# Event Details - **Event Name**: AI After Hours: THE IBM BOB HACKATHON - **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 17 Sep, 2026 at 05:30 pm – Thu, 17 Sep, 2026 at 08:30 pm (-05:00) - **Event Description**: Hack. Build. Win $$. ➡️ A live AI sprint powered by IBM Bob, where ideas become real products.About this Event | An X Networking Initiative | Huntsville, Alabama--------------------THE HACKATHON: AI-Assisted. Human-Driven.➡️ Want to win from a $1,000 prize pool using AI to design, build, and demonstrate? The Hackathon is the flagship "live-build" competition of — 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 - in two hours! Participants harness ’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 . You can compete individually or team up with one other person.⚡AI is the accelerator. Human ingenuity and ideas are your advantage. ⚡--------------------THE BASICS➡️The Hackathon is a high-velocity, 2-hour live-build competition where single competitors or teams of two design, develop, and demo a working application using — in real time.➡️ This is not a pitch competition. This is a live execution challenge. All meaningful development must occur during the official build window.➡️ Compete with fellow builders to create impactful AI-powered solutions, tackle real-world challenges, and showcase what happens when human creativity meets enterprise AI.--------------------THE PRE-REQUISITES➡️ Download the to your computer before attending the Hackathon event. The IBM team will be there to assist if there are any questions.--------------------COMPETITION FORMAT🚀 Kickoff & Category Selection / 10-minute briefing and declaration of build requirements.📲 Live Build Sprint / 2 hours of real-time product development using .📝 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 REQUIREMENTSAt 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 Core functionality must be developed within the platformAll development must occur during the 2-hour live build windowPre-built applications are strictly prohibited — your workspace and account may be inspected at any timeNo third-party APIs are permitted to ensure a level playing fieldYou 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 workflow to verify platform usage.⚡A live, high-pressure build where every team starts from zero—and execution determines the outcome. ⚡--------------------➡️ IMPORTANT: PARTICIPANTS UNDER 18In accordance with The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) (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.Failure to comply with this requirement will result in immediate denial of entry or removal from the event. No exceptions will be made.Participation by minors constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of these conditions.--------------------ORIGINALITY & INTEGRITYAll ideas and builds must be original to your team.No recycled projectsNo pre-developed applicationsNo copying other teams’ ideas or structuresNo 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 How powerfully and intelligently did you leverage ? Judges are looking for advanced prompting, rapid iteration, and clear AI-native execution. Prior experience isn’t required—but those who master the tool will stand out.➡️ Functional ExecutionDoes it work—cleanly, reliably, and without explanation? Judges will interact with your product independently. If it’s not intuitive or breaks under pressure, it will cost you. You may include up to 500 words of supporting context.➡️ InnovationHow bold is your thinking? Judges are looking for originality, creativity, and solutions that go beyond the obvious. Safe ideas won’t win.➡️ Real-World RelevanceDoes this solve a real problem for a real user? Strong submissions demonstrate clear use cases, practical value, and potential beyond the competition.➡️ User ExperienceIs it seamless, intuitive, and compelling? Great ideas fail without strong execution. The best products feel effortless to use.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. They too can bring their own laptop to look up ideas, document progress, or write explanations.➡️ Always be prompting!Download the 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. Break down all instructions into smaller segments to maintain control.--------------------AWARDS [$1,000 Prize Pool]1st Place – $4002nd Place – $3003rd Place – $200Honorable Mention - $100--------------------WHO SHOULD JOIN➡️ Builders. Doers. Fast thinkers.The Hackathon is designed for individuals who want to move beyond ideas and into execution.➡️ Founders & Aspiring EntrepreneursTest an idea, validate a concept, or build your next MVP—fast.➡️ Engineers & Technical BuildersPush your speed, experiment with AI-native development, and ship under pressure.➡️ Students & Early-Career TalentStand out by building something real—not just talking about it.➡️ Designers & Product ThinkersShape user experience, define product flow, and bring ideas to life visually.➡️ Non-Technical InnovatorsIf you can think clearly and communicate effectively, Lovable will help you build.⚡You don’t need to be an expert. You need to be ready to build. ⚡If you’re comfortable moving fast, learning on the fly, and executing under pressure— this is for you.Remember, is the core of this competition. You’ll need to use it—effectively. So get familiar with it!--------------------WHO SHOULD "NOT" JOIN - - - 🛑STOP AND READ THIS 🛑This competition isn’t for everyone—and that’s intentional.If you’re looking to just watch or “see how it goes”This is a build-first environment. Passive participation won’t cut it.If you rely on slides instead of productsThere are no pitch decks here. If it doesn’t work live, it doesn’t compete.If you’re uncomfortable with pressureYou have 2 hours. No extensions. No resets. Execution happens in real time.If you plan to reuse old workEverything starts from zero. Pre-built ideas or recycled projects will be disqualified.If you don’t want to engage with AI tools is the core of this competition. You’ll need to use it—effectively.This is for builders who move fast, think clearly, and ship under pressure. If that’s not you, this won’t be your environment.--------------------Questions? Contact arc@uah.edu-------------------- https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events2/banners/486e9440-a635-11f1-8990-5d04d231a2dd-rimg-w1200-h600-dc281818-gmir.jpg - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/huntsville/ai-after-hours-the-ibm-bob-hackathon/100001998508794603 - **Event Categories**: contests, it, hackathons, art, business - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 - **Event Highlights**: - Duration: 3 hours - Location: I2C - Languages: English ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Huntsville - **state**: AL - **country**: United States - **location**: I2C - **lat**: 34.7287285 - **long**: -86.6419167 - **full address**: I2C, 850 Ben Graves Drive, Huntsville, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: AI After Hours: THE IBM BOB HACKATHON - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events1/banners/0ed3b1231fdb46752865240f1a1ade76c72c0466e4effca414b3a7caa187c86f-rimg-w1200-h600-dc281818-gmir.jpg?v=1787296592 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is AI After Hours: THE IBM BOB HACKATHON being held? - **A:** AI After Hours: THE IBM BOB HACKATHON takes place on Thu, 17 Sep, 2026 at 05:30 pm to Thu, 17 Sep, 2026 at 08:30 pm at I2C, 850 Ben Graves Drive, Huntsville, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing AI After Hours: THE IBM BOB HACKATHON? - **A:** AI After Hours: THE IBM BOB HACKATHON is organized by UAH Invention to Innovation Center. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** AI After Hours: THE IBM BOB HACKATHON is ideal for art lovers, collectors, creatives, and anyone inspired by visual arts, installations, and exhibitions. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Huntsville, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If AI After Hours: THE IBM BOB HACKATHON sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast. ## Structured Data (JSON-LD) ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Event", "name": "AI After Hours: THE IBM BOB HACKATHON", "image": "https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events1/banners/0ed3b1231fdb46752865240f1a1ade76c72c0466e4effca414b3a7caa187c86f-rimg-w1200-h600-dc281818-gmir.jpg?v=1787296592", "startDate": "2026-09-17T17:30:00-05:00", "endDate": "2026-09-17T20:30:00-05:00", "url": "https://allevents.in/huntsville/ai-after-hours-the-ibm-bob-hackathon/100001998508794603", "eventStatus": "https://schema.org/EventScheduled", "location": { "@type": "Place", "name": "I2C", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "850 Ben Graves Drive", "postalCode": "35899", "addressLocality": "Huntsville", "addressRegion": "AL", "addressCountry": "US" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": "34.7287285", "longitude": "-86.6419167" } }, "eventAttendanceMode": "https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode", "description": "Hack. Build. Win $$. ➡️ A live AI sprint powered by IBM Bob, where ideas become real products.", "offers": [ { "@type": "AggregateOffer", "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock", "priceCurrency": "USD", "availabilityStarts": "2026-08-21", "availabilityEnds": "2026-09-17T20:30:00-05:00", "validFrom": "2026-08-21", "lowPrice": "0.00", "highPrice": "0.00", "price": "0.00", "url": "https://allevents.in/huntsville/ai-after-hours-the-ibm-bob-hackathon/100001998508794603" }, { "@type": "Offer", "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock", "priceCurrency": "USD", "availabilityStarts": "2026-08-21", "availabilityEnds": "", "validFrom": "2026-08-21", "url": "https://allevents.in/huntsville/ai-after-hours-the-ibm-bob-hackathon/100001998508794603", "price": 0, "name": "General Admission" } ], "organizer": [ { "@type": "Organization", "name": "UAH Invention to Innovation Center", "url": "https://allevents.in/org/uah-invention-to-innovation-center/18386779", "description": "The I2C serves as regional resource for emerging technology companies through leadership and support of entrepreneurial initiatives throughout North Alabama and South-Central Tennessee 15 county region. I2C focuses on venture acceleration, mentorship, programming and incubation - a vibrant and dynamic platform that supports and stimulates co-creation and open innovation. All of I2C’s activities and programming elements conducted by / for the regional communities are to encourage sharing, build cross-sector connections and attract like-minded members / participants to contribute, collaborate and thrive under an entrepreneurial environment. I2C’s brand new 45,000 innovation space opened in June 2019 on the UAH campus. For additional details visit www.uah.edu/i2c." } ] } ] ```