FAU Engineering Showcases Student Innovation at Agentic AI Hackathon

The Agentic AI Hackathon, hosted by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) within the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University, brought students together to explore the rapidly advancing potential of autonomous, goal-driven artificial intelligence. 

Agentic artificial intelligence refers to systems that can analyze information, plan their next steps, and act autonomously while working with humans and other technologies. As this technology became increasingly influential across research and industry, the Agentic AI Hackathon gave students the chance to experiment with these capabilities firsthand, strengthen their technical skills, and prepare for the evolving AI landscape.

From Friday, November 14, to Saturday, November 15, the Agentic AI Hackathon invited student teams to innovate, experiment, and design autonomous solutions targeting real-world challenges across industry, academia, and the public sector. Participants built working prototypes, integrated multi-agent frameworks, and developed novel interfaces that highlighted the potential of agentic AI to streamline workflows and enhance complex systems.

The event was supported by industry partners including NextEra Energy, Lennar Homebuilders, Lamatic.ai, AgileEngine, Rejoyce Inc., Symbern, and The ODP Corporation, along with the IEEE Palm Beach Section and Florida Atlantic University’s Office of Information Technology. Their collaboration helped create an industry-aligned, hands-on innovation environment for the 21 teams and 87 student participants.

In preparation for the competition, students took part in skill-building workshops that introduced agentic AI concepts, demonstrated popular frameworks and tools, and guided participants toward project opportunities aligned with industry needs.

At the conclusion of the event, three teams earned $10,000 in prizes for outstanding technical innovation and impact:

•  First Place
  Project: OnCourse: A Multi-Agent AI-Powered Academic Planner
  Students: Adriel Marie Abad, Vinceline Bertrand, Nikki Leali
  
  
• Tied for Second Place
  Project: OwlGuide: FAU's Agentic AI for Academic Success
  Students: Aaroha Sapkota, Noelle D'Arcy, Rithika Mathew, Saul Poveda

• Tied for Second Place
  Project: Agentic Neurodiversity Assessment
  Students: Tarruck Wheeler, Kateryna Tsekhmayster, Thiago Costa, Yeong Lim Tan

The Agentic AI Hackathon reflects FAU’s commitment to advancing AI research, empowering students, and driving innovation across the College of Engineering and Computer Science.