HackWashU Fall AI Build Challenge

Bring an idea. Build what’s next.September 25-27, 2026 · Washington University in St. LouisJoin an expected 250+ students for a weekend of building, learning, and experimenting with AI. Turn a problem you care about into a working prototype, meet collaborators, and share what you create at the final showcase.Your first hackathon? You’re in the right place.No prior coding or AI experience is needed. Come with a team or find one here. Beginner-friendly workshops, mentors, and office hours will help you get from your first idea to a demo.Learn something new.Explore AI tools with support from workshops and mentors.Build something real.Sketch, prompt, code, test, and make an idea people can try.Share your work.Demo your project, explain your choices, and show what you learned.Find teammates·Explore resources·Read the rulesThe weekend at a glanceThursday, September 24 — the night before7:00 - 8:00 PM-From Idea to Prototype: Agentic Coding with Claude, a hands-on workshop from the WashU AI Club. Skandalaris Center, Mallinckrodt 128. Free, food provided, open to all experience levels.RSVP here.Heads up: WashU now gives Danforth studentsClaude Edu for free. Finish the AI Literacy module on Canvas, then sign in at claude.ai with your WashU email — do it before Thursday so you can build instead of install.Friday, September 254:30 PM- Registration and team forming opens. Lopata gallery.5:00 PM- Opening ceremony. Lopata 101.5:30 PM- Prompt released. The build window opens.Saturday, September 2610:00 - 11:30 AM-AI Code in the Real World, two talks from World Wide Technology plus live Q&A. Lopata 101.RSVP here.10:30 AM- Deadline to register and form a team.11:30 AM - 1:00 PM- WWT recruiting table. Lopata 103. Bring a resume and your questions for their university recruiter.1:00 PM-Advanced development with agentic coding, from the WashU AI Club. Lopata 101.2:30 PM-AI for Science, with Henric Krawczynski. Lopata 101.Sunday, September 2712:00 PM- Devpost submissions close.3:30 PM- Finalists announced.4:30 PM- Finalist presentations. Lopata 101.6:30 PM- Winners announced and closing ceremony. Lopata 101.All times are Central Time. Meals, office hours and quiet work space run throughout the weekend; details go to registered participants.What will you build?Create an AI-powered application, tool, or experience. Start with a clear problem, keep your first version focused, and build something you can demonstrate. We want to see what you made, how it works, and what you learned along the way.