What an incredible evening! Thank you to everyone who joined us on April 10th for the AgeWell AI-Challenge at the University of Detroit Mercy!
The AgeWell AI-Challenge invited students from all majors to collaborate on creative, interdisciplinary projects using AI to support healthy aging and quality of life. Students had the opportunity to develop real-world solutions and showcase their work to faculty and industry professionals. The innovation reminded us all of what’s possible when technology meets purpose.
We extend our sincere thanks to our featured speakers, Professor Pamela Zarkowski, Dr. Ahmed Radwan, and Dr. Phillip Olla, for setting the tone of the evening and reinforcing the importance of innovation, education, and purpose-driven AI.
The energy extended far beyond the competition floor. The Student Union buzzed with activity, featuring a live talent show in the ballroom and a theater performance in the lower level, creating a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere. Attendees also experienced an AI-powered augmented reality art exhibition by Justin Gignac, highlighting the intersection of technology, creativity, and human experience.
A Dynamic and Engaging Experience
Beyond the competition, attendees enjoyed interactive AI demonstrations, trivia games, and audience challenges, with prizes including Kindle and Alexa devices, adding to the excitement. The event successfully blended academic innovation with entertainment, creating an engaging and inclusive experience for all.
We are proud to announce our winners:
🥇 First Place — SafeSTEP Socks
Hannah Kuruvilla & Royam Fatima
🥈 Tied Second Place — HydraBreath
Alyssa Jarvis & Ava Bandi
🥈 Tied Second Place — AI Hearing Aid
Madison Kozlowski, Marah Winkles, Kinsley Noel
🥉 Tied Third Place — Carepanion
Kayla Sana
🥉 Tied Third Place — Sweat Patch
Sophia Bahri, Meredith Leavell, Amal Aldhahi
👏 Innovation Minute Audience Choice — Wearable AI Device
Naglaa Elgammal, Brian Mendoza, Ahmad Patterson, Hawah Teah, Jace Worrell
Big thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible:
American Arab Chamber of Commerce
- Tejara
- Amazon Web Services
- Pace – Southeast Michigan
- CUVentures
And to our great judges: Bilal Hammoud, Franz Salas, Daniel Sem, Deborah Dunn & Caitlin Snyder. Thank you for your commitment and insights to fostering the next generation of innovators.
Also, thank you to the whole CAI team for planning, organizing, and hosting this successful event! Phillip Olla, Sara Gifford, Louis Simon, Latifa Amzil, Ava Bandi, Josh McFolley, Sara Shannan, Samara Nhab, Nina Maleki, Nina Favor.
Looking Ahead
Now in its third year, the AI Challenge continues to grow as a signature event at Detroit Mercy, demonstrating how students, faculty, and community partners can come together to create meaningful, AI-driven solutions.
We extend a special thank you to the faculty who incorporated the AI AgeWell Challenge into their courses (Dr. Julia Stocker Schneider, Dr. Terry Howard, Dr. Caitlin Snyder), creating space for students to engage in applied, real-world innovation. Your commitment to experiential learning continues to elevate the impact of this initiative.
As we look ahead, we are excited to welcome new themes and expanded opportunities for 2027, building on the momentum of this year’s success and continuing to push the boundaries of what students can create at the intersection of AI and society.
The future is being shaped by bold ideas, and we are proud to be part of the journey.
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