AI Competitions & Signature Programs

These programs will help you build your project portfolio and professional work experience.

AI Competitions

AI-Enabled Investing Competition

September 18, 2026

Registration has closed.

The AI -Enabled Investing Competition is an opportunity for students to develop analysis and models to propose investment recommendations in real-time using AI tools. Participants will receive feedback and coaching from industry leaders using AI in financial services. Students of all experience levels are encouraged to participate (as part of a team or can request team assignment)!

This competition is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Alex Cha (MBA'96).

BGC AI in Finance Competition

Register here by December 13, 2026!

The BGC Finance Strategy Competition will include two sessions: an investment banking deal pitch challenge and an AI in finance challenge. The competition is an ideal opportunity for second-year students actively recruiting for summer 2028 internships and third-year students recruiting for upcoming analyst opportunities.

IB Deal Pitch Challenge

Teams will research, analyze, and pitch a compelling acquisition target in a specified industry to a panel of BGC team members, showcasing their investment banking skills in valuation, strategic rationale, and deal structuring.

AI in Finance Challenge

Teams will analyze financial datasets and build AI models to solve investment challenges - such as portfolio optimization, risk assessment, or trading strategy development - with their solutions presented to a panel of BGC representatives based on accuracy, creativity, and practical impact.

This competition is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Sage Kelly (P'30), John Abularrage, Jason Kaufman, and the BGC Group.

Vibe Coding Challenge

January 22-24, 2027 | Registration Opens December 1, 2026

The Vibe Coding Hackathon challenges teams of College students from all majors to us AI technologies to imagine, design, and ship a solution to a real-world problem. This year’s competition will center around AI applications in healthcare. Open to all class years.

This hands-on development challenge is made possible by a generous financial contribution from Charlotte Black (AB'15) in support of UChicago’s AI Career Programs.

Khosla Tech & Innovation Showcase

Applications for the Winter Break Showcase Open November 23, 2026

Learn new technical skills and build a portfolio you can share with employers! The UChicago Tech Showcase has two components: a project work period lasting several weeks and a final showcase where students present on their projects to a panel of expert judges. Open to all class years.

The Tech & Innovation Showcase is proudly sponsored by Rishi Khosla (P'28) and Milan Khosla (P'28). Their support of this program provides entrepreneurial students with the resources needed to develop their ideas into working products and prototypes!

AI Startup Investing Case Competition

April 2 - 9, 2027 | Registration opens February 1, 2027

Working in teams, students will evaluate two AI startup venture deals with different valuations. Playing the role of venture capitalist, teams will develop an analysis of which deal to pursue and present their findings to a panel of industry VCs. Through this competition, students will get a closer look at the valuation process and gain understanding for how investors or assessing AI startups in today's market. Open to all class years.

AI Recruiting Immersion Weeks

San Francisco AI Immersion Week

September 22-24 | September 2026 Applications now closed

Hosted at The Third Coast Foundry, The Polsky Center's new physical space in San Francisco, this program will provide students with AI tooling training across technical and non-technical tracks. Afternoon sessions will welcome high-growth startups and leading tech firms for employer-led sessions introducing the variety of AI applications in the workplace and suggestions for how to secure AI-forward roles. Open to rising 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years

Chicago AI Immersion Week

September 22-24 | September 2026 Applications now closed

This program will provide students with AI tooling training across technical and non-technical tracks, and employer-led sessions introducing the variety of AI applications in the workplace as they prepare for internships and future careers in artificial intelligence. Open to rising 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years