The University of South Alabama's Fairhope campus buzzed with energy Jan. 29 as more than 200 attendees packed the venue for Hatch-a-thon 2026's Demo Night, the culminating event of the Gulf Coast's premier AI innovation competition.

Fifty builders presented solutions they developed over a two-week period to address real challenges submitted by local businesses and nonprofits.

"What we witnessed tonight proves that innovation doesn't require a Silicon Valley address," said Kai Gray, executive director of Lower Alabama AI and co-organizer of the event. "These students and builders took real problems from real Gulf Coast organizations and built solutions in just two weeks. Three of them are starting internships before they graduate high school. That's the kind of opportunity pipeline we're building here."

Twenty-six high school students competed in the Student Track, with Baldwin Preparatory Academy students claiming three winning positions. The internship offers represent a first for the event, which launched its High School Track this year.

"When we designed the two-week format, we wanted to create something that fits around school schedules while still delivering meaningful experience," said Keith Glines, executive director of Hatch Fairhope and event co-organizer. "Seeing local businesses recognize that talent and offer internships on the spot — that's exactly the connection between students and opportunity we hoped to create."

"At Baldwin Preparatory Academy we are all about innovation, and through student participation in Hatch-a-thon they were able to do just that," said Christina Hellmich, industry engagement director at Baldwin Preparatory Academy. "This was an incredible opportunity for high school students to innovate while gaining real-world experience, collaborating and solving authentic industry challenges."

Chad Ammons, owner of Ammons & Blackmon Construction LLC, offered one of the internships after seeing a student's work on his company's challenge.

"After experiencing the enthusiasm that the high school student showed in working on our business problem, I am offering him an internship so that we could finish out the project," Ammons said. "To see the energy, talent and innovation the contestants put into solutions was a great experience."

The Explorer Track, designed for adults new to AI and building, drew participants eager to develop new skills while tackling real community challenges.

"I had the joy of serving as a judge for the Adult Beginners Track at the Hatch-a-thon, a collaboration between Lower Alabama AI and Hatch Fairhope," said Erin Langley, executive director of the Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre. "The creativity, curiosity and generosity of the local AI builders blew me away. So much talent right here."

"Judging this year's Demo Night was a blast," said Marta Self, head of corporate philanthropy and executive director of the Regions Foundation. "The energy in the room was contagious, and the creativity each team brought reminded me just how much talent is growing right here in South Alabama. And even in the middle of the competition, I could see teams quietly supporting each other, which made the night feel even more special."

The Veterans Track — open to experienced builders — delivered equally impressive results.

"I was blown away by the talent," said Lindsey Benefield, fund manager and CEO of CoBridge Ventures, who served as a judge. "In just two weeks, the Veterans Track moved fast, launching real companies with real customers already using their products. Huge shoutout to Kai and Keith for showing what one idea and real collaboration can do to move people and an ecosystem forward."

The event drew judges and attendees from across the region's business, nonprofit and civic leadership.

"Hatch-a-thon showcases what is possible when community leaders, educators, students, aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators join together to solve real-world problems," said Lee Matthews, COO of Innovate Alabama. "It's a wonderful event for Alabama."

Adam Campbell, president of 68 Ventures, emphasized the mindset on display, saying: "Innovation doesn't start with perfection — it starts with action. Hatch-A-Thon was a powerful reminder of what happens when people stop talking and start building. Watching these teams test ideas, take feedback and turn concepts into real solutions was energizing. There's real talent here — and even more importantly, a mindset of action and taking a risk in something they believe in. People betting on themselves and at 68V, that's embedded into our culture and drives every team member. That same mindset was on full display, and it's encouraging to see the next generation stepping up with courage, discipline and a commitment to execution."

Unlike traditional 48-hour hackathons, Hatch-a-thon's two-week format allows participants to maintain their regular schedules while building quality solutions. The 2026 event ran from Jan. 15-29, with builders working on their own between the kickoff and demo night events.

Twenty-six business challenges from local organizations — including nine nonprofits — provided the foundation for the competition. Sponsors included Harris Vacation Rentals, Mississippi Export Railroad, C2 Wealth Strategies, Motive AI, University of South Alabama and Pilot Catastrophe Services.
Hatch-a-thon 2027 is scheduled for January. Organizations interested in sponsoring challenges or individuals wanting to participate can visit hatchathon.hatchfairhope.com for updates.