The Biggest AI Hackathon Returns —October 24–26, 2025!

STTE, UTEP Computer Science Department, El Paso Labs, CREEED, and Capital One are joining forces to bring you the most ambitious AI Hackathon yet.

This isn't just another coding competition—it's where innovation meets opportunity. The hackathon returns bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever. Don't miss your chance to code, create, and connect with industry leaders in a high-energy, collaborative environment that's actively shaping the future of technology in our region.

Why You Should Participate

✨ Open to all majors — You don't need to be a CS student to make an impact

🔥 Network with industry leaders — Build connections that extend beyond the weekend

🎯 Develop groundbreaking AI solutions — Turn your ideas into functional prototypes

💡 Learn from expert mentors — Get guidance from professionals who've been in the trenches

🏆 Compete for cash prizes — Showcase your skills and win recognition for your innovation

⭐ Completely free to attend — Zero barriers to entry

🍕 Food provided throughout — Stay fueled while you build

What Is a Hackathon?

A hackathon is an intensive collaborative event where diverse teams work together to design, build, and present technology-driven solutions. Over the course of several days, participants leverage their creativity and technical skills to develop prototypes, applications, or platforms that address specific challenges or themes. This event incorporates cutting-edge AI technologies, giving you hands-on experience with the tools defining tomorrow's tech landscape. Teams will pitch their completed projects to a panel of industry judges for prizes, recognition, and potential opportunities to continue development.

Essential Information

Team Structure & Registration

• Team size: 2–4 members
• Eligibility: High school students, college students, and professionals within the Borderplex region
• Registration: Each team member must register individually
• Team switching: Not permitted after registration
• Theme selection: First-come, first-served basis on Friday, October 24

Event Logistics

• While you may work remotely during off-hours, all main sessions and presentations require in-person attendance at UTEP

Mentorship

• Dedicated on-site and roaming mentors available throughout Saturday to support your development process

What to Bring

• Your own laptop and charger
• We'll provide Wi-Fi access and power strips

Meals

• Breakfast and lunch provided daily for all registered participants

Event Schedule

Location: All activities will take place at UTEP – Tomas Rivera Conference Room, 3^rd Floor, Union Building

Stars indicate when competitors need to be present (mandatory).

Friday, October 24 — Kickoff

• ⭐5:30 PM — Check-In, Team Formations & Opening Ceremony
• ⭐6:30 PM — Welcome Remarks
• ⭐7:00 PM — Challenge Questions Released

Saturday, October 25 — Build Day

• 🥞8:00 AM — Breakfast
• ⭐10:00 AM — Technical Workshop
• 🍕12:00 PM — Lunch
• ⭐2:00 PM — Technical Workshop
• 💡3:00 PM to 5:00PM — Development continues throughout the day

Sunday, October 26 — Presentations & Awards

• 🥞8:00 AM — Breakfast
• ⭐10:00 AM — Fireside Chat with Capital One
• ⭐12:00 PM — Breakout Demos
• 🍕1:00 PM — Lunch
• ⭐1:15 PM — Big Stage Demonstrations
• 🏆2:00 PM — Awards Ceremony

Get Involved

Read about last semester’s hackathon: https://www.utep.edu/cs/news/news-2025/ai%20hackaton%202025/ai-hackaton.html

Learn more: https://sttefoundation.org/hackathon/

FAQs

• Demo Time: 3 minutes per team with questions from judges and takes place on Sunday 26^th at 12:00 pm at UTEP Tomas Rivera Conference Room.
• Can I join without a team? Yes! We will assign you to a team on the first day of the hackathon.
• Can I switch teams during the hackathon? Once teams are locked in after kickoff on Friday, you’ll need to stick with your group for the duration of the event.
• Do I need to know how to code to participate? No! While coding experience is helpful, it is not required. Hackathons need a variety of skills, including design, project management, and business strategy.
• What’s the schedule like? The schedule is Friday, October 24 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm; Saturday, October 25 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; and Sunday, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.
• What technologies can I use? You can use any technology you wish. We encourage you to incorporate AI Dev Tools listed in the Hacker Guide.
• Work Location: You can code anywhere during off-hours.
• Transportation: Participants are responsible for their own travel.
• How do we submit our demo? You’ll present live during Sunday’s Prelim and Final Rounds. Each team gets 3 minutes to pitch + demo, followed by Q&A. Screen sharing is available via Zoom or HDMI.
• Mentorship: On-site and roaming mentors will be available Saturday.
• What if we’re not finished by demo day? No worries—just demo what you’ve got! Focus on showing your core concept and value. Judges are looking for potential, not perfection.

Questions? Email: csengagement@utep.edu

Registration Link: Click here