Illinois State University recently launched its inaugural AI Hackathon, spearheaded by alumnus and Accenture CTO Ramtin Davanlou, through the Hagge Innovation Institute. This event united college students and high school participants from Unit 5’s Innovative Entrepreneurs program, after a workshop led by Professor Dr. Chiharu Ishida addressed AI usage concerns.
Students initially expressed anxiety about AI tools. However, Dr. Ishida’s workshop demystified AI, covering ethical use, prompt engineering, and practical applications for entrepreneurs. Participants transitioned from unsure users to confident collaborators, creating innovative projects like “Dorm Link,” an AI-supported app to streamline issue reporting in dorms.
This hands-on experience significantly boosted the students’ understanding of AI’s potential in entrepreneurship. According to teacher Julie Hinman, the event not only alleviated AI anxiety but also fostered creative confidence. The AI Hackathon exemplifies how early exposure to AI can empower aspiring entrepreneurs with tools to innovate responsibly in today’s economy.
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