_db33a8.png)
.thumb.png.9594b08ba898a6b0d0fa1576ea2c9574.thumb.png.3097220ace298f0faaab6884cd0ea0f5.png)
About the challenge
Your Mission
Using UMass's GenAI platform, design and build a custom AI assistant that addresses a meaningful need for students, faculty, or staff at UMass Amherst.
Think about the everyday friction points on campus like navigating academic resources, research overload, mental health support, accessibility, financial aid and imagine how an intelligent, autonomous system could make campus life more equitable and human-centered.
The best submissions won't just be technically impressive — they'll be meaningful.
Get started
1️⃣ Log in at genai.umass.edu using your UMass SSO
2️⃣ Explore the AI Agents feature (no coding required!)
3️⃣ Identify a real campus problem worth solving
4️⃣ Build, test, and document your agent
5️⃣ Submit your Google Doc before the deadline
Requirements
What to Build
Using UMass's GenAI platform, build a custom AI assistant that solves a real problem for students, faculty, or staff at UMass Amherst.
Your AI agent should be rooted in the theme of Agentic AI & Autonomous Systems and guided by the principle of Computing for Common Good, going beyond a simple chatbot to create something that genuinely improves campus life.
No coding required. Just a clear problem, a thoughtful solution, and 1.5 hours to bring it to life.
What to Submit
Submit a Google Doc to the shared Drive folder with the following:
✅ Agent Title & Description: A clear name and a short description of what your assistant does and who it serves.
✅ Goal of the Agent: What problem does it solve? Why does it matter to the UMass community?
✅ Instructions Used: The exact prompt instructions you used to configure your assistant.
✅ Model & Parameters: Which model did you use? Include any settings or parameters you configured.
✅ Files Uploaded: List any documents, datasets, or resources you uploaded to power your assistant.
✅ Screenshots or Screen Recording: Show your assistant in action! Include at least one example interaction that demonstrates its capabilities.
Prizes
First Place
Second Place
Third Place
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Lauren Saloio
Center for Data Science
Gianna Leidich
Center for Data Science
Judging Criteria
-
Innovation & Creativity
How unique, original, and thoughtful is the agent concept? -
Impact & Usefulness
How well does the solution address a real need at UMass Amherst? -
Technical Details
Does the agent effectively use the platform and function reliably? -
Scalability & Adaptability
Can the idea extend to broader groups or additional campus needs?
Recommended Comments
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.