AI Commons

Live from the Hackathon: SFSU Students on AI

How are students actually using AI—in education, their lives, and as they prepare for future careers?

Join in as a panel of SFSU students engage in live conversation about how they use AI, where they see value and limitations, and how they believe this technology is changing their education and the workforce they are preparing to enter.

Broadcast live from the SF Hacks X GDG AI Hackathon, student panelists will gather to discuss AI in their coursework, the potential impact on careers and the opportunities and challenges posed by the emerging technology. Audience members via Zoom will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the student panel.

Hear directly from students and get a glimpse into the creativity, experimentation and energy happening throughout the hackathon. This panel gives SFSU community insight into the larger event, the AI Hackathon co-sponsored by SF Hacks, the SFSU chapter of Google Developer Groups (GDG) and the SFSU AI Student Commons. The hackathon runs all day on Friday, October 2, 2026; "Live from the Hackathon: SFSU Students on AI" will be held onsite at the hackathon from 12 — 1 p.m., with participants joining the conversation via Zoom (registration is required).

"Live from the Hackathon: SFSU Students on AI" is open to the SFSU campus community. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to join.

SF Hacks x GDG AI Hackathon

San Francisco State University will bring together college and university students from across the Bay Area for a day of AI building, experimentation and collaboration at the SF Hacks x GDG AI Hackathon, organized by SF Hacks and the Google Developer Group (GDG), hosted with support from the SFSU AI Student Commons.

The event welcomes students from SFSU and colleges and universities from across San Francisco and the Bay Area to work individually or in teams on AI-enabled projects that demonstrate creativity, innovation and new approaches to solving meaningful real-world problems. Throughout the day, participants will have opportunities to attend optional workshops, connect with mentors and industry professionals, experiment with emerging technologies and develop their ideas into working prototypes. The event will culminate in a project showcase and judging with more than $2,000 in prizes awarded across multiple categories. Participants of all experience levels and affiliation are welcome.

Participation is open to currently enrolled students at any college or university. Additional details, including challenge tracks, workshops, sponsors, mentors, event times, and registration coming soon.

  • When: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Who: SFSU and all interested college/university students
  • Where:  SFSU Student Life Center Annex
  • Cost: Free to register

EVENT DAY SCHEDULE

Time

Event

Details

9 – 10 a.m.

Check-In & Team Building

Get checked in, meet other participants, and find teammates.

10 – 11 a.m.

Opening Ceremony

Welcome, event overview, and important announcements.

11 a.m.

Hacking Begins!

Teams begin working on their projects.

12 – 1 p.m.

Workshop #1

Attend an optional workshop to learn new skills while continuing to work on your project.

1 – 2 p.m.

Lunch

Take a break and enjoy lunch.

2 – 4 p.m.

Hacking & Project Finalization

Continue working on and finalizing your project.

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Workshop #2

Attend an optional workshop while continuing to work

on your project.

4:45 p.m.

Submission Deadline

All projects must be submitted by 4:45 PM.

5 – 5:45 p.m.

Project Presentations

Judges visit each team. Be ready to present and demo

your project!

6 – 6:30 p.m.

Judging

Judges evaluate projects while participants network and relax.

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Closing Ceremony & Awards

Winners are announced and awards are presented

7:30 – 8 p.m.

Networking

Participants can stay and network with fellow hackers, judges and guests.

Note: Times may shift slightly — we will keep you posted throughout the day!

AI Student Commons: ChatGPT 101

Curious about how to use ChatGPT effectively? Join us for a 90-minute interactive session in LIB 282. This workshop will introduce you to the basics of ChatGPT, including how to get started, explore key features, and use it responsibly and efficiently for learning, research, and creativity.
The session includes a live demonstration, guided feature overview, and a hands-on component where you’ll have the opportunity to experiment and ask questions.

AI Student Commons: ChatGPT 101

Curious about how to use ChatGPT effectively? Join us for a 90-minute interactive session in LIB 282. This workshop will introduce you to the basics of ChatGPT, including how to get started, explore key features, and use it responsibly and efficiently for learning, research, and creativity.
The session includes a live demonstration, guided feature overview, and a hands-on component where you’ll have the opportunity to experiment and ask questions.