Where New England’s Boldest Student Innovators Build the Future
In Partnership with RIHUB
Downtown Providence · CIC · 225 Dyer St.
Meet The Crew
BiggieFoot
UniCorn
AbomiBle
LLaMaThis Is Not Just Another Hackathon
It’s a two-day startup accelerator disguised as a competition. Whether you arrive with a half-formed idea, no idea, or a clear product vision—you’ll leave with real traction.
Build Like a Founder. Compete Like a Champion.
In 48 intense hours, you’ll use AI to validate demand, build features, prototype concepts, run user tests, and create traction that would normally take founders weeks or months.
The yconic team will train you on the same AI-powered startup methods used by today’s fastest-growing companies. You’ll learn how to rapidly generate user insights, craft prototypes in minutes, harness AI agents to automate major parts of your build, and create demos that impress both users and judges.
Whether you’re a developer, designer, business major, or complete beginner—this is your moment to build something extraordinary.
No Coding Experience Required
Our AI Coding Workshops + guided Non-CS track means anyone can build a real startup in 48 hours. Bring your ideas — AI handles the code.
Two Tracks. One Goal: Launch.
We’ve designed separate tracks to ensure everyone has a fair shot at winning—regardless of your technical background.
CS Majors Track
For students with programming experience who want to push the boundaries of what’s possible with AI-powered development.
- ✓ Advanced AI agent implementation
- ✓ MCP (Model Context Protocol) development
- ✓ Full-stack application building
- ✓ Custom AI model integration
- ✓ Vibe coding with Claude, Cursor & Windsurf
Non-CS Majors Track
For business, design, and other majors who want to build real products using AI as their coding co-pilot.
- ✓ Guided AI coding workshops included
- ✓ No-code and low-code tools available
- ✓ Business model validation focus
- ✓ User acquisition strategies
- ✓ AI-assisted MVP development
Eight Ways to Win
Total Cash Prizes
🏆 Best Startup Demonstrating Traction, Metrics & Growth Using AI
💡 Most Innovative Use of AI
⚡ Best Vibe Coding Startup by a CS Major
🌟 Best Vibe Coding Startup by a Non-CS Major
🤖 Best Enterprise Automation Agent (MCP)
📊 Best Use of AI to Validate User Interest
📈 Most Customer Sign-ups & User Interactions
❤️ Crowd Favorite
48 Hours That Will Change Everything
From kickoff party to final pitch—every moment is designed to accelerate your startup.
🎉 Kickoff Party & Team Formation
Electrifying kickoff with networking, team matching, idea sharing, and the official competition launch. The energy is unmatched.
🛠️ AI Coding Workshop
For those new to coding, our intensive workshop ensures you can build like a seasoned founder using AI tools as powerful extensions of your creativity.
⚡ Build Sprint
Non-stop building with mentor support, meals provided, and breakthrough after breakthrough. This is where startups are born.
🌙 Overnight Hacking
For the dedicated, the space remains open. Push through the night, fuel up, and keep building.
🎯 Final Polish & Submissions
Last chance to refine your MVP, practice your pitch, and submit your project before the deadline.
🏆 Demo Day & Awards Ceremony
Present to judges and the crowd. Winners announced. Cash prizes awarded. Your startup journey begins.
Fair Play. Real Results.
Simple rules designed to ensure everyone has a fair shot while encouraging maximum innovation.
Rhode Island Collegiate
Must be currently enrolled in a Rhode Island college or university. Team members can be from different institutions.
Build During the Event
All code and core product work must be created during the 48-hour hackathon. Pre-existing ideas are fine; pre-built code is not.
Team Size
Teams of 1-4 members. Solo builders welcome. You can form teams on-site during the kickoff party.
AI-First Required
Your startup must meaningfully incorporate AI—whether in the product itself, the development process, or both.
Original Work
Submissions must be original. Open-source libraries and AI coding assistants are permitted and encouraged.
Demonstrate Traction
Winners must show real evidence: user sign-ups, validated interest, working prototypes, or measurable metrics.
How We Pick Winners
Our judging panel evaluates startups on what matters most: traction, innovation, and execution.
Traction & Metrics
30% WeightReal users, sign-ups, revenue, or measurable engagement generated during the event.
Innovation & AI Use
25% WeightCreative and effective use of AI in the product, development process, or business model.
Problem-Solution Fit
20% WeightClear understanding of the customer problem and a compelling solution that addresses it.
Execution & Demo
15% WeightWorking prototype quality, polish, and effectiveness of the live demonstration.
Scalability
10% WeightPotential for growth and viability as a real business beyond the hackathon.
Submission Requirements
Clear guidelines to ensure your project is judged fairly.
Project Repository
Submit a public GitHub repository with your complete codebase and a detailed README explaining your project.
Demo Video
3-minute maximum video walkthrough demonstrating your product’s core functionality and AI features.
Pitch Deck
5-10 slide deck covering problem, solution, traction, AI usage, and market opportunity.
Traction Evidence
Screenshots, analytics, or documentation proving user engagement, sign-ups, or other metrics.
Live Demo Ready
Be prepared to give a live demonstration to judges during Demo Day—practice makes perfect!
AI Tools & Compute Power
We’re giving you access to the same tools used by professional AI developers and startups.
⚡ On-Premise NVIDIA Compute
Powered by yconic’s dedicated GPU infrastructure. No cloud limits. No throttling. Pure power.
GPU Clusters
API Calls
Uptime
Rate Limits
Built-In Workshops
Whether you’re a seasoned developer or completely new to coding, our workshops ensure you can build like a pro.
AI Coding Fundamentals
Perfect for non-CS majors. Learn to use AI as your coding co-pilot—no prior experience required.
Vibe Coding Mastery
Advanced techniques for rapid prototyping using Claude, Cursor, and Windsurf together.
Startup Traction Tactics
Learn yconic’s proven methods for generating real traction in hours, not months.
Expert Mentorship
The yconic Team Has Your Back
Throughout the event, experienced founders, engineers, and AI specialists will be available to help you break through obstacles and level up your build.
Technical Mentors
Debug code, optimize AI prompts, and solve architecture challenges in real-time.
Business Mentors
Refine your value proposition, validate your market, and sharpen your pitch.
AI Specialists
Master advanced AI techniques and implement cutting-edge features.
Design Mentors
Polish your UI/UX and create demos that wow the judges.
Everything You Need to Build
A festival-style environment designed for breakthrough ideas, collaboration, and nonstop momentum.
Downtown Providence · CIC · 225 Dyer St.
Modern Co-Working Space
Professional environment with standing desks, whiteboards, and breakout rooms for focused work.
Power & WiFi
Outlets at every workstation and blazing-fast enterprise WiFi throughout the venue.
24-Hour Access
The space stays open overnight for dedicated builders. Quiet zones available for rest.
Easy Check-In
Streamlined registration process. Just show your confirmation and get your badge.
Exclusive Swag
Every participant receives premium yconic gear to commemorate the experience.
Amazing Food & Drinks
You can’t build a world-changing startup on an empty stomach. All yconic events feature excellent FREE food and drinks throughout the entire weekend.
All Meals Included
You can’t build a world-changing startup on an empty stomach. All yconic events feature excellent FREE food and drinks throughout the entire weekend.
- 🌮Friday
Kickoff Party Dinner & Snacks - ☕Saturday
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Late Night - 🍕Sunday
Breakfast, Lunch & Victory Celebration
🍽️ Chef-Quality Catering
From burritos to Indian to Chinese cuisine—we mix it up to keep your taste buds happy and your energy high. Vegetarian and dietary options always available.
Ready to Build Your Startup?
Limited spots available. Apply now to secure your place in New England’s biggest collegiate AI hackathon.