Marshall AI Summit by MAIA
MAIA Spring 2026 AI Summit Day
Join Marshall Artificial Intelligence Association for our most influential event of the semester where we will be able to showcase our members semester-long AI innovations.
MAIA exists to empower young entrepreneurs interested in artificial intelligence and business innovation by creating opportunities to invent, explore, and challenge themselves through hands-on workshops, real projects, and professional development. This summit reflects that mission by bringing together student builders, faculty, and industry professionals for an afternoon of competition accompanied by cash prizes.
What is MAIA?
Marshall Artificial Intelligence Association is a community built for students who want to explore the intersection of AI and business in a practical way. MAIA emphasizes innovation, curiosity, and entrepreneurial passion through semester-long projects.
What will be presented?
At AI Summit Day, MAIA project teams will present the results of their semester-long work and demonstrate how they applied AI in real-world ways. Attendees will hear teams pitch directly to experienced judges from industry:
Aanya Shah - Real Estate x AI Department
Vanya Shrivastava - Finance x AI Department
Arjun Shah - Marketing x AI Department
Alice Jiang/Kaitlyn Lee - Biotech x AI Department
Alexa Esqueda - Entertainment x AI Department
Prizes, judges, and competition:
Teams will present before a panel of professionals in Partner- and Senior Director-level roles at companies actively implementing AI initiatives, along with esteemed faculty from the USC Data Sciences and Operations Department.
Mark Mason (Highlight Speaker) - CFO of CitiGroup
Kirit Sarvaiya - AI/ML Data Engineering Lead
Gagan Bajaj - Google's Director of Data and Analytics
Kenny Nguyen - OpenAl Technical Program Manager
Based on judging results, the winning team will receive $1,000 in prizes. There also include a general member shoutout worth $100.
What attendees can expect
Student team presentations and live judging
A moderated panel featuring experienced professionals
Networking with faculty, professionals, and peers
MAIA story stickers and attendees gifts based on ticket
Einstein catering and refreshments throughout the event
A final winner announcement via novelty check
Why attend?
Whether you are attending to support a friend/team, learn more about AI in business, connect with professionals, or experience MAIA’s biggest event of the semester, the AI Summit stands to recognize the impact students can make when they are given the space to build in a time dominated by growing technology.
Agenda
1:40–2:00 PM — Check-In
2:00–2:05 PM — Introduction to MAIA + Agenda Overview
2:05–2:15 PM — Marshall Leader Highlight
2:15–3:00 PM — Moderated Panel + Open Panel Q&A
3:00–5:00 PM — Team Presentations
5:00–5:25 PM — Judge Deliberation
5:25–5:30 PM — Winner Announcement
5:30–5:45 PM — Wrap-Up + Photography
Expected Professional Attendance:
In attendance will be esteemed faculty from the USC Data Sciences and Operations Department. Judges will be in Partner or Senior Director level roles from companies implementing AI initiatives.
Non-Discrimination Statement:
This program is open to all eligible individuals. Marshall Artificial Intelligence Association operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.
Accessibility Statement:
Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Marshall Artificial Intelligence Association at [email protected]. We request that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least 7 days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner