Welcome to CSUN’s AI Jam 2026

AI Jam 2026 logo

AI Jam 2026 is a campus-wide innovation competition inviting students from all majors to explore how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are shaping our lives, our communities, and our future. 

Working individually or in teams of two, students will submit a short video outlining the project that presents a clear idea, question, or perspective on AI. Projects may: 

  • Propose a concept or solution 
  • Examine ethical or social impacts 
  • Reimagine existing systems 
  • Raise important concerns about how technology affects people 

No fully built or coded solution is required. This competition is about ideas, insight, and impact, not just technical skill. 

Win cash prizes and a chance to work with CSUN Information Technology. 

Prizes

  • 1st Place: $1000, plus an opportunity for one semester of paid student employment with Information Technology 
  • 2nd Place: $500 
  • 3rd Place: $300 

Did You Attend the Kickoff? 

The AI Jam 2026 Kickoff Event was March 4th. This is what was included:

  • We heard from guest speakers 
  • Learned about competition tracks 
  • Shared full guidelines and expectations 
  • Learned how to register for the competition  
  • Heard from campus partners on how they can support you on this journey. 
  • Enrolled in the Canvas course 

If you missed the kickoff, check out this slide deck for an overview of what was covered. 

Canvas Course 

Includes:

  • Competition details 
  • Registration steps 
  • Guidelines and deliverables 
  • Resources and announcements 

Self-enroll in the Canvas course and receive announcements as the course is published.

What Is the Competition About? 

Teams will choose one broad track to guide their project. Tracks are intentionally open-ended so you can define your own approach. 

Competition Tracks

How can AI help us imagine and build more sustainable systems for our planet, communities, and campus? 

How might AI expand access, inclusion, and independence for people with diverse abilities and needs? 

What ethical questions, risks, and responsibilities emerge as AI increasingly shapes our decisions and lives? 

How is AI transforming the future of work—and how can students prepare to thrive alongside it? 

How can AI support (or challenge) student mental health, belonging, balance, and overall well-being?

Have a bold AI idea that doesn’t fit neatly into a category? This track is your space to explore it.

Campus Support & Partners 

AI Jam is supported by campus partners who provide workshops, consultations, and resources throughout the competition. 

2026 Campus Partners include: 

  • Student Affairs 
  • Associated Students 
  • Career Center 
  • Academic Affairs 
  • University Library 
  • Creative Maker Studio 
  • Institute for Sustainability 
  • University Counseling Services 
  • HSI Equity Innovation Hub 

We are all here to support your ideas. 

What to Submit 

Teams will submit a short video that explains: 

  • What the issue or idea is 
  • Why it matters and who it affects 
  • How AI or emerging technology is involved 
  • Your team’s proposed approach, concept, or insight 

All projects are judged using the same criteria, regardless of technical depth. 

AI Tools & Usage Guidelines 

If your project uses AI tools, teams must use CSUN-available solutions, including: 

  • CSU ChatGPT Edu 
  • Microsoft Copilot 
  • Google Gemini 
  • NotebookLM 

Teams should be prepared to briefly describe how AI was used in their project. 

Timeline 

  • March 4: 12:00-1:00p.m. CSUN AI Jam 2026 Kickoff, In-person in Extended University 101, Zoom Registration
  • March 13: @12p.m. (Noon), Deadline to register via Canvas
  • March 14: April 10 Participants develop proposals
  • April 10: Deadline to submit proposals (end of day)
  • April 10 - April 17: Judges evaluate proposals
  • April 29, 2026: Winners announced at Digital Equity Day! 
    • Location: Autodesk Technology Engagement Center (ATEC)
      • 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Panel of speakers
      • 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - AI Jam 2026 winners announced

Past AI Jam Winners 

Curious what past projects looked like? 

Check out previous winners!

CSU Funding & Support 

CSUN Jams are high-energy, interdisciplinary innovation challenges where students collaborate to design technology solutions that address real campus needs—centered on digital equity, engagement, and student success.

Support Student Innovation through CSUN Funder

To request sign language interpreters or transcribers for the AI Jam 2026 event, contact the National Center on Deafness (NCOD) at ncod@csun.edu.  Requests should ideally be submitted at least five business days in advance to ensure availability. Provide event details including name, date, time, and location to NCOD for proper scheduling.