Join the Katz School's CS & AI Club for the 2026 IDEATHON — an innovation challenge sponsored by Google Developers Group. This event is open to students and faculty from all programs!

About The Ideathon

The CS & AI Club Ideathon is an innovation challenge that invites students to identify real-world problems and design creative, technology-driven solutions.

Unlike traditional coding-only hackathons, this ideathon focuses on problem-solving, innovation, and feasibility. Participants are encouraged to explore ideas that combine computer science, artificial intelligence, and interdisciplinary thinking to address challenges in society, technology, business, education, healthcare, sustainability, and more.

Students will work individually or in teams to develop an original idea, analyze its impact, and present a solution that demonstrates both creativity and practicality.

Participants will:

• Identify a real-world problem
• Develop an innovative solution
• Explore possible technologies or systems that could implement the solution
• Present their idea to a judging panel

Solutions are not limited to coding. Teams may present:

• Prototypes
• System designs
• Platforms or applications
• AI-driven concepts
• Workflow or automation systems
• Technical or product ideas

 

The goal of the ideathon is to encourage creative thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful innovation.

Requirements

To successfully submit a project, teams must provide the following:

1. Project Overview

A clear explanation of:

• The problem being addressed
• Why the problem is important
• The proposed solution

2. Solution Description

Explain how your idea works, including:

• Concept or system design
• How the solution addresses the problem
• Technologies or tools that could be used

3. Impact and Feasibility

Describe:

• Who benefits from the solution
• The value created
• Whether the solution is practical to implement

4. Presentation Slides

Teams must submit a PowerPoint presentation explaining their project.

5. Optional Prototype

Teams may include:

• Prototype
• Mockups or wireframes
• Demonstration website
• Proof of Concept (POC)

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

1 non-cash prize
Certificates
5 winners

Certificates from both Katz School.
Google and Club Swag.
Feature in the Katz News Lette.

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Professor Honggang Wang

Professor Honggang Wang
Advisor

Judging Criteria

  • Problem Definition – 15 Points
    • Clarity of the problem • Importance and relevance • Understanding of the challenge
  • Innovation & Originality – 20 Points
    • Creativity of the idea • Uniqueness of the concept
  • Technological Usage & Feasibility – 20 Points
    • Practicality of the solution • Feasibility of implementation
  • Benefits / Value Analysis – 15 Points
    • Impact of the solution • Value creation • Cost-based evaluation
  • Execution & Prototype – 15 Points
    • Quality of implementation • Prototype or Proof of Concept (if available)
  • Presentation – 15 Points
    • Clarity of communication • Confidence and explanation of the idea

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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Hackathon sponsors

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