The 2026-2027 Innovate Alabama Entrepreneurship Hackathon invites students across Alabama to build ventures that put artificial intelligence (AI) to work on real problems facing our communities, and to build them the right way.
This year’s theme, Built Better: The Ethical AI Challenge, presents three real Alabama challenges. Teams will address at least one and design an entrepreneurial venture that uses AI responsibly to solve it, with fairness, privacy, transparency, and community impact built in from the start.
The competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students from Alabama two-year and four-year colleges and universities. Compete individually or in teams of up to four. No prior entrepreneurial or AI experience is required.
Participants will receive entrepreneurship training along the way, and the Top Ten will compete live in Birmingham for $17,000 in cash prizes and mentorship.
This competition is your gateway into entrepreneurship, responsible AI, and real community impact.
Mark your calendar for these key milestones.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Window Opens | Thursday, October 29, 2026 |
| Virtual Info Session | Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7PM CST |
| Intent to Compete Deadline | Monday, November 16, 2026, 11:59 PM CST |
| Entrepreneurship Training (Mandatory) | Thursday, November 19, 2026, 6PM CST |
| Written Summaries and Video Submissions Due | Thursday, December 10, 2026, 11:59 PM CST |
| Top Ten Notifications | Friday, January 8, 2027 |
| Top Ten Confirmations Due | Tuesday, January 12, 2027 |
| In-Person Competition and Pitch Finale | Wednesday, January 27, 2027, Birmingham, AL |
AI can move fast. Built Better ventures also move responsibly. Judges will look for solutions that are:
Using AI to Connect Alabama’s Workforce to Opportunity
Alabama has talent, but access to opportunity isn’t always equal. Employers struggle to find skilled workers while residents face barriers to training, career advancement, and quality employment.
Your Challenge: Build an AI-powered venture that connects people to opportunities, closes workforce gaps, and creates pathways to economic mobility across Alabama.
Explore: Skills matching • Workforce forecasting • Career navigation • Training access • Talent development
Using AI to Improve Healthcare Access Across Alabama
Where you live can influence your access to healthcare. Across Alabama, rural and underserved communities face challenges accessing medical providers, preventive care, transportation, and essential health resources.
Your Challenge: Build an AI-powered venture that improves healthcare access, helps communities address health disparities, and connects residents to resources that support healthier lives.
Explore: Healthcare navigation • Community health analytics • Preventive care • Resource optimization • Rural healthcare access
Using AI to Build Stronger, Safer, and More Resilient Communities
From aging infrastructure to severe weather and transportation challenges, Alabama communities must make important decisions about where and how to invest limited resources.
Your Challenge: Build an AI-powered venture that helps communities anticipate challenges, improve essential services, and make smarter investments that strengthen Alabama’s future.
Explore: Infrastructure intelligence • Disaster preparedness • Transportation access • Broadband connectivity • Community planning
Your venture must address at least one of the three challenges below. If your idea naturally connects two or all three, you are welcome to combine them.
Hover over tiles for more information.
Join the virtual info session on Thursday, November 12 to learn what judges are looking for.
Submit your Intent to Compete by Monday, November 16.
Attend the mandatory Entrepreneurship Training on Thursday, November 19. At least one team member must attend the full session.
Submit your written venture plan summary and video pitch by Thursday, December 10 at 11:59 PM CST.
Top Ten finalists are notified Friday, January 8, and must confirm by Tuesday, January 12.
Finalists compete live in Birmingham on Wednesday, January 27.
Due Thursday, December 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST. Both deliverables are required.
Wireframes and mockups are encouraged, but a working app is not required for Round 1. Top Ten finalists will be expected to demo a functional solution at the live competition.
Please send an email to hbcu-ie@tidalits.com with any questions.
A panel of experts in entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, ethics, and economic development will review all submissions. Top Ten finalists will be announced on Friday, January 8, 2027.
$10,000
$3,000
$2,000
$1,000 Each
Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 6PM CST | Virtual
At least one member of each team must attend the full session to receive Round 1 submission instructions.
Wednesday, January 27, 2027 | Birmingham, AL | Venue to be announced
A full-day experience with training, mentoring, live pitch rounds, and an evening Pitch Finale and Networking Reception. Top Ten finalists must attend the entire day.
The Innovate Alabama Entrepreneurship Hackathon is presented by The Alabama Collective in partnership with Innovate Alabama and the Alabama Power Foundation.
Questions? Contact us at hbcu-ie@tidalits.com.
The Alabama Collective (TAC) is building a more inclusive, tech-driven economy across Alabama. Guided by the principles of Expose, Educate, Engage, and Empower, TAC connects talent, training, and opportunity—helping students, founders, and communities transform ideas into impact.