Horizon AI Hackathon 2025

GET STARTED
1
Request Info
2
Visit
3
Apply
Hackathon 480x320.jpg hackathon-1250x507.jpg

FEBRUARY 22-23, 2025
LAKESIDE EXPO CENTER
 

HorizonAI Global Hackathon 2025 is a two-day innovation marathon—part of the AI Summit of the Americas—that brings together students from diverse backgrounds to ideate, design, and develop AI-powered solutions with meaningful societal impact. The hackathon is sponsored by Rothberg Catalyzer Fund and José Milton Foundation Digital Tech Initiative Fund.
This year, we are excited to partner with Miami Dade County, eMerge Americas, UHack, Miami AI Hub , The Lab Miami, and HackInMiami, inviting local startups from the Miami area to participate and compete for prizes. Additionally, we are expanding our reach by introducing an online track for international student participants from our partner universities, fostering global collaboration and innovation.

Themes

Develop an AI-powered solution that addresses a need or challenge in today's society. Your solution can target any industry, demographic, or issue, but it should showcase AI's potential to innovate, transform, and elevate.

Student teams can participate in one of the following themes:

  • Health & Wellbeing: Leveraging AI for early disease detection, mental health support, or personal wellness recommendations.
  • Environment & Conservation: Using AI to monitor climate change, preserve biodiversity, or optimize sustainable practices in urban settings.
  • Education & Learning: Harnessing AI to personalize learning experiences, support educators, or bridge educational gaps in underserved areas.
  • Finance & Economics: Developing AI tools for better financial forecasting, fraud detection, or economic growth in developing regions.
  • Entertainment & Media: Innovating with AI to create adaptive content, enhance user experiences, or revolutionize content distribution.

Participation & Registration Info

Students Track
(In-Person)

  • Open to full-time students enrolled in a university, school, or college.
  • All team members must be students from any academic discipline.

Community and Startups Track
(In-Person)

  • Open to non-student members of the local tech and startup community.
  • Mixed teams (students and community members) qualify under this track.

Global Online Track
(Students from Partner Universities)

  • Open to students from universities/educational institutions partnering with the College of Engineering.
  • A college or university representative must serve as a liaison for the team. For Partnerships contact: hackathon@miami.edu
Student Registration Community Registration Online Registration

 

Submission Tracks

The hackathon offers seven total tracks.

  1. In-Person Student Tracks (5)

    • Track 1: Health & Wellbeing
    • Track 2: Environment & Conservation
    • Track 3: Education & Learning
    • Track 4: Finance & Economics
    • Track 5: Entertainment & Media
  2. Community/Startup Participants (In-Person) - Track 6

  3. International Participants Track (Online) - Track 7

Prizes Overview

Track Prizes (7 Tracks):

  • 1st place: $3,000
  • 2nd place: $2,000
  • 3rd place: $1,000
  • Total for all 7 tracks: $42,000

Additional Prize:

  • Solve for Miami Prize ($5,000) sponsored by eMerge Americas.

Agenda

Open All Tabs
  • Schedule (All Times in EST)

    February 21, 2025 | Pre-Event Setup
    • 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Orientation & Platform Walkthrough (Online)
      • Meet your fellow participants, learn about the schedule, and get comfortable with our online communication and submission tools.
    February 22, 2025 | Day 1
    • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Virtual Check-in & Opening Remarks
    • 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Problem Statement Release & Team Confirmation
    • 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM: Hacking Session
      • Mentor Hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    • 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Guest Speaker Sessions
    February 23, 2025 | Day 2
    • 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Continued Hacking & Project Finalization
      • Mentor Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Submission Window
      • All teams must submit their final projects by 2:00 PM EST.
    • 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Presentations & Judging
    • 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Awards & Recognition (Recorded / Live-Streamed)
    • 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Closing Remarks & Wrap-Up

Guest Speaker

Will be announced soon

Frequently Asked Questions

Open All Tabs
  • What is HorizonAI Hackathon?

    HorizonAI Hackathon is a dynamic 2 day event where students from diverse backgrounds collaborate to create innovative solutions, with a focus on artificial intelligence. This event is designed to showcase AI's potential in addressing various societal needs and challenges.

  • ‍When and where is HorizonAI Hackathon taking place?

    The HorizonAI Hackathon is scheduled for February 22 - 23rd, 2025 (Saturday & Sunday), and will run from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST. It is an in-person event held at the Lakeside Expo Hall, University of Miami.

  • Who Can Participate in the HorizonAI Hackathon?


    Participants may join one of three tracks:

    Student Track

    • Open to full-time students enrolled in a university, school, or college.
    • All team members must be students from any academic disciplines.

    Community Track

    • Open to non-student members of the local tech and startup community.
    • Mixed teams (students and community members) qualify under this track.

    Global Online Track (Students)

    • Open to students from universities partnering with the College of Engineering.
    • A college or university representative must serve as a liaison for the team. Contact: hackathon@miami.edu

  • ‍What is the cost to participate in HorizonAI Hackathon?

    Admission to the HorizonAI Hackathon is free.

  • ‍What is the goal of the projects at HorizonAI Hackathon?

    Participants are encouraged to develop AI-powered solutions that address a need or challenge in today's society. The solutions can target any industry, demographic, or issue, emphasizing the transformative and innovative capabilities of AI. 

    The hackathon offers seven total tracks.

    • In-Person Student Tracks (5)

      • Health & Wellbeing,
      • Environment & Conservation,
      • Education & Learning,
      • Finance & Economics, and
      • Entertainment & Media.
    • Community/Startup Participants Track (In-Person)

    • International Participants Track (Online)

  • What is the ideal number of members for a team?

    A team can have a maximum of 5 members.

  • What are the technical coding requirements for participating in the hackathon?

    This hackathon is open to students from all disciplines, and no specific coding skills are required to participate. Teams can submit ideas in various formats—such as prototype screens, presentation decks, or concept videos. While the evaluation will primarily focus on the overall impact and innovation of the idea rather than technical expertise alone, teams that develop functional prototypes will receive additional points. This inclusive approach encourages a diverse range of participants and promotes creative, interdisciplinary solutions.

  • ‍Are there any other prerequisites or required skills for participating?

    While having some background in technology or AI can be beneficial, there are no strict prerequisites. The hackathon encourages learning and collaboration among participants with varying levels of expertise. However, Demo / Prototypes developed during the hackathon will be given additional points during evaluation.

  • ‍Will there be any mentors or experts available during the event?

    ‍Yes, mentors and experts in the field of AI and technology will be available to guide participants, offer advice, and help refine ideas and projects.

  • ‍Is there a theme or specific focus for the projects?

    Submissions should utilize AI to tackle real-world challenges and demonstrate a positive societal impact. Potential areas include Health & Wellbeing, Environment & Conservation, Education & Learning, Finance & Economics, and Entertainment & Media.

  • ‍Are there any prizes or recognition for outstanding projects?

    Details about prizes and recognition for outstanding projects will be announced. Participants are encouraged to check the event website and communications for updates.

  • I do not have any team members to participate with me. Can I register as an individual participant?

    Yes absolutely, you can participate as an individual participant. During registration if you would like to be a part of any other team or join other individual participants, you are encouraged to do so.

Top