Nittany AI Challenge
Challenge Yourself to Make the World a Better Place.
The Nittany AI Challenge is an annual competition that spans the fall and spring semesters where multidisciplinary student teams compete for funding to develop AI-based solutions to pressing real-world issues. Through the Challenge, students can apply their knowledge in new ways and experience the innovation that happens when working collaboratively to harness the power of AI.
The best part? No technical background is required!
About the Challenge
2025-2026 Challenge Timeline
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Monday, September 1, 2025, to Sunday, January 18, 2026
Attend events so you can start to brainstorm and explore project ideas, find team members, learn about prototyping tech, and everything else you need to know about getting involved in the Challenge. When you're ready to participate—even if you don't have a team, team members, or an idea!—complete the Team Interest Form.
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Monday, January 19, 2026, by 5 p.m. (ET)
Deadline for teams to submit prototypes.
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Friday, January 30, 2026
Prototype winners are announced.
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Thursday, March 19, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. (ET)
Deadline for teams to submit their MVP code and supporting documentation for internal review.
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Monday, March 23, 2026 by 4:00 p.m. (ET)
All teams are notified about the status of their code review.
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Wednesday, March 25, to Friday, March 27, 2026
Teams that pass the internal code review will provide an in-person demo of their functioning MVP. This demo, along with the submitted code, will be evaluated to determine which teams will advance to the MVP Pitch Contest phase.
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Friday, April 3, 2026
Up to ten teams are notified about their selection for the MVP Pitch Contest. Teams will be evaluated based on the completeness of their MVP, the in-person demo, and the accompanying documentation.
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Thursday, April 16, 2026, noon to 8:00 p.m. (ET)
MVP Pitch Contest and Nittany AI Challenge Celebration and Networking Event, including the announcement of the top five MVPs and the winner of various sub-prizes.
Learn More from Student Participants
Challenge alumni say the top benefits of competing are:
Build Skills
From hands-on experience with AI technologies to critical leadership skills, the Challenge provides learning opportunities for each role on a team.
Combine Strengths
Each year, 30–40% of all participants in the Challenge are from non-technical majors. In fact, we find that the most successful and innovative teams often have a healthy combination of technical and non-technical members.
Expand Networks
Many Challenge alumni have gained job offers, valuable résumé additions, capstone course submissions, startup ideas, patent applications, and so much more through the Challenge.
Win Prizes
Teams that advance to the MVP phase of the Challenge can win funding dollars to support the development of their AI application and get significant exposure through multiple marketing channels across the University.