Welcome to the HackWashU AI Build Challenge, a week-long, student-led build experience taking place during WashU’s +AI Perspectives Week.

This event invites students from all backgrounds to explore, experiment, and create with modern AI tools. Whether you're an experienced developer or just getting started, this challenge is designed to help you turn ideas into real, working projects.

Supported by the DI2 Accelerator, this hackathon reflects WashU’s broader vision for digital transformation — combining research, education, and innovation to prepare students for an AI-driven future.

🚀 What makes this hackathon special?

  • Flexible build format — work at your own pace throughout the week

  • Open-ended prompt — build something you personally care about

  • Beginner-friendly — open to all majors and experience levels

  • Hands-on learning — explore APIs, tools, and real-world AI use cases

  • Final showcase — present your project to peers, faculty, and industry guests

📅 Key Dates

  • Build Week: March 20–28

  • Submission Deadline: March 28 (via Devpost)

  • Final Demo Day: March 29

Throughout the week, optional workshops, office hours, and mentorship will be available to support your progress.

Requirements

To submit your project, you must provide the following:

📌 Required

  • A working prototype or demo (web app, app, or interactive system)

  • A project description explaining:

    • the problem you are solving

    • the target user

    • how AI is used in your solution

  • A short demo video (2–3 minutes recommended)

🧠 Project Expectations

Your project should:

  • Address a clear user problem or scenario

  • Include a meaningful AI component
    (e.g., prompt design, LLM integration, multi-step pipeline, etc.)

  • Demonstrate how AI adds value beyond simple rule-based logic

📦 Optional (but encouraged)

  • Code repository (GitHub)

  • System architecture or design explanation

  • Additional features, datasets, or integrations

  • Called APIs

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

3 non-cash prizes
Top Team
1 winner

Nintendo Switch 2

Next Top Teams
2 winners

Apple Airpods 4

Other Top Teams
3 winners

Airtags (numbers undecided)

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Alex Chen

Alex Chen
WashU Physics Department

Abhilash Kotha

Abhilash Kotha
WashU Libraries

Ishan Bhale

Ishan Bhale
Walmart Global Tech

Judging Criteria

  • Impact
    Does the solution effectively address the prompt?
  • Creativity
    Is this solution more impactful than existing ones?
  • User Experience
    Is the solution intuitive for the intended user? Does the design support the theme?

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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Hackathon sponsors

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