Fort Hays State University announced on March 27 that it will hold an AI Hackathon this spring, inviting students to develop solutions to real-world challenges in a single day.
The event aims to foster innovation and collaboration among students from various disciplines. Participants will form diverse teams and use artificial intelligence to address issues related to sustainability, healthcare, and education.
Organizers said the hackathon is designed as a high-energy, hands-on experience that encourages rapid problem-solving. The theme “No code? No problem” signals the event’s accessibility for students of all skill levels, allowing contributions through coding, design, research, or pitching ideas.
“Every community is going to face a choice about whether they shape AI or just have it happen to them,” said Mason Ruder, Hays mayor. “The towns that come out ahead are the ones investing in people who care enough to build something worth building.”
Magdalene Moy, FHSU Director of Innovative Learning Strategies, said events like this help bridge the gap between classroom learning and regional workforce needs. “That’s the role FHSU is playing,” she said. “Connecting classroom innovation to workforce reality.”
Cash prizes will be awarded: $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place. The hackathon supports Fort Hays State University’s focus on applied learning and preparing students for technology-driven careers.
The event will take place in person at the FHSU campus on April 11. Students must be at least 18 years old or 16 with an accompanying adult. Registration is open until March 31 at https://www.fhsu.edu/ai/hackathon2026.
