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) in collaboration with the AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems(AIFS). With the support of technology partner Bonsai Robotics, the Academy serves as the secondary school counterpart to the Farm Robotics Challenge, a globally recognized, collegiate-level ag tech design competition.
The Academy brings state-of-the-art ag tech education to secondary school students, immersing students in hands-on innovation with drones, robotics, and AI. With teacher training, curriculum support, and connections to industry and higher education, participating in the Academy will prepare your students for the jobs of tomorrow.
Join the Academy today to empower your students and teachers with the skills, resources, and industry connections they need to help shape the future of agriculture in your community!
-
Bring together a diverse group of students, each with unique skills and talents. Teams can be formed within a single class, as part of an after-school program, or by combining students from different schools or youth organizations in your area. Whether your team members all come from one school or represent several schools and clubs, this collaborative approach will foster creativity and a wide range of perspectives.
-
Collaborate with a grower to pinpoint a key agricultural challenge that can be solved through the use of AI, automation, or robotics. Develop an innovative solution, conduct field trials to validate your approach, and submit your project to the competition. Click here to view what our college teams have been working on for inspiration.
-
Submit your project as a 5-minute video and a written report for an exciting opportunity to earn prizes and gain recognition. Award recipients will be celebrated alongside our collegiate winners from the Farm Robotics Challenge during our virtual awards ceremony on May 20, 2026. View this year’s prize list.
-
Specialized training and ongoing support enable teachers to effectively deliver up-to-date, technology integrated agricultural education.
-
Students gain practical experience with advanced technologies, equipping them for future careers in agriculture and related industries. This program also opens doors to higher education, technical training, and a wide range of professional opportunities.
Key Dates & Deadlines
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | August 3, 2026 |
| Proposal Research Period | August - October |
| Project Proposals Due | November 13, 2026 |
| Development & Testing Period | November 2026 - April 2027 |
| Final Projects Due | May 2027 |
| Awards Ceremony | May 2027 |