Ara X Cornell: Build Your Own AI Computer Hackathon

​Ready to build your AI computer?

​We’re excited to visit 6 campuses this spring to host a hackathon series.

​With support from Ara (YC Y26), this one-day hackathon brings together students from all backgrounds to experiment, build, and imagine new possibilities with AI.

​This is your chance not just to learn about AI, but to actively shape how it can be used in creative and meaningful ways.

​One day. One challenge. Build your own AI personal computer or assistant.

​No fluff. No spectators. Just builders.

​🧠 CS students → come build
📊 Non-technical → come get impressed by AI
🎓 Founders and researchers → come show your creativity

​No experience needed. Just curiosity.

​🏆 Prizes
Overall Winner: Scooters and credits
Most Viral: Nintendo Switch and credits
Most Technical: Nvidia Jetson Nano and credits

​🍱 Winners also get lunch or office hours with the Ara CEO.

​🗺️ Tour Schools
✅ Cornell — Apr 18 (you are here)
✅ Johns Hopkins — Apr 19
🔜 UPenn (coming soon)
🔜 Stanford (coming soon)
🔜 UC Berkeley (coming soon)
🔜 Virginia Tech (coming soon)

​We believe the next wave of builders will not just use AI. They will build with it. And they are already on campus.

​Come build with us. 🙌