Following the Main Competition finalists of the 2012 Independent Games Festival are the eight Student Showcase winners. Beyond the exposure and glory that comes with earning top honors, each team is getting $500 for making the cut. ($3,000 goes to the to-be-decided best of the bunch.)
You probably haven't heard of these games before, but don't be surprised when one (or more) of the groups behind them go on to have a bright future. It's happened before and it'll happen again. Check 'em out at GDC, if you're going.