In partnership with the STTE Foundation and El Paso labs, UTEP CS proudly hosted The Biggest AI Hackathon in the Borderland from April 25^th to April 27^th, 2025. This landmark event brought together 184 participants — including high school students, UTEP students, and professional coders — to tackle real-world problems using artificial intelligence. It provided an amazing opportunity for aspiring innovators to connect with industry leaders, expert mentors, and like-minded peers, bringing them together in collaboration and creativity.

Throughout the intense three-day event, teams worked with new tools like LittleHorse, LangChain, and Supabase AI — guided by experienced mentors — to develop innovative solutions addressing six critical sectors: education, health tech, water innovation, economic development, immersive learning, and sports management.

To enrich the experience, the hackathon provided two hands-on AI workshops led by LittleHorse, providing participants with practical skills to enhance their prototypes. Additionally, a powerful Firechat session with Hazim Arafa, Chief of Staff at LittleHorse, offered insight into real-world AI applications and career inspiration, leaving a lasting impact on many future tech leaders.

Participants didn’t just build prototypes; they pitched their ideas to a panel of 13 technical and industry judges, receiving valuable feedback and the chance of winning up to $1000 cash prizes, along with eligibility for up to $25000 in credits through Microsoft for Startups.

Category Winners:

Grand Prize Winner: Seraphim

Education (SISD)

• 1^st place: Shadow Roots
• Innovator Award: Cyber Crabs

Sports Management & Marketing (CFC Show)

• 1^st place: NYSFDC
• Innovator Award: NYSFDC

Health Tech (HealthInno and Fidari)

• 1^st place: Mind Mesh
• Innovator Award: Mind Mesh

Water Innovation (El Paso Water)

• 1^st place: Seraphim
• Innovator Award: Seraphim

Economic Development (Borderplex Alliance & El Paso City EDC)

• 1^st place: Team Ready
• Innovator Award: D-Buggers

The energy from this event didn’t end with the closing ceremony—many teams are continuing to develop their projects with support from STTE and UTEP CS. This hackathon proved that the Borderland is home to bold thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and future tech leaders. Participants left inspired, energized, and ready for the next challenge—and with growing interest, the future looks bright for even more innovation ahead.