AI Hackathon 2026
AI Fair & Hackathon
Designing Tomorrow with AI for Everyone
Registration Start from February 20, 2026
What is the AI Hackathon 2026? It is an AI Adventure!
The event features two exciting and complementary tracks:
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Sponsored Problem Challenges Students solve real-world problems proposed by the sponsors.
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Creative Challenges Students solve real-world problems proposed by the students themselves.
Dates and Deliverables
| February 20, 2026 | Registration Opens |
| March 13, 2026 (Noon) | Challenges Announced (Virtual, Recorded) |
| March 13, 2026 11:59 PM | Registration Closes |
| March 20, 2026 (Noon) | Hackathon Kickoff (In-Person, CBA Complex) |
| March 26, 2026 (Midnight) | Team 5 minutes Video due |
| March 31 - April 6, 2026 | 1st Round Judging |
| April 10, 2026 | Finalists Announced (Virtual) |
| April 16, 2026 | Finalists Present at AI Fair (In-person) |
2026 Judging Rubric
How original and creative is the proposed solution?
Will the solution create meaningful impact for industries, communities, or society?
Is the proposed solution technically sound, practical, and scalable for real-world implementation?
Does the solution demonstrate potential for real-world execution within a business or organizational context? Is it aligned with market or community needs?
Is the 5-minute video clear, compelling, and effective in communicating the problem, solution, and impact?
Interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged. Does the team demonstrate diversity in terms backgrounds, skills, and perspectives?
This event is organized by
Mitchell C. Hill Center for Digital Innovation
The Mitchell C. Hill Center for Digital Innovation (MHCDI) at Cal Poly Pomona is a high-impact, student-centered hub that empowers the next generation of digital leaders through real-world experience in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
Organizers
Dr. Sandeep Krishnamurthy
Dean of the College of Business Administration and Singelyn Graduate School of Business at Cal Poly Pomona
Cheryl Wyrick
CBA Associate Dean of the College of Business Administration and Singelyn Graduate School of Business at Cal Poly Pomona
Dr. Indira Guzman
Chair of the Organizing Committee and Director of the Mitchell Hill Center for Digital Innovation
Dr. Yufan Lin
Faculty Fellows of the Mitchell Hill Center for Digital Innovation
Dr. Ken Zhang
Faculty Fellows of the Mitchell Hill Center for Digital Innovation
