AI After Hours: THE IBM BOB HACKATHON

about this event

Hack. Build. Win $$. ➡️ A live AI sprint powered by IBM Bob, where ideas become real products. AI After Hours | An ARC X Zellus Networking Initiative | Huntsville, Alabama

THE IBM BOB HACKATHON: AI-Assisted. Human-Driven. ➡️ Want to win from a $1,000 prize pool using AI to design, build, and demonstrate? The IBM Bob Hackathon is the flagship "live-build" competition of AI After Hours — a premier innovation ecosystem where applied research, entrepreneurial execution, and next-generation AI development converge.

In this high-intensity competition, competitors don't just brainstorm — they architect, build, and launch live applications powered by IBM BoB - in two hours! Participants harness IBM Bob's AI-native development environment to transform raw concepts into functional, launch-ready products at extraordinary speed. Experience in vibe coding or platforms is helpful, but great ideas and execution are the highest determinants of success. This is not a pitch contest. It is a production challenge. Every solution must be built on IBM Bob. You can compete individually or team up with one other person.

COMPETITION FORMAT 🚀 Kickoff & Category Selection / 10-minute briefing and declaration of build requirements. 📲 Live Build Sprint / 2 hours of real-time product development using IBM Bob. 📝 Judging / While the judges review the apps, participants or attendees will eat a catered dinner. 🥇 Finalist and Award Presentation / 5-minute stage presentation per team.

OFFICIAL REQUIREMENTS At kickoff, the official challenge will be revealed. No participant will know the full details in advance—everyone starts on equal footing. All projects will be evaluated within the context of the selected category and official judging rubric.

To compete: Your application must be built primarily using IBM Bob. Core functionality must be developed within the IBM Bob platform. All development must occur during the 2-hour live build window. Pre-built applications are strictly prohibited — your IBM Bob workspace and account may be inspected at any time. No third-party APIs are permitted to ensure a level playing field. You may include up to 500 words of written instructions or context to support your demo if needed. Judges may request a live walkthrough of your IBM Bob workflow to verify platform usage.

IMPORTANT: PARTICIPANTS UNDER 18 In accordance with The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) Child Protection Policy (06.09.01) and Mandatory Reporting Policy (06.09.04), all minors must be appropriately supervised at all times. A parent or legal guardian must accompany all participants under the age of 18 throughout the event. The accompanying adult must remain on-site and be directly responsible for the minor at all times.

ORIGINALITY & INTEGRITY All ideas and builds must be original to your team. No recycled projects. No pre-developed applications. No copying other teams' ideas or structures. No direct copying of previous programs or uploading of screenshots of comparable software. Violations may result in immediate disqualification.

JUDGING CRITERIA (subject to change based on the challenge) ➡️ Effective Use of IBM Bob — How powerfully and intelligently did you leverage IBM Bob? Judges are looking for advanced prompting, rapid iteration, and clear AI-native execution. ➡️ Functional Execution — Does it work—cleanly, reliably, and without explanation? Judges will interact with your product independently. ➡️ Innovation — How bold is your thinking? Judges are looking for originality, creativity, and solutions that go beyond the obvious. ➡️ Real-World Relevance — Does this solve a real problem for a real user? ➡️ User Experience — Is it seamless, intuitive, and compelling? Judges' decisions are final. Execution determines the winner.

TIPS TO WIN ➡️ Bring a buddy! AI will be helping you, but another human will make all the difference. ➡️ Always be prompting! Download the Free Trial of IBM BoB to your computer before attending the Hackathon event. ➡️ Be concise! Like people, AI thrives on specifics. Clearly define what you want. Also avoid large lists of tasks in a single prompt.

AWARDS [$1,000 Prize Pool] 1st Place – $400 2nd Place – $300 3rd Place – $200 Honorable Mention - $100

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