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
2026-2027 Challenge Timeline
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Tuesday, September 1, 2026, to Monday, January 25, 2027
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 Challenge Coach - Build Your Team.
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Monday, January 25, 2027, by 5 p.m. (ET)
Deadline for teams to submit prototypes.
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Monday, February 8, 2027
Prototype winners are announced.
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Tuesday, March 16, 2027, by 5:00 p.m. (ET)
Deadline for teams to submit their MVP code and supporting documentation for internal review.
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Wednesday, March 17, 2027 by 5:00 p.m. (ET)
All teams are notified about the status of their MVP review.
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Wednesday, March 17, to Friday, March 26, 2027
Teams that pass the internal code review will have their 5-minute video and 1-page executive summary sent to a group of individuals that will evaluate and determine which teams will advance to the MVP Pitch Contest Phase.
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Monday, March 29, 2027
Up to ten teams are notified about their selection for the MVP Pitch Contest.
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Thursday, April 1 and Friday, April 2, 2027
Teams notified about their selection for the MVP Pitch Contest will demo their pitch in front of Nittany AI Alliance staff to gain feedback prior to the final contest date on Thursday, April 15, 2027.
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Thursday, April 15, 2027, 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.