Houston AI Institute

People + Ideas + Real Impact

Build an AI Prototype in One Day

Join Houston AI Institute for a one-day Hackathon where students, builders, professionals, and AI enthusiasts work in teams to develop practical AI prototypes for real Houston-area challenges.

Saturday

November 7, 2026

Check-in

8:30 AM

SmartCore Labs

10237 Bailey Rd, Suite 105
Manvel, TX 77578

Bring a team or come solo. We'll help place solo participants on teams.

Houston AI Institute Hackathon participant sign-up flyer

Date

Saturday, November 7, 2026

Time

Check-in begins at 8:30 AM

Location

SmartCore Labs, Manvel, TX

Cost

Free registration

Who Should Register?

This Hackathon is open to students, builders, professionals, and AI enthusiasts who want to apply AI to real-world challenges.

Students and emerging talent
Beginners and AI enthusiasts
Developers and technical builders
Designers, product thinkers, and creatives
Professionals interested in responsible AI and community impact

You do not need to have a full team before registering.

How It Works

Come solo or with a team

Solo participants will be matched with others where possible.

Everyone registers individually

Each participant, including each team member, must complete their own registration.

Build in one day

Teams will create a prototype, demo, workflow, or high-fidelity mockup.

Present your solution

Teams will share their work with judges, mentors, and community partners.

What You Will Build

Teams will work on AI-enabled solutions tied to real Houston-area needs. Projects may be prototypes, demos, workflows, mockups, or early-stage tools. The goal is not a finished product. The goal is a practical concept that can be demonstrated and evaluated.

Challenge areas will be announced before the event.

Responsible AI, practical use, and community impact will be part of the judging criteria.

Event Schedule

8:30 AMCheck-in
9:00 AMWelcome and opening remarks
9:15 AMChallenge overview, rules, and judging criteria
9:30 AMTeam setup and mentor introductions
10:00 AMBuild sprint begins
12:00 PMLunch and mentor check-in
2:00 PMSubmissions close
2:10 PMTeam presentations
3:00 PMAwards and closing
3:30 PMEvent concludes

Want to Support the Hackathon?

We are seeking volunteers and partners to help make the Hackathon successful.

Tech Support

Help keep the event running smoothly.

Judges

Evaluate projects and provide feedback.

Mentors

Guide and encourage participants.

Sponsors

Support meals, prizes, supplies, and event operations.

Event Volunteers

Support check-in, logistics, setup, and participant experience.

Questions about partnering? Email partnership@houstonaiinstitute.com or call (346) 530-6938.

Volunteer with Houston AI Institute Hackathon

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Build With Us?

Join Houston AI Institute for a one-day Hackathon focused on practical AI, responsible innovation, and real Houston-area challenges.