The AI Fair & Hackathon 2026, organized by the Mitchell C. Hill Center for Digital Innovation at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, is themed "Designing Tomorrow with AI for Everyone," is an engaging, hands-on competition that invites Cal Poly Pomona students to apply artificial intelligence to address real-world challenges. Participants from diverse backgrounds will collaborate in teams to develop tangible, AI-driven outcomes such as prototypes, applications, and data-centric solutions. The event is designed to foster creativity, innovation, and startup-style problem-solving skills among the next generation of digital leaders.
Program Structure and Tracks
The hackathon is structured to provide a comprehensive and challenging experience through two distinct, complementary tracks:
• Sponsored Problem Challenges: Teams will address real-world problems directly proposed by the event's sponsors.
• Creative Challenges: Teams have the autonomy to identify and solve real-world problems that they propose themselves.
Key Dates and Deliverables
Participants should take note of the following schedule for the competition:
• February 20, 2026: Registration Opens
• March 13, 2026 (Noon): Challenges Announced (Virtual, Recorded)
• March 13, 2026 (11:59 PM): Registration Closes
• March 20, 2026 (Noon): Hackathon Kickoff (In-Person, CBA Complex)
• March 26, 2026 (Midnight): Team 5-minute video submission deadline
• March 31 - April 6, 2026: First Round of Judging
• April 10, 2026: Finalists Announced (Virtual)
• April 16, 2026: Finalists Present at AI Fair (In-person)
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on the 2026 Judging Rubric, which includes the following categories:
• Innovation & Creativity (10 points): How original and creative is the proposed solution?
• Significance and Impact (10 points): Will the solution create meaningful impact for industries, communities, or society?
• Technical Viability (10 points): Is the proposed solution technically sound, practical, and scalable for real-world implementation?
• Entrepreneurship and Organizational Strategy (10 points): Does the solution demonstrate potential for real-world execution within a business or organizational context and align with market or community needs?
• Storytelling (10 points): Is the 5-minute video clear, compelling, and effective in communicating the problem, solution, and impact?
• Bonus Points for Diverse Teams (10 points): In the event of a tie, bonus points will be awarded to teams that demonstrate diversity in backgrounds, skills, and perspectives to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.
Organizers and Partners
This event is organized and supported by a dedicated group of academic and industry leaders:
• Lead Organizer: The Mitchell C. Hill Center for Digital Innovation (MHCDI) at Cal Poly Pomona, a student-centered hub focused on AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
• Key Organizers: Dr. Sandeep Krishnamurthy, Cheryl Wyrick, Dr. Indira Guzman, Dr. Yufan Lin, and Dr. Ken Zhang.
• Partners & Sponsors: Avanade, CPP ITS Artificial Intelligence Fair, SWIFT (Students with an Interest in the Future of Technology), SOC (Security Operations Center), Fast Forensics And Security Technology, and MISSA (Management Information Systems Student Association).
This initiative provides a platform for students to engage with pressing challenges and showcase their ability to innovate with artificial intelligence. Interested parties can find further details through the official channels of the organizing institutions.