2026 Cintana Alliance AI Challenge

Innovate the future of higher education with artificial intelligence

The 2026 Cintana Alliance Artificial Intelligence (AI) Challenge is a global competition inviting students to design AI-powered solutions that solve real challenges in higher education.

Work in teams, collaborate across disciplines, and showcase your ideas on a global stage—culminating in a live presentation opportunity at ACE Conference 2026 in Tempe, Arizona, alongside leaders in educational innovation from around the world.

Who Can Participate?

  • Students from any ASU Cintana Alliance institution

  • Teams of 2–3 students and/or faculty from alliance member institutions.

  • Open to all disciplines—technical, business, design, education, and more

No matter your background, if you’re passionate about AI and innovation, there’s a place for you.

  • Key Dates & Timeline

Mark your calendar and plan ahead:

  • May 1, 2026 – Registration opens

  • June 30, 2026 – Registration closes

  • September 1, 2026 – Project video submission deadline

  • October 1, 2026 – Winners announced

  • October 20–22, 2026 – Winning teams present at ACE 2026
    (Tempe, Arizona)

Register Here

Why Participate?

This challenge is more than a competition—it’s an opportunity to turn ideas into impact. By participating, you will:

  • Build real-world AI solutions with practical applications

  • Collaborate with students from across the ASU Cintana Alliance

  • Gain exposure to Arizona State University, a global leader in educational innovation

  • Strengthen your portfolio with a high-impact AI project

  • Compete for global recognition, AI tools, and presentation opportunities

What’s the Challenge?

Teams will design practical, scalable AI solutions that improve higher education. Your project can focus on one or more of the following areas:

  • Personalized learning & student success

  • Operational efficiency & automation

  • Data-driven decision-making

  • Accessibility & inclusive education

  • New educational models & institutional scalability

You’ll submit a project video showcasing your solution, its impact, and how it can be implemented.

What Do Winners Receive?

Winning teams will earn:

  • Global recognition across the Cintana Alliance network
  • AI tool licenses to continue developing their solutions
  • The opportunity to present live at ACE 2026 in Tempe, Arizona
  • Visibility with academic and innovation leaders from around the world

How to Get Started

  1. Form your team (2–5 students)

  2. Register early when registration opens

  3. Choose a real higher-ed challenge to solve with AI

  4. Build and refine your solution

  5. Submit your project video before the deadline

Your institution will also have a local contact to support you throughout the process.

Start building. Start innovating. Start now.