“AI Futures” Hackathon held at Laney College – May 29, 2026 – May 30, 2026

Introduction

The “AI Futures” Hackathon, organized by the Laney College AI Department and collaborating with Mission College with support at the Bay Area AI Center of Excellence (BAAICOE), is a dynamic event designed to cultivate emerging AI talent and drive innovation in our community.

This 48-hour in-person hackathon will empower participants to develop AI-based solutions for pressing real-world challenges. We invite you to participate with us in this impactful event and help shape the future of AI.

Hackathon Details

The “AI Futures” Hackathon will be held at Laney College on May 29th and 30th. Participants will collaborate in teams to develop solutions within the following challenge areas:

• Physical and Autonomous AI Systems: Developing intelligent physical systems that use sensors, actuators, embedded hardware, and robotics to understand their surroundings and take meaningful actions in the real world.
• AI in Healthcare: Building AI systems that turn massive streams of raw health data into real‑time, life‑saving insights—spotting early warning signals from sensor readings and revealing patterns no human could detect.

The primary goals of the “AI Futures” Hackathon are to:

• Spark bold innovation in Physical and Autonomous AI Systems and AI in Healthcare, empowering teams to create forward‑looking solutions that deliver meaningful impact for the Oakland community.
• Encourage AI talent development by empowering participants to elevate their skills through hands‑on building, expert mentorship, and meaningful collaboration in the fast‑moving world of AI innovation.
• Build a stronger AI community by connecting students, educators, industry professionals, and local innovators; strengthen collaboration, knowledge‑sharing, and a shared commitment to advancing the future of Artificial Intelligence.

Judging Criteria — To Be Updated

Projects will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Impact and Application:
  • Description: How significantly does the solution address a relevant problem and improve quality of life? A great project starts with a great impact.
• Creativity and Innovation:
  • Description: How unique and novel is the idea?
• Technical Sophistication and Innovation:
  • Description: The advanced nature of the technologies and frameworks used in the project.
• Professionalism and User Experience:
  • Description: The overall design, usability, and presentation of the project.
• Functionality and Quality:
  • Description: The extent to which the project works as intended and is free of errors.
• Presentation:
  • Description: The clarity, organization, and persuasiveness of the team’s presentation of their project.
• Ethical Considerations:
  • Description: The extent to which the project considers and addresses potential ethical implications.

Submission Requirements

The submission process will occur in two phases:

Phase 1: Initial Submission (Deadline: May 9, 2026, 11:59 PM)

1. Create a GitHub Repository (Initial Step): Each participating group (2-4 members) must create a GitHub repository to host their project. The repository should be private, and you must add the organizer GitHub account as a collaborator.
   • How to Add the Organizer as a Collaborator (for private repositories):
     • Go to your GitHub repository page.
     • Click on the “Settings” tab of your repository (not the organization or account settings).
     • In the left sidebar, click “Collaborators” (under Access).
     • Under Manage access, click “Add people”.
     • Enter the GitHub username of the organizer (e.g., TBA).
     • Make sure that you choose the correct name (e.g., TBA) from the dropdown list.
     • Click Add TBA.
2. Email Confirmation of Participation: Send an email to the organizer at TBA to confirm your team’s intention to participate by May 9, 2026, 11:59 PM, with the following information:
   • Subject: Hackathon Participation Confirmation – [Your Team Name]
   • Body:
     • Team Name:
     • Team Members (Names and Emails):
     • Link to your GitHub Repository:
     • Confirmation that the organizer account (e.g., TBA) has been added as a collaborator
   • THIS must be done on or before May 9, 2026, 11:59 PM

Presentation and Awards

• Presentations: Saturday, May 30, 2026, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
• Award Ceremony: Saturday, May 30, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Prizes:

• Best in “Physical and Autonomous AI Systems” Track: $1500
• Best in “AI in Healthcare” Track: $1500
• 1st Place $1500
• x2 2nd Place $1000
• x2 3rd Place $750
• Others $2000

Below is a map of the Laney College campus. Free Parking is accessible through 7th Street.