AI Innovation Challenge
Presented by SEED Innovation Hub and SOVA Innovation Hub
Learn AI. Solve a Real-World Problem. Build Something New.
The AI Innovation Challenge brings together high school students, educators, mentors, and community leaders to learn about artificial intelligence and develop solutions to real needs in Southern Virginia.
No prior AI or coding experience is required. Participation is free.
Phase 1: Virtual Workshops
Beginning in September 2026, educators, students, and community members can join free virtual workshops led by AI experts from Longwood University.
Participants will learn practical AI and product development skills that can help them move from identifying a problem to building and presenting a solution.
Workshop dates and registration links are located in the calendar below.
Phase 2: Team-Based Challenge
High school student teams will:
- Identify a real-world problem
- Learn from people affected by the problem
- Develop and test a solution
- Receive support from educators and mentors
- Present their work at the SOVA Innovation Hub in April 2027 for a chance to receive prize or grant funding to help implement their ideas
Students do not need a complete team or project idea before expressing interest. Student Teams will be matched with community mentors.
Upcoming Workshops
Workshop 1: Introduction & Q&A is required for participants continuing into the team-based challenge. Choose one of the two available dates. Workshops 2 and 3 each have one scheduled date.
To register, click a workshop in the calendar below, then select the Zoom registration link in the event details.
Who Can Participate?
Virtual Workshops
The virtual workshops are open to educators, students, and community members. Participants do not need to join a challenge team to attend.
Student Teams
Challenge teams are designed for students in grades 9–12. Public school, private school, and homeschool students are welcome. Please complete the Challenge Interest Form to join a team.
Lead Educators
One Lead Educator will be selected from each participating locality to serve as the primary contact for local student teams. Lead Educators do not need prior AI or coding experience or a complete student team to express interest. Lead Educator interest deadline: September 1, 2026. Please complete the Challenge Interest Form to apply.
College Students, Business Leaders, and Community Members
May attend Virtual Workshops; May also apply to serve as volunteer mentors; Mentors will be selected based on student team needs and relevant professional, industry, or community experience. Please complete the Challenge Interest Form to apply to be a Mentor.
Geographic Eligibility
Lead Educators and Student Teams must be based in one of these Virginia counties:
- Brunswick County
- Buckingham County
- Charlotte County
- Cumberland County
- Halifax County
- Lunenburg County
- Mecklenburg County
- Nottoway County
- Prince Edward County
Cost and Experience
- Cost: Free
- Student Team Eligibility: Grades 9–12
- Experience: No prior AI or coding experience required
- Workshop Format: Virtual
- Final Presentation: In person at the SOVA Innovation Hub in April 2027
Get Involved
Whether you want to lead local participation, join a student team, attend the workshops, or support students as a mentor, there is a way to participate. To get started, please complete the Challenge Interest Form linked below. Questions? Contact Jacob Dolence at dolenceja@longwood.edu >