IMPACT HIGHER EDUCATION
We're bringing together the best of the best to dive into the frontiers of artificial intelligence. We invite you to explore the applications, considerations and advantages of AI. With support from the experts pushing the horizon, where imagination becomes reality. Join us for this weekend and expect the unexpected.
MARCH 13-15, 2026
ONE SOHO SQUARE
NEW YORK NY
36-HOURS OF INNOVATION.
ABOUT
AI is influencing every area of our lives. This event is supported by subject matter experts, startups, and visionaries. Imagine what you can create in weekend with all the support, resources, and technology you need at your fingertips. Three days of inspiration, upskilling, and networking through a highly facilitated hackathon. Envision and implement novel AI solutions that could become venture backed entities or new product features.
University students currently utilizing AI and hungry for more, this hackathon is for you. Looking for a launchpad to test your idea? This hackathon is for you. Looking for a career opportunities? This hackathon is for you. Under the guidance of dozens of AI experts, coordinated by hackathon organizers with a decade+ of experience, expect the unexpected in this carefully curated opportunity.
2025 FOCUS AREAS
2026 Challenge areas coming soon.
Over this weekend, 150 students will address the following challenges in the hackathon’s focal areas.
Federated Learning: The Future of Collaborative Learning
Imagine if AI models could learn from millions of examples across different schools, hospitals, or companies - without ever seeing each other's sensitive data. That's the magic of federated learning! In this challenge, you'll pioneer the future of privacy-preserving AI collaboration.
AI Voices & Agents: The New Educational Ensemble
What if learning wasn't just about talking TO an AI, but creating an entire ensemble of AI voices and agents that work together? Imagine conducting a choir of AI agents, each with their own expertise, personality, and role in the learning process!
Reinventing Human-Computer Interaction: AI Meets Physical Motion
What if we could break free from keyboards and mice? Using AI vision systems and simple wearable markers (rings/bracelets), create novel ways for humans to interact with computers that feel natural, intuitive, and maybe even magical!
Creative AI in Education: Next-Gen Learning Experiences
Imagine learning experiences that dynamically generate music, motion, 3D models, and video to explain concepts! Create tools that help educators and students generate rich, interactive educational content that goes beyond static text and images.
AI + Reality: The New Learning Environment
Transform physical learning spaces and objects into interactive, AI-enhanced educational experiences! Create solutions that bridge the gap between digital intelligence and tangible learning.
AI Innovation: Empowering Education Leaders
Create tools that help faculty and administrators predict, plan, and adapt curriculum based on industry trends, student outcomes, and institutional goals.
AI Sports Evolution: Beyond Traditional Analytics
Develop cutting-edge AI-driven applications to optimize administrative processes in large institutions. Participants are tasked with creating solutions that leverage real-time data analytics, machine learning for predictive modeling, or AI-driven user interfaces to enhance decision-making and resource management. The goal is to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and foster a better user experience. Projects should consider user experience, scalability, and real-world applicability to ensure they can be effectively implemented in large business and institutions settings.
Scaling Web Accessibility Training Across Distributed Teams
Empower teams across the university to create more inclusive digital experiences through an AI-powered Socratic tutor. By guiding staff with tailored, thought-provoking questions, this scalable tool will help ensure web accessibility issues are identified and fixed—making digital spaces more usable and equitable for people with disabilities while supporting long-term compliance goals.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Hover over schedule events to learn what's recommended (★), what's mandatory, where to submit registration, team content and for mentors, access to our teams list + locations.
MONDAY
Team Formation
6-7:30PM
Join this virtual, facilitated session to meet the 100+ participants and form teams ahead of the weekend.
TUESDAY
Team Formation
6-7:30PM
Join this virtual, facilitated session to meet the 100+ participants and form teams ahead of the weekend.
WEDNESDAY
Tech Primer
6-7:30PM
Join this virtual session to learn about & access to the github repo's, LLMs, and resources. Led by Ayham Boucher, Head of AI Innovation at Cornell Unviersity
FRIDAY
Check-in & Networking
5:00PM
Visit sponsors, network, connect with your team, and get settled in for an amazing weekend.
Hackathon Intro + Kick-Off
5:30PM
MANDATORY
Dinner
6:30PM
CHIPOTLE!
Bring your laptop, pen or pencil, and get ready to work with your team in this accelerated event.
Fast-Start Workshop
7:30PM
MANDATORY IN-PERSON
SATURDAY
Breakfast Opens
8:45AM
Mentor Training
10:15AM
Mentors join us in the SkyCourt for this primer.
Team Updates
10:30AM
MANDATORY IN-PERSON!
One member from each team will report on team's need / areas of assistance.
Lunch
12:30PM
NAYA!
Mentor Training
2:15PM
Mentors join us in the SkyCourt for this primer.
Team Updates
2:30PM
MANDATORY IN-PERSON!
One member from each team will report on team name, one-liner and needs.
Dinner
6:00PM
Pitch Workshop
Join Rose + Tushar for a quick rundown on How to Pitch like a Pro and demo FAQs.
6:30PM
SUNDAY
Breakfast & Team Submissions Due
9:00AM
1st Round Demos Kick-Off
Room assignments will be released here by 9AM Sunday morning.
9:30AM
FULL TEAM
MUST BE PRESENT :)
Hackathon Retrospective
11:30AM
Bring your laptop!
We're doing a live-retro commonly used in Agile to recap a sprint, using Miro.
Celebration
2:30PM
Lunch
11:00AM
Jimmy Johns!
Final Demos
FULL TEAM MUST BE PRESENT :)
12:15PM
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