Second Annual Hatchathon Produces Solutions for Reclaiming Time through Artificial Intelligence

Fri, 11/22/2024 - 02:19pm | By: Shelby Mills

Four innovative solutions for reclaiming time through artificial intelligence (AI) emerged from The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) second annual Hatchathon, where 83 student innovators transformed bold ideas into market-ready prototypes.

The tech hackathon-style competition, hosted by the Center for Entrepreneurship (The Hatchery) in collaboration with VOXO, Inc. and the School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering, transformed Scianna Hall into an innovation hub. Interdisciplinary student teams–combining expertise in technology, business strategy, design, and marketing–worked alongside industry mentors to develop solutions under the theme "Reclaiming Time Using Generative AI." 

The competition revealed four standout projects:

First Place: Cohesion  
Team: Smarika Neupane, Sugam Panthi, Saphal Poudyal  
Created an AI-powered solution that revolutionizes database development, reducing a 15-20-hour process to mere minutes.

Second Place: PrepAI  
Team: Aaditya Bajgain, Barsat Khadka, Rashib Khanal, Prasant Koirala, Kshitiz Neupane  
Developed an adaptive learning platform that personalizes study plans and materials, potentially transforming how future generations learn. 

Third Place: Samantha  
Team: Serene Aryal, Sushant Aryal, Prastab Ghimire, Rupak Raut, Nihal Shah  
Designed an AI assistant that seamlessly integrates with calendar systems to optimize work-life balance.

People's Choice: Seymours Seemore  
Team: Bibhav Adhikari, Bhargav Chataut, Samip Devkota, Benjamin Hartley, Arjav Lamsal  
Created an AI-powered search tool that enhances information accessibility across the USM website.

The winning project, Cohesion, demonstrated how AI could reduce specific database development and management tasks from hours to just minutes–exemplifying the event’s focus on reshaping our relationship with time.

"Hatchathon showed us more than just technological innovation. It provided a profound demonstration of our students' capacity as value creators," said James Wilcox, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship.

"By combining creativity with artificial intelligence, our students aren't just solving problems. They're revolutionizing how society approaches them. Through student experiences like Hatchathon, Southern Miss is helping lay a foundation for the breakthroughs of tomorrow," said Wilcox.

The Center for Entrepreneurship provides ongoing mentorship and resources to these promising ventures, exemplifying how strategic investment in student innovation catalyzes both educational excellence and economic growth in Mississippi. Learn more about the center here.