Idea to Prototype: A Civics and Elections Hackathon

Interested in using AI to solve a real world/life problem? Come find out. Let’s do it together. This Hackathon is a fast-paced, one-day event where you'll go from idea to working prototype — with real teammates, real tools, and a real plan to test what you build. The event builds on climate and energy challenges inspired by the Upskilling Labs' “Build Cycle,” a thematic 12-week program where participants work on real-world problems and build practical solutions. No previous involvement or AI-capacity required. This event is for you if: Come with an open and curious mind. Choose your Track: If you are a Newcomer: Welcome! Join a beginner-friendly morning track where you'll get hands-on with AI tools and learn how to turn an idea into something you can actually show someone. In the afternoon, you'll get a look inside what the pods are building and get to: If you are an Upskiller in the Civics and Elections Build Cycle, join the Pod Sprint: Welcome! You are invited to join a Pod (a small research team focused on a specific environmental challenge) in a Pod Sprint (a structured team problem-solving session). During the day, each person: By the end of the day, everyone leaves with a prototype and a plan to test it in the real world. Schedule: 9:00am — Light Breakfast 9:30 10:00 10:50 11:20 11:30 — All: Lunch 12:30pm — All: Newcomer fresh eyes on Pods 1:00 2:30 3:30 — All: Pod member prototype presentations 4:30 — All: Depart for Happy Hour Resources: About The Upskilling Labs: The Upskilling Labs is an open, project-based learning community prioritizing building real things with real people. Every quarter, we run a “Build Cycle” themed around an industry or topic — participants form “pods” around real problems, develop and test AI-enabled solutions together, and showcase what they've built. No credentials required. Just show up ready to learn alongside others. theupskillinglabs.org