Students Invited to Build, Compete, and Innovate at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock AI Hackathon

Participants in the Coding for Wellness AI Hackathon competition present their team pitches to judges and community members during an event on campus.
Participants in the Coding for Wellness AI Hackathon competition present their team pitches to judges and community members during an event on campus. Photo by Benjamin Krain

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is calling on students from across Arkansas and surrounding states to take part in one of the region鈥檚 most exciting innovation events鈥攖he second annual AI Hackathon & HealthTech Startup Week, happening June 8鈥12 on campus. With the application deadline set for April 30, now is the time to apply and be part of it.

This isn鈥檛 a typical coding camp. The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock AI Hackathon & HealthTech Startup Week is a five-day immersive experience where students ages 16鈥26 form interdisciplinary teams to tackle real-world healthcare challenges using cutting-edge AI tools, all with the guidance of expert mentors and the backing of industry giants like and .

Entrepreneurs, marketers, creatives and coders are all encouraged to apply, regardless of experience or background. Participants should be available for all five days, bring a laptop and agree to a media release. No coding experience is required鈥攖eams are intentionally formed to bring together a variety of skills and perspectives. Open to students from all disciplines, the program highlights how the most impactful ideas often emerge through collaboration across different backgrounds.

Participants will compete for a share of $20,000 in prizes by pitching their team鈥檚 AI-powered healthcare solution to a panel of judges at the end of the week. Beyond the cash prizes, participants can earn industry-recognized AI certifications in areas like coding and marketing, while also gaining access to mentorship from healthcare professionals, AI engineers, entrepreneurs and innovators鈥攁n opportunity often reserved for graduate students and working professionals. 

This is an opportunity to build valuable real-world skills through hands-on experience with professional AI tools, collaborate with peers and industry experts, and strengthen both technical and communication abilities, all while forming lasting connections with fellow students, mentors and industry partners that can open doors long after the event ends.

鈥淟ast year, we had 40 participants and 40 volunteers,鈥 Marla Johnson, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s technology entrepreneur-in-residence, said. 鈥淭his year, we raised enough to expand the AI Hackathon & HealthTech Startup Week to 150 students, including providing dorm rooms for those traveling from far and wide. It is a true labor of love of so many 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock faculty and staff. We鈥檙e pumped.鈥

With hands-on experience, expert mentorship, industry-backed tools and the chance to compete for $20,000 in prizes, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 AI Hackathon & HealthTech Startup Week offers far more than a typical summer camp. This opportunity is a launchpad for students ready to turn ideas into real-world impact. 

Coder, creative, entrepreneur or simply curious about innovation in healthcare, this five-day experience is designed to meet attendees where they are and push them further. Join a collaborative, high-energy environment where technology, teamwork and purpose come together by registering .