El Paso, TX – The Borderland is gearing up for a technology milestone: the Biggest AI Hackathon in the region’s history. From April 25–27, 2025, nearly 300 participants registered will gather at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) to compete, collaborate, and code their way to real-world solutions powered by artificial intelligence.

The event is organized by the Success Through Technology Education (STTE) Foundation in partnership with El Paso Labs and UTEP’s Computer Science Department, which recently launched the region’s first-ever Bachelor’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence—a clear sign that El Paso is ready to lead in the AI economy.

What makes this hackathon especially notable is not just the scale, but its impact-driven mission: to connect emerging talent with real-world industry challenges and ignite startup formation in a region where the innovation pipeline has long been underdeveloped.

“AI has completely changed the pace of innovation—what used to take months can now be built in days,” said Joseph Sapien, Executive Director of the STTE Foundation. “The energy around this hackathon proves that the Borderland is ready for its innovation moment. We’re proud to unite industry leaders and emerging talent to show that El Paso can solve complex problems, launch startups, and compete with the biggest innovation hubs in the country.”

A New Model for Innovation

Hackathons—intensive events where teams rapidly build software or hardware prototypes—are becoming a common tool to spur innovation. But STTE is taking it further, strategically aligning participants with industry leaders from key sectors:

• Economic Development – Borderplex Alliance
• Sports Management & Marketing – Combat Fighting Championship (CFC)
• Utilities & Data Infrastructure – El Paso Water
• Health Tech – HealthInno
• Immersive Learning – Scholastic
• Public Education – Socorro Independent School District

Each company has committed to mentoring teams and judging the final demos, bringing a layer of authenticity and real-world applicability to the event. Solutions that emerge from the hackathon won’t just be theoretical—they could become pilot-ready or even investable.

Perhaps most inspiring is the inclusion of high school students from Socorro ISD’s Computer Science program, who will collaborate alongside UTEP developers and seasoned coders. It’s a hands-on way to grow a local tech pipeline—starting in the classroom and landing on the demo stage.

Why AI, Why Now?

Artificial Intelligence is advancing at lightning speed, reshaping how businesses operate, how governments serve, and how communities grow. While larger metro areas rapidly adopt and scale AI tools, El Paso has historically lagged behind.

The Borderland’s unique location, cross-border talent pool, and emerging developer base give it untapped potential—if backed by the right infrastructure and opportunities. Events like this hackathon are not just about innovation for its own sake; they are essential to future-proofing the local economy.

Powered by Partners

Backing this effort is a powerhouse group of sponsors who understand the transformative power of AI:

• Microsoft
• Texas Gas Services
• El Paso Electric
• LittleHorse.io
• Velawood Law

Each plays a crucial role in supporting the hackathon’s resources—from funding prizes and workshops to empowering the next generation of technical founders.

What to Expect

The 3-day event will be hosted at UTEP’s Tomas Rivera Conference Room on the 3rd floor of Union Building East (351 W University Ave, El Paso, TX 79902). Teams of 2–4 members will build AI-driven solutions using tools like GitHub, CoPilot, Python, Langchain, Geenee.ar, Startosphere, and more. Mentorship, meals, and workshops will be provided throughout the weekend.

Hackathon Schedule Highlights

Friday, April 25 – Kickoff
🧃 5:30 PM – Food & Drinks
⭐️ 6:00 PM – Check-In, Team Formation, & Opening Ceremony
⭐️ 6:30 PM – Challenge Questions Released
🚀 7:00 PM – Dev Startosphere Launch

Saturday, April 26 – Build & Learn
🥞 8:00 AM – Breakfast
⭐️ 10:00 AM – LittleHorse Workshop: Building AI Agents
🍕 12:00 PM – Lunch
⭐️ 2:00 PM – El Paso Labs Workshop: The AI Agent Builder’s Toolbelt
🚀 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Development Sprint

Sunday, April 27 – Pitch & Present
🥞 8:00 AM – Breakfast
🔥 10:00 AM – Fireside Chat with Special Guests
⭐️ 12:00 PM – Preliminary Industry Presentations
⭐️ 1:15 PM – Final Presentations
🏆 2:00 PM – Awards Ceremony

Prizes range from $50 to $250 per person, depending on sponsorship levels. Winning teams may also receive mentorship or pilot interest from participating industry leaders.

Want to Cover or Join?

Members of the press are invited to attend the Kickoff Ceremony on April 25 at 6:00 PM and Demo Day on April 27 from 12:00–2:00 PM. Interviews with organizers, developers, and industry partners will be available on-site.

For more information or to register, visit: https://sttefoundation.org/hackathon/

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About STTE Foundation
Founded in El Paso, Texas, the Success Through Technology Education (STTE) Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a vibrant innovation economy in the Southwestern U.S. Through entrepreneurship, tech education, and ecosystem acceleration, STTE empowers youth and professionals to build what matters.