Introducing the Future Makers Category
The Virginia Manufacturers Association is expanding the Virginia Manufacturing Cup with a brand new category: Future Makers. This track invites Virginia students ages 13+ to enter products they have designed and manufactured. Future Makers compete in their own category, follow the same public voting format as the main Cup, and are honored at the annual Virginia Manufacturing Gala.
This new initiative is designed to inspire interest in manufacturing careers, highlight hands-on problem-solving, and connect emerging talent with Virginia’s manufacturing sector.
Why Future Makers Matter for Virginia Manufacturers
Future Makers strengthens the manufacturing talent pipeline by:
- Encouraging students to pursue STEM, CTE, & advanced manufacturing pathways
- Connecting students with real industry challenges & modern technology
- Showcasing creativity & innovation cultivated by school programs, corporate-sponsored initiatives, and manufacturing camps
- Expanding public engagement in the Virginia Manufacturing Cup
By participating, manufacturers help grow future talent and elevate the visibility of Virginia’s most promising young makers.
How Manufacturers Can Get Involved
Manufacturers can play a meaningful, direct role by:
- Encouraging a student or student team (age 13+) to enter a product
- Supporting school partners, CTE instructors, robotics teams, engineering programs, or summer manufacturing camps
There is no cost for students or manufacturers to participate.
Competition Information
Competition Journey
- Students Enter Online: April 1 – August 25
- Public Voting: September 21 – October 9
- Virginia Manufacturing Gala & Award Ceremony: November 6
The top-scoring entries will be designated as Future Maker finalists. Bronze, Silver, and Gold winners will be announced at the Virginia Manufacturing Gala. Medals will be presented to the winning student/team, and the school, program, or corporate sponsor will be honored in the fall of 2026.
Entry & Enrollment Specifications
Eligible Future Maker entries must:
- Be designed, manufactured, or assembled by student(s)
- Demonstrate a meaningful manufacturing, fabrication, engineering, or product development component
- Be a completed prototype or functional model
- Be assembled in Virginia, even if the individual components are sourced elsewhere
Entries can be submitted by individual students or teams, provided all students are ages 13+ and enrolled in a Virginia public/private high school, community college, four-year college/university, or homeschool program.
