"Un-Hackathon" Nashville

Vanderbilt University Data Science, the Atlanta University Center Data Science Initiative, and the Morehouse Center for Broadening Participation in Computing are excited to announce the launch of an inaugural symposium that will ignite the curiosity of students by exploring the ethical implications of generative AI, guided by leaders from Atlanta’s corporate innovators.

Saturday, April 5, 2025  – Sunday, April 6th, 2025
Vanderbilt University
2001 Grand Ave

Nashville, TN 37212

Applications Are Now Open!

Hackathon Student Coding

Overview

Vanderbilt University and our HBCU partners in Nashville and Atlanta, led by VU Data Science, AUC Data Science Initiative and the Morehouse Center for Broadening Participation in Computing are excited to collaborate with leading companies to foster innovation and explore ethical AI practices. This ‘un-hackathon’ welcomes all students, regardless of their proficiency in data science or AI, emphasizing ethical AI considerations. Students from eight universities across Atlanta and Nashville, will bring diverse critical thinking skills and perspectives. 

Official Event Guide Coming Soon!

Apply Today!

In November 2024, we launched our first ever Hackathon, hosted by Microsoft in their Atlanta Hub. 
It was a great success and we look forward to another exciting hackathon in April.

Read about The Inaugural "Un-Hackathon" here. 

What Students Should Expect From the Hackathon

Vanderbilt University Data Science and VU's Atlanta Hub has built a collaborative partnership with the AUC Data Science Initiative, the Morehouse Center for Broadening Participation in Computing and six of Atlanta's top companies to host a hackathon, with a goal of also having Nashville's HBCUs join this event.

  • Collaborative Learning Environment

    Work with students across 8 participating universities and leaders from 6 of Atlanta’s leading companies. Experience a supportive atmosphere encouraging creative problem-solving.

  • Expert Insights

    Learn from industry leaders through sessions on technical and ethical AI applications, including workforce implications and product development. Grow your network with corporate experts.

  • Diverse Mentors

    Receive guidance from company leaders who will support your team throughout the project development process. Benefit from their expertise and personalized feedback.

  • Networking Opportunities

    Build connections with peers, mentors, and industry professionals. Learn about internships, hiring opportunities, and professional development.

Topics

  • Introduction to Generative AI Solutions
  • Knowledge Required for Non-Tech Majors
  • Ethical Considerations to AI applications
  • User Experience
  • Moral Applications of Generative AI in Industry

Hackathon Challenge Teaser

This year’s hackathon will focus on developing generative AI solutions. Participants will choose a problem to solve, with a suggested focus on national security. Teams will build an LLM-based proof of concept, explaining the problem, its importance, and how AI provides the best solution.

The full prompt will be revealed at the start of the hackathon—stay tuned!

Winning teams will receive a monetary reward!

For all participating students, travel and food is included, and lodging will be provided for students not in the Nashville region.

 

All Accepted Students will be notified on MARCH 28th.

Apply Today!

Program Leaders

"Charreau Bell is faculty director of Vanderbilt’s undergraduate data science minor. Bell also is a senior data scientist at the Vanderbilt Data Science Institute. In that role, she leads highly interdisciplinary teams of faculty, staff, and students in answering research questions by leveraging data science tools and approaches. Her work focuses on training and empowering researchers and students across all disciplines in data science methods and facilitating scientific discovery and innovation across the university."
Dr. Charreau Bell

Why Should Your School Get Involved?

  • Influence the Symposium Agenda

    Collaborate with event organizers to help shape the topics and activities that will be most beneficial for VU & HBCU students.

  • Dedicated Mentorship

    Students will benefit from hands-on guidance and support from experienced mentors and leaders throughout the event.

  • Participate in Key Sessions

    Engage in speaking opportunities to share your perspectives and inspire fellow participants.

  • Talent Development

    Empower your students to connect with industry leaders and explore potential internships.

  • Showcase Your Institution

    Highlight your university's strengths and achievements to a wider audience across eight universities in both Atlanta & Nashville.

Event Highlights

  • Inspire and empower Vanderbilt & HBCU students through hands-on experience with generative AI, no matter the technical knowledge.
  • Mentorship opportunities that foster meaningful connections between students and industry & university leaders.
  • Engaging sessions that explore the ethical considerations and applications of AI at all levels of industry.
  • Collaborate with a diverse group of students from eight universities, encouraging cross-disciplinary innovation.
  • Showcase the impact of AI in addressing real-world challenges, focusing on ethical and socially responsible solutions.
  • Celebrate the achievements and creativity of students as they present their innovative solutions to a panel of judges.
  • Network with peers, industry experts, and academic leaders to build a community committed to ethical AI advancements
Apply Today!

More Information

As we look forward to this unique collaboration between Vanderbilt University, our HBCU partners in Nashville and Atlanta, and leading companies, we’re excited to explore ethical AI practices together. This ‘un-hackathon’ will provide a platform for students from eight universities across Atlanta and Nashville to contribute their diverse perspectives and critical thinking skills.

  • Download the Event Guide: Coming Soon. [View Now]
  • Contact Our Event Coordinators Directly: Have specific questions or need more details? Reach out to Miguel Nunez at Miguel.J.Nunez@vanderbilt.edu or Kristen Hirst at kristen.t.hirst@vanderbilt.edu. We’re excited to hear from you and ensure a productive and insightful experience.