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Vista Equity Partners Hosts 7th Annual Global Hackathon at HBCU

Vista Equity Partners, a global investment firm, hosted its 7th Annual Global Hackathon, focusing on the advancement of enterprise software solutions with generative AI. This year’s event was a first for the firm, as it was held at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), the University of the District of Columbia. Participants included undergraduate and graduate students from 12 different HBCUs. The event aimed to integrate these talented students into Vista's portfolio company teams, fostering innovation and creativity while providing them with invaluable hands-on experience and exposure to real-world challenges and solutions.

The Hackathon: A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration

The hackathon provided a platform for participants to collaborate and develop innovative enterprise software solutions using AI. Over 130 participants, representing 27 teams from Vista portfolio companies, worked on projects that utilized the power of generative AI. The event brought together diverse perspectives and fostered an atmosphere of collaboration, allowing students to learn from each other and gain valuable experience in the tech industry.

The University of the District of Columbia: Embracing AI and Innovation

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) served as the host for the hackathon. The university, a leading national public urban university, is committed to supporting the development of its students and fostering a culture of innovation. By hosting this event, UDC demonstrated its commitment to promoting AI and its applications in the field of enterprise software.

• UDC's Chief Operating Officer, David A. Franklin, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating that it aligns with the university's vision to establish itself as a leading national public urban university and specifically supports its strategic plan, "Delivering on the Promise."

The Impact of the Hackathon

The 7th Annual Global Hackathon at UDC was a success, bringing together talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and innovate in the field of AI and enterprise software. The event provided a platform for HBCU students to gain valuable experience, network with industry professionals, and contribute to the advancement of AI-powered solutions.

The Importance of HBCU Participation

The inclusion of HBCU students in this year’s hackathon was a significant step towards promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. By providing these students with the opportunity to engage with leading organizations like Vista Equity Partners, the hackathon empowers them to build successful careers in the field of AI and enterprise software.

The Winners: Showcase of AI-Driven Solutions

The event culminated with the announcement of winners in six categories, each showcasing the transformative potential of generative AI.

Category Winners

• Best Overall: Bonterra - Utilized Large Language Models (LLMs) to streamline the grant review process for funders.
• Peer Choice Award: PowerSchool - Developed a generative AI tool to create engaging, immersive, and effective instructional materials customized to each student's needs.
• Highest Customer Value: StarRez - Engineered an automated image-to-process system to streamline room setup, inspections, and billing for property managers and residents.
• Best UI / UX: BigTime Software - Provided professional service firms with instant insights into risks and opportunities for profitable service delivery using AI or a staff member.
• Most Innovative Use of New Technology: Poppulo - Automatically generated communications tailored to employee demographics and preferences, making smart suggestions through effective channels.
• Best Operational Efficiency: Avalara - Offered a workflow tool that automates business tasks using a network of generative LLM agents to execute complex workflows with a user-friendly interface.

The Future of AI in Enterprise Software

The hackathon demonstrated the potential of AI to revolutionize the enterprise software landscape. By harnessing the power of generative AI, companies can automate tasks, improve efficiency, and create innovative solutions that address complex challenges. The hackathon also emphasized the importance of collaboration, diversity, and inclusion in driving innovation in the tech industry.