Propose Digital Solutions to Impact Security, Sustainability and Experience
High School and College Teams Compete for Cash Prizes
The Go Green!! Hackathon brings together secondary (high school) and collegiate interdisciplinary teams for a collaborative learning experience in Midland, MI. Hackathons are often thought to be for computer science students cranking out lines of code, but here, no coding skills are required. Students should have a basic understanding of engineering, health, business, agriculture, or manufacturing with a passion for making a difference. We are looking for problem solvers and innovative change agents who can thoroughly research a problem and propose a solution in a presentation, demonstration, video or prototype (working or non-working).
Teams (comprised of two to five students) will choose between the Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Industry or Food & Agriculture Industry to propose a digital solution that will make the supply chain more secure, sustainable, and improve the user experience. Solutions are encouraged to use digital technologies such as barcodes, radio frequency identification (RFID) and other real-time location systems in the development of their solutions.
Prizes will be awarded to high school and collegiate teams. A team roster and proposed solution abstracts are due Friday, January 16.
Team Prizes
1st Place $2,000
2nd Place $1,000
Not familiar with a hackathon?
As you’ll see, it’s as much about the process as the solution.
My First Hackathon – University of Wisconsin (MadHacks 2023)
November Hackathon: RFID Interlock – Dallas Makerspace
Have questions? Please email us at axiainstitute@msu.edu.
Go Green!! Hackathon Details
Important Dates
| Available Now! | Challenge statements — industry-aligned challenges in need of a creative solution. See below. |
| Friday, January 16 | Team registration deadline, proposed solution abstract due. Please see Proposed Solutions Abstract (below) for scoring rubric and submission information. |
| Friday, January 23 | Teams are notified if they are accepted to the Hackathon. |
| Between February 2-13 | Virtual training will be hosted by AIM Global for accepted teams. Information will be sent to accepted teams. |
| Saturday, February 14 | Hackathon runs 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (in Midland). Lunch and snacks will be provided. Teams will be given collaboration time to put any finishing touches on their presentation, 1:1 mentorship, participate in hands-on AIDC workshops led by AIM, and will have access to Axia’s RFID lab to further develop their proposed solution into a presentation or demonstration. Presentations will be at 1 p.m. Winners will be announced at 3 p.m. |
Challenge Themes
Healthcare & Pharma Challenge
The pharmaceutical industry has long faced the challenge of counterfeit drugs like GLP-1s and opioids in the supply chain, which can be dangerous for patients. Although there are federal regulations requiring manufacturers to track medicines, most of the systems being used are not sophisticated enough to spot fakes, and manufacturers only collect data needed for their organization and to comply with regulations.
Food & Agriculture Challenge
In 2024, two recalls —a globally recognized fast food chain had to recall from slivered onions that caused E. coli infections and the Boar’s Head deli meat recall due to Listeria contamination—highlight major weaknesses in food traceability and safety. Although federal mandates require traceability for certain high-risk foods, these incidents demonstrate the challenges of quickly identifying contaminated products, tracing them to their source, and removing them from the market to enhance food safety and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Call for Solutions
We’re looking for solutions to these industry challenges using Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technologies. In your proposed solution, address how your chosen technology will:
- Provide accurate, reliable information of a product’s authenticity that can be captured at each point in the supply chain. (Security)
- Create an economical, environmental and socially responsible means to capture and share data across industries. (Sustainability)
- Promote interoperability through the use of standards to enable an enhanced user experience. (Experience)
Proposed Solution Abstract (Due Friday, Jan. 16)
Proposed Solution Abstract (Due Friday, January 16)
The deadline for each team to submit a Proposed Solution Abstract is Friday, January 16. A form to upload your Proposed Solution Abstract will be available soon. The top three in each category will be invited to participate in the Go Green!! Hackathon.
Submit Proposed Solution Abstract
Category |
Points |
| Problem Statement State the industry challenge and how it affects customers. Identify at least one federal regulation that supports product safety measures for your chosen industry. |
10 |
| Solution/Innovation proposed What is your digitization-for-impact innovation, and why will it succeed? Include how your chosen technology improves security, sustainability and the customer experience. |
15 |
| Approach What is your plan to implement the solution? List who would need to be involved and what role they would need to play, including businesses, government, trade organizations, customers, etc. |
10 |
|
Integration of Theme |
10 |
| Impact How would you assess or measure your impact? And what benefits would this solution bring? Include how your chosen technology improves security, sustainability and the customer experience. |
15 |
| Total Proposed Abstract Score | 60 |
Submit Proposed Solution Abstract
Additional Information
Registration
Free. There is no cost to apply or participate in the Hackathon.
Meals
Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Accessibility
Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting Karol Miller, Administrative Assistant – The Axia Institute®, at mill2785@msu.edu or (989) 423-2046 by Friday, January 30. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible. Michigan State University – St. Andrews is a barrier-free facility.
Partnerships:
Collaborating for Success
Bridging the gap from theory to real-world application.
Education:
Developing Your Skills
Graduate studies, certificate programs and seminars in value chain creation and optimization.
Contact:
The Axia Institute
Have questions? Learn more about how you can get involved with The Axia Institute.
