CAI | Center for Augmenting Intelligence in Urban Health
CAI | Center for Augmenting Intelligence in Urban Health
The Aging Well AI Challenge is a curated AI design challenge focused on supporting the aging process across the lifespan—from building healthy habits early, to midlife prevention, to thriving later in life. Teams submit ideas in advance; selected finalists present live during an evening showcase with speakers, sponsor spotlights, and Promptathon games.
Aging is not a stage of life—it’s a lifelong process. This challenge invites students and community innovators to design responsible AI concepts that strengthen wellbeing, resilience, independence, and connection for people at every age.
Finalists will pitch live at the April 10 showcase hosted by the Center for Augmenting Intelligence.
Submit a simple package:
Afternoon start: check-in + networking + speakers + sponsor spotlights + Promptathon games
5:00–9:00 PM Final Showcase: finalist pitches + featured speaker + Promptathon stage games + awards
Sponsors help power:
Interested in sponsoring? Email: CAI@udmercy.ed
AI Design Challenge + Showcase
Advance responsible AI concepts that support lifelong wellbeing and resilience
Submissions due March 30, 2026 | Final Showcase April 10, 2026
Student Union Fountain Lounge
Executive Director, American Arab Chamber of Commerce
Bilal Hammoud is Executive Director of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Tejara, an incubator for immigrant entrepreneurs. Appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to Michigan’s Workforce Development Commission, he has held leadership roles in state and local government. He holds degrees from Wayne State University and a Master’s in Public Administration, along with executive certifications from Michigan State and Harvard. He actively serves on several boards and community initiatives.
AWS Principal Healthcare Account Lead
Franz Salas is an AWS Principal Healthcare Account Lead, driving strategic partnerships with leading health systems to deploy cloud and AI solutions that improve patient care. His expertise includes healthcare technology, enterprise modernization, and regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, GxP, and GDPR. He previously held account leadership roles at Google and is based in Detroit. Franz is excited to support the AI AgeWell Challenge as a mentor and judge.
Former Provost & VP for Academic Administration, Madonna University
Dr. Deborah Dunn is a retired Provost and Vice President for Academic Administration at Madonna University, where she also served as Interim Dean of Nursing and Health. With over 20 years as nursing faculty, her expertise includes gerontological nursing, academic leadership, and healthcare education. A certified Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, she has maintained clinical practice in long-term care and held national leadership roles in professional organizations. She has received multiple honors, including being named one of Michigan’s 100 Notable Women in Education Leadership by Crain’s Detroit Business, and continues to serve on healthcare and hospice boards in Michigan.
President of Walsh Ventures and CU Ventures
Daniel Sem is President of Walsh Ventures and CU Ventures, Managing Partner of the Talents Venture Capital Fund, and Executive Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Walsh College. A scientist, entrepreneur, and investor with 25+ years of experience in healthcare and biotech innovation, he has co-founded multiple biotech companies and several nonprofits. Dr. Sem has authored over 75 research papers, holds 10 patents, and earned a PhD in Biochemistry along with MBA and JD degrees. He leads angel investment and accelerator programs focusing on early-stage healthcare startups, and is passionate about mentoring students and advancing entrepreneurship.
Computer Science Instructor, University of Detroit Mercy
Dr. Caitlin Snyder is a Computer Science Instructor in the College of Engineering & Science at the University of Detroit Mercy. She earned her Ph.D. in Computer Science from Vanderbilt University and holds a B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics from Xavier University. Her research focuses on artificial intelligence in education and explores how AI can be used to better understand and support student learning. Caitlin is passionate about the ethical and effective integration of AI into education, emphasizing human-centered design and collaboration between educators, students, and intelligent systems.
Submit by March 30, 2026, to be considered for finalist selection.
Email: CAI@udmercy.edu | Website: cai.udmercy.edu