The Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute invites all members of the U campus community to participate in its artificial intelligence hackathon on April 17.

The AI Codex Hackathon is a fast‑paced, virtual event where participants explore how artificial intelligence can be applied to real‑world challenges across any discipline. Collaboration space will be provided for those who prefer working in-person.

Hosted in collaboration with OpenAI, this hackathon brings industry insight and a practical perspective into how AI is being used in today’s academic setting and workforce.  Whether you’re brand new to AI or already experimenting with it, technical or non‑technical, this event is designed to give you hands‑on experience building meaningful, real‑world solutions.

The event is on Friday, April 17, from 12 to 5 p.m.

Click here to register. See the AI Events Calendar.

Theme: AI for Every Discipline

At the heart of this hackathon is a simple but powerful idea: AI can enhance any field. Participants will identify a problem within their academic or professional environment and use AI tools to prototype a solution. No matter your major, role or experience level, you’ll collaborate, build and explore how AI can support your goals.

What to expect

Participants will use the university-provided ChatGPT Edu environment to access Codex, including access to advanced features and reasoning models, to support their work during the hackathon.

If you have not already activated your account, you are strongly encouraged to do so to ensure a smooth experience.

Click here to get started with ChatGPT Edu.

Following the hackathon, selected teams will be invited to present their work in a short finalist showcase.

Challenge tracks

To help guide project ideas, participants can choose from several challenge tracks:

• AI for Productivity & Workflow
  Improve efficiency, automate tasks or enhance decision‑making
• AI for Social Impact
  Address challenges in health care, education, accessibility, the environment or local communities
• AI for Business & Innovation
  Explore new products, services or operational improvements
• AI for Creativity & Communication
  Use AI for storytelling, design, content creation or human‑AI collaboration
• Open Track (Wildcard)
  Pursue any idea that demonstrates a meaningful application of AI

Team format

Participants are encouraged to work in teams of three to five in advance, fostering collaboration across diverse skill sets and perspectives. You may also join a team during the hackathon/kickoff.

Prefer to work solo? That’s welcome too.

Prizes & Recognition

Winning teams will receive event swag. In addition, the top three teams will be awarded AI development credits from OpenAI (not applicable to health sciences participants).

Important Considerations

Participants should use only public data in their projects.

Teams may have the opportunity to share their work publicly, and standout projects may be highlighted beyond the event.

• Callie Reed AI Programs Manager Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute
  callie.reed@utah.edu