GridHack 2026 is an exciting, hands-on competition in which student teams compete to deliver the most accurate AI-augmented building energy audit. During this 3-hour live competition, teams will work with real-world building energy data and leverage cutting-edge AI tools to develop a BEPS compliance analysis, a retrofit roadmap, and a compelling grant narrative. The challenge culminates in a thrilling finale, where a DHCD-qualified auditor’s sealed findings are revealed live—allowing teams to compare their results against professional insights.

The winning team can earn up to $40,000 in fellowship funding, with paid fellowship positions worth up to $10,000 per person through the Responsible AI Lighthouse Fellowship. Every discipline is welcome - CS, environmental science, policy, design, engineering. No energy experience needed. Bring your laptop. Whether you're passionate about AI, sustainability, or engineering, GridHack provides a unique platform to gain real-world experience, collaborate with peers, and showcase your skills in a high-impact environment.

Get more information and register here

Up for Science and Politics: Understanding Data Centers

8:30-10 am Tuesday, March 24, UMBC University Center 312

Data centers power everything from traffic predictions and fraud detection on credit cards. At UMBC, researchers are developing AI-powered treatments for stomach disorders and AI tools that help students learn and thrive, among other projects. Data centers also have implications for public health, the environment, and energy capacity. Yet even as Maryland is poised to be the next major data center hub, many residents don't know what they are, how they work, and what they power.

Join us for a conversation with Maryland policymakers and UMBC experts as they unpack the science behind data centers, key policy and ethical debates surrounding their construction, and how leaders can effectively communicate the costs and benefits of data centers to the public.

Moderator

Dr. Anupam Joshi, Vice Provost, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer

Panelists

Jack Suess, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, UMBC
Del. Brian Crosby, District 29B
Del. Chao Wu, District 9A
Dr. Tim Finin, Research Prof., UMBC Dept. of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
Dr. Ida Ngambeki, Assistant Professor,  UMBC Depart. of Information Systems
Dr. Karen Chen, Assistant Professor, UMBC Department of Information Systems
David Lapp, People's Counsel, Maryland Office of People's Counsel

More information

Register here