AI Hackathon LogoAI Hackathon

Do you have an idea for an application, website, AI assistant, business tool, or other digital product, but are not sure how to use generative AI to create it? This hackathon is designed to help you move from idea to prototype.

Before the build session begins, you will take part in practical workshops that teach the skills needed to get started. You will then work with a small team and receive guidance from mentors as you design, build, test, and present your solution.

Have questions? Email hais@ksu.edu or safia@ksu.edu.

You do not need to be an AI expert. You need an idea, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.

The workshops teach about:

  • Prompt Engineering
  • Context Engineering
  • AI-Assisted Development
  • Responsible AI
  • Rapid Prototyping

Join the Hackathon

Please join the AI Hackathon either as a participant, mentor, judge, or general volunteer. Those who wish to register as a participant should register on the conference registration page. Those who wish to participate as a mentor, judge, or volunteer should visit "Get Involved" for more information.

Join as a Participant
Join as a Mentor or Judge
Join as a Volunteer

Participant Information

Who Can Participate?

Participants should register as individuals, as teams will be decided during the event.

  • Students
  • Faculty and staff
  • Professionals
  • Community members
  • Beginners and experienced participants

What will Teams win from our Sponsors?

First, Second, and Third place winners will receive a monetary prize to be split among their team. All other participants will receive a certificate of participation.

Team Expectations

  • Teams may include up to three participants
  • Projects must be developed during the event
  • Existing libraries and APIs are allowed
  • Teams must disclose the AI tools they used
  • Responsible and ethical use is required

Mentor Information

As a mentor, you will:

  • guide teams
  • answer technical questions
  • help participants scope their projects
  • and recieve a certificate for your service

Volunteer Information:

As a volunteer you will:

  • support checkin and logistics
  • assist with room operations
  • assist participants
  • help co-ordinate the event
  • and recieve a certificate for your service

Certificate of Service:

All registered volunteers, including mentors, judges, and general volunteers, who participate in the AI Hackathon will receive an official Certificate of Service recognizing their valuable contributions to the success of the event.

What to Prepare

  • Your own laptop
  • Laptop charger or power adapter
  • A paid account with at least one generative AI platform
  • Your idea, curiosity, and willingness to collaborate

Examples include ChatGPT Plus, Claude Pro, Gemini Advanced, or another paid AI platform that provides access to advanced models and sufficient usage limits.

What We Provide

  • Hands-on AI workshops
  • Experienced mentors
  • Reliable Wi-Fi and power
  • Presentation equipment
  • Lab computers as backup if hosted at K-State

What You Will Build

  • A working AI application or prototype
  • Source code or repository
  • A short project summary
  • A live demonstration
  • A project you can continue after the event

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply prompt and context engineering
  • Use AI-assisted development practices
  • Build and deploy an AI-powered prototype
  • Collaborate across disciplines
  • Present a technical solution clearly

AI Hackathon Schedule

Tuesday, Nov 10th

Time Activity
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm Participant Check-In
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm AI Training Workshop
7:30 pm - 8:00 pm Rules and Judging Q&A
8:00 pm - 8:15pm Team Formation
8:15 pm - 9:30 pm Project Development

Wednesday, Nov 11th

Time Activity
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Project Development Continued
8:30 pm - 8:45pm Project Submission
8:45 pm - 9:30 pm Team Presentations

Thursday, Nov 12th

Time Activity
9:00 am - 5:00 pm Judging Commences
5:00 pm Winners Announced at the Heartland AI Symposium Awards Ceremony