November 14-15, 2025

Hosted by CISAT, Drucker, and TNDY

Two days. Infinite possibilities. CGU Hacks is where transdisciplinary teams turn ideas into impact. Whether you’re working with AI, strengthening cybersecurity, crafting user experiences, or exploring humanistic approaches, join us to build transdisciplinary solutions that address real-world challenges alongside passionate innovators.

Competition Tracks

GeoAI

Leverage spatial data and geographic intelligence for innovative solutions.

Please click on this link to install all the requirements for GeoAI track!

Artificial Intelligence

Build intelligent systems that learn, adapt, and solve complex problems.

Cybersecurity

Compete to defend, and secure digital systems and information.

UI/UX Design

Design intuitive interfaces and seamless user experiences that delight and engage.

Brought to you by

Dr. David Sprott

Dr. David Sprott

Henry Y. Hwang Dean and Professor of Marketing at the Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management

Dr. Itamar Shabtai

Dr. Itamar Shabtai

Director of Center for Information Systems and Technology and Director of AI for Humanity Lab

Dr. Shamini Dias

Dr. Shamini Dias

Director, Transdisciplinary Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a team?

All registrants participate in teams of two to four people. Don’t have a team? Join our Discord channel to know more about the hackathon and find teammates!

Who can participate?

CGU Hacks is open to all students, researchers, and professionals interested in technology and innovation. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hacker, everyone is welcome!

What should I bring?

Bring your laptop, chargers, and enthusiasm! We’ll provide meals and snacks to keep you energized throughout the hackathon.

Are there prizes?

Yes! Prizes will be awarded for top projects in each track, along with special category awards. Stay tuned for more details on specific prizes.

Is there a registration fee?

CGU Hacks is completely free to attend! This includes access to all workshops, mentorship, meals, and swag.

Where is the event located?

The hackathon will be held at Claremont Graduate University, in Burkle Family Building.

 

Judging Team

GeoAI

Canserina Kurnia

Canserina Kurnia
Senior Solution Engineer, Education, Esri
Chad Lopez

Chad Lopez
Senior Solution Engineer, Geo Experience Centre, Esri
Warren Roberts

Professor Warren Roberts
GIS Chair / Assistant Professor of GIS Practice, Claremont Graduate University

Programming and AI

Veena Mahesh

Veena Mahesh
General Manager, Government Edge Infrastructure, Intel
Darren Kimura

Darren Kimura
President and CEO, AI Squared
Itamar Shabtai

Professor Itamar Shabtai
Director, Center for Information Systems and Technology & Director of AI for Humanity Lab, Claremont Graduate University

Cybersecurity

Scott Young

Scott Young
President, SynED & Interim Director, California Cyberhub
Chinazunwa Uwaoma

Chinazunwa Uwaoma
Research Assistant Professor, Claremont Graduate University
Samir Chatterjee

Professor Samir Chatterjee
Professor, Fletcher Jones Chair of Technology & Management; Director – IDEA Lab, Claremont Graduate University

UI/UX

Michael Milano

Michael Milano
Product Designer at Lovable, Former NASA JPL Product Designer
Shamini Dias

Professor Shamini Dias
Director of Transdisciplinary Studies Program, Claremont Graduate University
David Sprott

Professor David Sprott
Henry Y. Hwang Dean and Professor of Marketing, Claremont Graduate University

Final Stage Adjudicators

Jody Waters

Dr. Jody Waters
Interim Executive Vice President and Provost, Claremont Graduate University
Quamina Carter

Dr. Quamina Carter
Vice President of Student Affairs, Claremont Graduate University

Founding Committee

Nihaad Saleem Lnu

M.S. Data Science Claremont Graduate University
Prajwal Vinod Naik

M.S. Data Science Claremont Graduate University
Varsha Ravindra Shetty

M.S. Data Science Claremont Graduate University
Dolma Rawat

M.S. Data Science Claremont Graduate University

Student Leadership Team

Mahesh Balan

Doctor of Technology Claremont Graduate University
Katja Crusius

PhD Data Science & Analytics Claremont Graduate University
Maria A Komugabe

PhD Geographic Information Systems Claremont Graduate University
Gauri Parnaik

M.S. User Experience Claremont Graduate University
Joan Puteri Zheng

PhD Cybersecurity & Networking Claremont Graduate University

Thank you to our sponsors!

ESRIMacnica