Transform Your Ideas into Impact - Compete for $20,000 in Prizes!

Have an idea for how AI can solve a real-world problem? The Lee Family AI Prize Competition is your platform to build, iterate, and win.

Whether you study arts, business, education, engineering, health, humanities, or sciences, this competition is designed for you. The competition prioritizes meaningful problems, responsible design, and real-world value over pure technical complexity. A simple AI implementation can win if it addresses a highly meaningful problem and demonstrates strong value. 

Get Early Access to Advanced AI Tools!

Students gather around a laptop during a hackathon

Want access to Anthropic Claude Enterprise to explore ideas and build your solution? 

You can unlock Early Access this semester!

How to Get Early Access to Advanced AI Tools

  • Submit your brief Concept Note and share your concept in a 2-minute “flash talk” at the AI Prize Concept Exchange on Thursday, November 19, 4:30-6:00 pm. Attendance required for early access. But wait, there’s more! Not only will attending teams get early access to Claude Enterprise, but all participants will have a chance to win prizes and go home with some much-requested limited edition AI Prize swag!
    • Registration for the AI Prize Concept Exchange is required. Please register by November 11, 2026 to reserve your spot and your swag.
  • Note: Standard access to Claude Enterprise will open to all competing students via Concept Note submission on January 25, 2027.
SUBMIT CONCEPT NOTE HERE

Who Can Enter and How Do Teams Work?

Students gather around a laptop during a hackathon
  • Eligibility: Open to all currently enrolled Lehigh undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students.
  • Team Structure: Enter as an individual or in teams (max 2–3 members recommended).
  • Divisions: Entries compete in either the Undergraduate Division or Graduate Division. Teams with both undergraduate and graduate members choose their division at project submission.
  • Project Origins: Bring an independent idea, pick a problem from the Challenge Library, or build on a class, capstone, or club project.

$20,000 Prize Pool

  • Undergraduate First Prize: $5,000
  • Undergraduate Second Prize: $2,000
  • Graduate First Prize: $5,000
  • Graduate Second Prize: $2,000
  • Additional Prizes (Various Categories): $6,000

Looking for a Good Problem to Solve?

Check Out the Challenge Library

What Judges Are Looking For

This is an applied problem-solving challenge. Submissions will be evaluated using a six-dimension rubric:

  • Meaningful Problem and User Need (20%)
  • Real-World Impact and Community Value (20%)
  • AI Fit & Functional Solution (20%)
  • Evidence, Testing and Experiential Learning (15%)
  • Responsible and Human-Centered Innovation (15%)
  • Execution, Collaboration and Path to Scale (10%)

How To Enter

Final competition submissions are due by March 22, 2027. Entry form will go live on January 25, 2027. 

Final submission must include:

  • Working prototype or demonstrable solution (app, custom assistant, workflow, multimodal system, or no-code tool)
  • 3-minute project demonstration video
  • 3–5 page project brief
  • Evidence/user-testing appendix
  • Responsible AI and AI use disclosure agreement
  • Participant disclosure agreement
Have Questions? Reach Out Here!

Deadlines and Key Milestones

    • November 19, 2026: AI Prize Concept Night - fast concept pitches, great food, and prize giveaways!
    • January 25, 2027: Regular Access to advanced AI tools (Anthropic Claude Enterprise) opens
    • January – March 2027: Spring clinics, labs, prototype support
    • March 22, 2027: PRIZE COMPETITION SUBMISSION DEADLINE
    • April 6, 2027: Live Final Showcase and Awards Presentation

ENTRY FORM WILL GO LIVE JANUARY 25, 2027