Ara X Johns Hopkins: Build Your Own AI Computer Hackathon

Ready to build your AI computer?

We’re excited to visit 6 campuses this spring to host a hackathon series.

With support from Ara (YC Y26), this one-day hackathon brings together students from all backgrounds to experiment, build, and imagine new possibilities with AI.

This is your chance not just to learn about AI, but to actively shape how it can be used in creative and meaningful ways.

One day. One challenge. Build your own AI personal computer or assistant.

No fluff. No spectators. Just builders.

🧠 CS students → come build

📊 Non-technical → come get impressed by AI

🎓 Founders and researchers → come show your creativity

No experience needed. Just curiosity.

🏆 Prizes

Overall Winner: Scooters and credits

Most Viral: Nintendo Switch and credits

Most Technical: Nvidia Jetson Nano and credits

🍱 Winners also get lunch or office hours with the Ara CEO.

🗺️ Tour Schools

✅ Johns Hopkins — Apr 19 (you are here)

✅ Cornell — Apr 18

🔜 UPenn (coming soon)

🔜 Stanford (coming soon)

🔜 UC Berkeley (coming soon)

🔜 Virginia Tech (coming soon)

We believe the next wave of builders will not just use AI. They will build with it. And they are already on campus.

Come build with us. 🙌