Illinois State University recently hosted its inaugural AI Hackathon, spearheaded by Ramtin Davanlou, the Chief Technology Officer of Accenture’s AI ecosystem and an alumnus of the university. This engaging event was organized through the Hagge Innovation Institute and welcomed both university students and high school participants from the Innovative Entrepreneurs program in Unit 5.
Prior to the hackathon, high school students participated in a workshop led by Dr. Chiharu Ishida, a Professor of Marketing. This workshop equipped them with the knowledge and skills to tackle real-world challenges, revealing how AI can enhance their future ventures.
From Uncertainty to Understanding
Before arriving on campus, the high school participants completed a brief assessment that highlighted their limited exposure to AI tools. Many expressed feelings of uncertainty when it came to using AI, often unsure about its functionality and safety. Julie Hinman, their teacher, was hopeful that the day’s events would help alleviate their anxieties surrounding AI.
“I was thrilled for my students to learn about AI tools that are essential in today’s entrepreneurial landscape in a fun and experiential manner,” Hinman shared. “Numerous students were hesitant to engage with AI out of fear that it might compromise their personal information. After the workshop, they felt reassured thanks to Dr. Ishida’s guidance on using AI safely and responsibly.”
Dr. Ishida tailored the morning workshop to address these common concerns, teaching students about practical AI tools for entrepreneurs, prompt engineering, ethical usage, and the creation of apps and websites. The workshop also delved into complex topics like machine learning and large language models, helping students gain an understanding of how these systems operate.
Initially, most students associated AI merely with ChatGPT or the deepfakes they had encountered online, but the workshop transformed that perception.
“They were astonished by the potential of AI to assist entrepreneurs by saving time and resources while enabling rapid prototyping and feasibility testing,” Hinman noted. “Dr. Ishida highlighted how many routine tasks can be efficiently managed with AI support.”
Applying New Knowledge at the Hackathon
Following the pre-hackathon workshop, the high school students entered the afternoon session equipped with newfound clarity.
“Once everyone overcame their initial shyness, collaborating and working towards a common goal became much easier,” said participant Luke Eganhouse.
Julie Bach echoed this sentiment: “I learned things about AI I had never known before attending the workshop. The hackathon itself provided a valuable platform to apply what I learned to an actual project.”
Bach was particularly impressed by Professor of Marketing Dr. Peter Kaufman’s extensive knowledge on AI and Dr. Ishida’s ability to convey such intricate material in just one day.
With their newfound confidence, the team developed an idea called Dorm Link. This innovative concept involved an AI-supported tool designed to streamline how dormitory students report issues and receive timely responses. In a matter of hours, the high school team was able to prototype app screens, outline the system’s functions, and prepare a brief pitch for an audience that included college students, Illinois State faculty, and Davanlou from Accenture.
The rapid progress of their idea surprised the students. “The most important lesson was recognizing the importance of taking that initial step,” Eganhouse said. “I learned about the incredible capabilities of AI and how effortlessly it can transform an idea into reality. AI has the power to bring innovative concepts to life; all you need to do is take the initiative and begin.”
Early Exposure That Matters
Dr. Ishida believes that early exposure to AI is crucial for students entering any discipline. “While traditional education and domain knowledge remain fundamental, students should also acquire foundational knowledge about AI — including its technologies, capabilities, potential benefits and drawbacks, as well as ethical challenges at both micro and macro levels,” she remarked.
Hinman noted immediate advantages. Before participating in the event, her students were already involved in entrepreneurial and nonprofit initiatives. Gaining hands-on experience with AI tools allowed these high schoolers to envision new applications for their own projects. “The workshop and hackathon effectively helped to dispel AI anxiety and instilled creative confidence in using AI safely and ethically,” Hinman stated. “This is an essential skill for any student, and particularly for these young entrepreneurs as they develop innovative startup solutions.”
By the end of the day, students felt much more assured in their understanding of AI and their ability to leverage it. The workshop and hackathon provided them with a solid foundation they can carry into their future academic and entrepreneurial endeavors.
