Ivy Tech Hosted Artificial Intelligence Competition

Students in Evansville explored hands-on technology skills and business innovation during a recent campus event.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence

Isometric editorial illustration of a modular technical puzzle with interlocking geometric blocks and connectors on a workbench. — Ivy Tech hosted an artificial intelligence and technology competition in Evansville, providing students with hands-on experience and business innovation training. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Ivy Tech hosted a capture the flag style technology competition in Evansville to provide hands-on experience for students. The event aimed to reduce anxiety regarding emerging tools by tasking participants with solving various technical problems.

Why it matters

Faculty organized the event to demystify complex systems and provide practical experience for students. By normalizing engagement with new digital tools, the college seeks to prepare participants for an evolving workforce.

The competition required participants to solve diverse technical challenges including fixing broken code, identifying suspicious email, and working with artificial intelligence.

The players

Ivy Tech

Ivy Tech is an educational institution that provides technical training and workforce development programs across Indiana.

The details

Participants worked in groups of two to address hands-on technical puzzles during the capture the flag style challenge. The competition concluded with each group presenting a business idea that incorporated technology, regardless of their prior coding experience.

2026: Ivy Tech launched an applied artificial intelligence program.
September 18, 2026: The technology competition was held in Evansville.

The Tech Race

This event reflects a broader academic shift toward integrating applied AI into technical vocational training. The college aims to bridge the gap between abstract coding theory and real-world business implementation.

Students gained exposure to common digital security threats and AI integration that can improve their future technical workflows. This hands-on experience helps attendees become more confident users of modern software in professional settings.

The takeaway

Engaging with new technology in a low-stakes environment can significantly lower the barrier to entry for students. Practical workshops help demystify complex tools and encourage creative problem-solving in a business context.