Reflecting on the UBC CIC Generative AI and Sustainability Hackathon
Reflecting on the UBC CIC Generative AI and Sustainability Hackathon: Miranda Newell – Project Assistant
The UBC Cloud Innovation Centre (UBC CIC) Generative AI and Sustainability hackathon on October 5, 2024, brought together students with a shared passion for technology and sustainability. Hosted at the Sauder Learning Labs, the event was filled with energy from the outset, as participants collaborated to create innovative solutions using Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud services and generative AI.
Background and Motivation
As an arts student with no prior experience attending a hackathon, organizing this event presented a unique challenge. I had to navigate unfamiliar territory, but with the unwavering support and mentorship from the UBC CIC team, we brought the event together, and it was a great success. Through this experience, I learned the complexities of managing a large-scale event—from coordinating logistics to marketing the event—each task added to my skill set in meaningful ways.
Choosing the theme of generative AI and sustainability was a deliberate decision that held significant meaning for me. In an era where technology is advancing rapidly and becoming deeply embedded in every aspect of our lives, there’s a growing interest, particularly at the UBC CIC, in leveraging these technologies to address pressing sustainability challenges. Personally, I have a deep interest in environmental issues, and this hackathon allowed me to explore that passion while offering participants a similar opportunity.
The Event
What stood out the most to me was the teamwork that emerged throughout the day. Students from various backgrounds—whether coding experts or design enthusiasts—came together to tackle real-world sustainability challenges. Watching how quickly these teams formed, navigated obstacles, and remained focused on building solutions for a sustainable future was truly inspiring.
Mentors, many of whom were CIC alumni and AWS representatives, provided invaluable guidance, creating an environment of creativity and collaboration. Their support empowered participants to push their thinking, refine ideas, and confidently approach complex problems under time constraints.
By the end of the hackathon, the intense day of problem-solving transformed into a celebration of shared achievement. The solutions presented went beyond mere tech demonstrations—they were thoughtful, impactful responses to sustainability challenges, showcasing the potential of generative AI to drive positive change.
Reflecting on the event, it’s clear that this hackathon was about more than developing technical skills. It was an opportunity for students to engage with critical issues, connect with like-minded peers, and utilize AWS tools in a hands-on, experiential setting. As the UBC CIC continues to foster innovation through events like this, I am excited to see the future possibilities that emerge at the intersection of technology and sustainability.
