HACK MICHIGAN

The Challenge

Michigan stands at a pivotal moment. Once the undisputed engine of American innovation, our state is ready to reclaim its position as a technology leader—not by abandoning our industrial heritage, but by reimagining it for the 21st century.

While Michigan ranks among the top states in manufacturing output, we lag behind in technology adoption and digital transformation metrics. Too often, our brightest minds leave for coastal tech hubs, and Michigan jobs get outsourced to other states or overseas. Our challenge is clear: how do we leverage cutting-edge AI to modernize Michigan’s cornerstone industries while keeping opportunities here for Michiganders and creating the innovation ecosystem that makes our state a destination, not a departure point?

The Stats Tell the Story

• Michigan graduates leave the state at higher rates than most, seeking tech opportunities elsewhere
• Many legacy industries still operate with outdated systems and manual processes
• Small and medium-sized Michigan businesses cite technology adoption as their #1 barrier to growth
• Brain drain continues as innovators lack the infrastructure and community to build here
• Immense untapped potential in AI-driven innovation across manufacturing, supply chain, agriculture, sustainability, education, and urban development

What We're Asking You To Build

Using AI and Open Source technologies, build an innovative proof-of-concept solution that addresses one of the following focus areas:

• Modernizing Michigan Manufacturing — Transform traditional manufacturing processes with AI-powered automation, predictive maintenance, quality control, or supply chain optimization that keeps production and jobs in Michigan.
• Reinvigorating Main Street — Empower Michigan's small businesses and retailers with accessible AI tools for customer engagement, inventory management, market analysis, or operations that help them compete without outsourcing.
• Next-Gen Mobility — Reimagine transportation and logistics for Michigan's automotive future through autonomous systems, smart infrastructure, or connected vehicle technologies developed and deployed here.
• Agricultural Innovation — Enhance Michigan's agricultural sector with AI-driven solutions for crop management, sustainability, precision farming, or food supply chain optimization.
• Building Michigan's Innovation Ecosystem — Create tools, platforms, or solutions that help Michigan entrepreneurs, developers, and innovators collaborate, access resources, prototype ideas, or scale their ventures without leaving the state.
• Sustainability & Clean Energy — Develop AI solutions that advance environmental sustainability in Michigan from optimizing energy consumption in manufacturing to monitoring Great Lakes water quality, managing renewable energy grids, reducing waste, or supporting Michigan's transition to a greener economy.
• Education & Workforce Development — Build AI-powered tools that transform learning for Michigan's K-12 students and adult learners alike whether through personalized tutoring, skills gap analysis, workforce retraining platforms, career pathway guidance, or making quality education more accessible across rural and urban Michigan.
• Smart Urban Planning & Community Development — Leverage AI to help Michigan cities and communities plan smarter from optimizing public transit routes and predicting infrastructure needs to revitalizing neighborhoods, improving public safety, managing housing data, or making city services more responsive and equitable.