Building the Next Generation of AI Researchers and Innovators
The Qualcomm Institute (QI) at the University of California San Diego offers hands-on artificial intelligence programs designed to provide students with practical experience in artificial intelligence/machine learning, data analysis, software development and emerging AI technologies.
Through team-based hands-on projects, participants move beyond classroom learning to conduct research-oriented AI analyses, develop AI-powered service platforms and present their work to a broader audience, including academic, professional and research communities. Students gain experience not only with AI technologies and big data analysis, but also with teamwork, project development, problem solving, communication and presentation.
The programs are generally open to participants from diverse educational backgrounds. Participants have included undergraduate and graduate students, as well as high school students, from the United States, South Korea and other countries.
“Students have to decide what problem they’re solving, choose the right data and methods, troubleshoot when things don’t work as expected, and explain why their solution is useful. That process turns knowledge into practical experience.”
Two Hands-On AI Programs
QI currently offers two AI programs each year, one focused on research, the other on entrepreneurship. Both programs emphasize hands-on learning-by-doing experiences. Rather than focusing exclusively on lectures or theoretical instruction, participants work collaboratively on projects throughout the program and apply what they learn to develop tangible outcomes.
AI Research
The QI AI Research-focused Project is a six-week winter program focused on hands-on research-oriented AI projects, data analysis and the application of AI methodologies to investigate real-world questions.
Participants work in teams to formulate research questions, explore and analyze datasets, apply AI and analytical methods and interpret their findings. The program emphasizes AI theory, research methodology, data analysis, KNIME, GitHub and other research-oriented tools.
At the end of the program, each team participates in the QI AI Research Hackathon Showcase, presenting its research findings, analytical results and AI-based approach. All participants are required to develop their project outcomes into a research paper for submission to a relevant academic conference or journal.
AI Entrepreneurship
The QI AI Entrepreneurship Program is a four-week summer program focused on developing practical AI applications and service platforms. The program is designed for students interested in applying AI to real-world problems and exploring opportunities in AI-based entrepreneurship.
During the program, participants learn fundamental AI concepts and gain hands-on experience with modern AI development tools and platforms, including the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) AI ecosystem, Claude Code, GitHub, Render and related technologies. Working in teams, students progress from identifying a problem and designing a solution to developing, deploying and demonstrating a functional AI service platform.
At the end of the program, each team participates in the QI AI Entrepreneurship Hackathon Showcase, presenting its AI service platform, technical implementation and potential real-world applications. Following the program, participants are required to either participate in a global AI-related entrepreneurship hackathon or pursue the development of a startup based on their project.
Past Programs and Hackathon Showcases
QI AI programs have been offered since 2016, providing students with opportunities to explore the rapidly evolving field of AI through hands-on projects.
Explore the program archives for a look back at past participants, their projects, AI research outcomes, and final presentations:
AI Research
- 16th QI AI Research-focused Project – Winter 2026
- QI AI Research Hackathon – Winter 2026
AI Entrepreneurship