Join UNT GradInnoHack 2025!
Graduate Interdisciplinary Innovation Hackathon
Innovate. Collaborate. Transform.
Master's and PhD students, here’s your chance to learn how to turn your ideas into reality! Team up with peers from different fields, tackle exciting challenges, and compete for cash prizes and certificates. Gain insights from our keynote speaker and connect with mentors from Apple, CapitalOne, and Texas Instruments. It’s the perfect opportunity to collaborate, learn, and bring your vision to life!
April 5-6, 2025
University of North Texas | Discovery Park Campus , Room K150
Only open to Masters and PhD students
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Innovation Starts Soon, UNT Hackers!
HEAR FROM FORMER UNT PRESIDENT AND INDUSTRY LEADERS
Dr. Smatresk
Former President of UNT
Talk on Commercializing Ideas: From Hackathon to Market.​
Dr. Alipour
Manager at Apple
Industry Mentor for AMA session
(Ask Me Anything) ​
Dr. Morsali
Principal ML engineer
at CapitalOne
Industry Mentor for AMA session
(Ask Me Anything) ​
Mr. Tanha
Emeritus Member of Technical Staff at Texas Instrument ​
Industry Mentor for AMA session (Ask Me Anything) ​
MEET OUR MENTORS
GUIDING INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION
Dr. Lund
Assistant Professor
Department of Information Science
​
Dr. Chen
Assistant Professor
Department of Data Science
Dr. Frenzel
Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
MEET OUR JUDGES
EXPERTS IN INNOVATION AND RESEARCH
Dr. Tunc
Assistant Professor
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Dr. Lee
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Information Science
Dr. Pottathuparambil
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Dr. Benothmane
Assistant Professor
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Prashanth Bhushan
Asst Vice President at Cognizant Technology Solutions
Dr. Zarafshani
Clinilal Assistant Professor
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Dr. Morozov
Associate Professor
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
8:30 AM
Check-ins start
9:00 AM
Welcome and Kickoff, Overview of the event and objectives.
9:30 AM
Problem Statement Selection, Teams select a challenging topic to work on.
10:00 AM
Light breakfast
10:00 AM
Brainstorming and Solution Design,Teams discuss ideas and create an initial outline.
11:00 AM
Prototyping Begins, Teams start working on their projects (e.g., coding frameworks, mockups).
12:30 PM
Checkpoint, Teams provide quick updates to mentors. Students will be in touch and continue working.
1:00 PM
Lunch
6:00 PM
Dinner
SUNDAY, APRIL 6
9:00 AM
(Independent Work) Students work independently to finalize their projects before reconvening.
9:30 AM
Light breakfast
12:30 PM
MVP submissions are made in person.
12:30 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM
Teams have 3–5 minutes to present their solution and demo.
3:00 PM
Lecture by Dr. Smatresk Neal, Topic: "Commercializing Ideas: From Hackathon to Market".
4:00 PM
Students will join a friendly Q&A session with industry leaders from Apple, CapitalOne and Texas Instruments.
5:00 PM
Awards Announcement, Judges announce winners, Certificates and awards are awarded to winners.
6:00 PM
Salon Closes, Event officially concludes
AGENDA AT A GLANCE
ABOUT UNT GRADINNOHACK
​
GradinnoHack 2025 is a two-day graduate interdisciplinary innovation hackathon hosted at the University of North Texas. The event brings together masters and PhD students and faculty from diverse fields like Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, and more to collaborate on real-world challenges, develop innovative solutions, and compete for cash prizes and certificates.
What is GradInnoHack 2025
​
GradinnoHack 2025 is open to masters and PhD students from a wide range of disciplines, fostering a truly interdisciplinary environment. Participants from majors such as Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, Computer Engineering, Engineering Management, Health Informatics, Data Science, Information Science, Learning Technologies, and Electrical Engineering are encouraged to join. This diverse mix of expertise allows for innovative problem-solving and unique collaborations, making the hackathon a dynamic platform for creativity and real-world impact. Whether you're a coder, a researcher, or a visionary strategist, GradinnoHack offers an inclusive space to contribute, learn, and lead.
Who can participate in GradinnoHack 2025
​​
Participation in GradinnoHack 2025 is completely free, providing attendees with full access to the keynote lecture, expert mentorship, meals, materials, and all event activities. This inclusive approach ensures that students can focus entirely on innovation, collaboration, and learning without financial barriers.
What is the cost to participate
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GradinnoHack 2025 offers exciting cash prizes and winners' certificates for the top 3 teams, sponsored by our amazing sponsors. These prestigious awards celebrate innovation and excellence, providing recognition and support for standout projects. All participants will receive certificates of participation, showcasing their involvement in this dynamic and impactful hackathon.
Are there any prizes for winners?
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No problem! The hackathon is open to all skill levels. Mentors will be available to guide you, and teamwork will help bridge knowledge gaps.
What if I am new to hackathons or my field of study?
​​​​
On Day 2 of the hackathon, after submitting your projects, we will be having an exciting keynote session on how to take your creations to the real world. Following the keynote, we’ll have an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session with industry mentors from Apple, Texas Instruments, and CapitalOne. This is your chance to ask burning questions, get expert advice, and learn from the best in the field! While waiting for the evaluation results and winner announcement, you’ll be able to interact with fellow participants and industry leaders. Finally, we’ll celebrate as we reveal the winning teams and their incredible projects!
What is AMA industry mentors session?
​​​
You can join with your friends as a team, or you can connect with people on Discord to form a team. Please note that teams must consist of 5 members and include at least 3 different disciplines. Alternatively, you can register individually, and we will place you in a group with other participants and connect you all a few days before the hackathon.
How can I form a team?
​​
Dr. Smatresk, will deliver a lecture on "Commercializing Ideas: From Hackathon to Market," providing practical advice on turning innovative ideas into viable startups. He will share valuable insights into transforming innovative ideas into successful startups, covering essential topics such as identifying market opportunities, building a sustainable business model, navigating intellectual property and patents, and collaborating with industry partners for funding and growth. The lecture will inspire you to think beyond the hackathon and take tangible steps toward launching their entrepreneurial ventures.
What does the Keynote Lecture cover?
A BIG THANK YOU TO
OUR AMAZING SPONSORS AND IN-KIND PARTNERS
This one-of-a-kind graduate hackathon is made possible through the generous support of UNT’s colleges, departments, divisions, and our industry partner, Texas Instruments. Their investment reflects a shared commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, driving academic innovation, and creating real-world impact—core values at the heart of GradInnoHack.
SPONSORS:
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Division of Strategy and Innovation
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Department of Computer Science and Engineering
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College of Engineering
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G.Brint Ryan College of Business
PARTNERS:
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College of Information
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Anuradha and Vikas Sinha Department of Data Science
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Department of Information Science
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Department of Learning Technologies
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Department of Mechanical Engineering
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Department of Electrical Engineering
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Department of Biomedical Engineering
CONTACT
For any questions regarding GradInnoHack 2025, please contact:
Hadiseh Gooran, Faculty Organizer | Email: hadiseh.gooranorimi@unt.edu
We sincerely thank our incredible Ph.D. students for their valuable contributions to organizing GradInnoHack 2025:
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Farhan Ar Rafi, Lead Student Organizer | Ph.D. Student, Department of Computer Science and Engineering
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Fatema Khatun, Student Organizer | Ph.D. Student, Department of Computer Science and Engineering
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Komala Cherukuri, Student Organizer | Ph.D. Student, Department of Data Science
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Moses Parnav, Student Organizer | Ph.D. Student, Department of Data Science
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Rosa Malave, Student Organizer | Ph.D. Student, Department of Information Science
Your hard work and dedication are deeply appreciated!