University of Advancing Technology's Official Technology Blog

University of Advancing Technology students win Seed.AI Hack-A-Thon in Phoenix.

Hacking the Future

The University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is celebrating another major win as students Keegan Heaton and Ozzy James secured first place at the Hack The Future: Phoenix event held on December 5th in Downtown Phoenix. This thrilling hackathon, sponsored by SeedAI, the Arizona Technology Council, and T-Mobile, was laser-focused on artificial intelligence and drew an impressive lineup of industry experts, led by Mindy Kernacs, CEO of Mercurio.AI.

The event was a fantastic opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in the rapidly evolving world of AI. It began with a fundamentals workshop designed to teach AI concepts in an approachable and engaging way. Students and professionals alike explored the core principles of machine learning, natural language processing, and other foundational AI topics.

The competition revolved around red teaming, a cybersecurity tactic that UAT students know intimately. In this high-stakes event, participants took on the role of an "enemy," attempting to manipulate AI prompts to elicit specific responses. Challenges ranged from seemingly simple tasks, like coercing the AI to create ice cubes, to complex, scenario-driven social engineering puzzles. Red teaming serves a critical purpose: simulating real-world attacks to identify vulnerabilities, enabling ethical hackers to develop stronger preventive measures.

The Path to Victory

Keegan Heaton and Ozzy James led the charge for UAT, applying the problem-solving techniques they mastered in their cybersecurity courses. Their efforts not only showcased their technical expertise but also highlighted UAT’s commitment to hands-on, real-world learning.

UAT regularly hosts red team and blue team attacks on its Tempe campus, immersing students in simulated cybersecurity scenarios to prepare them for challenges like those faced at Hack The Future. These events are integral to UAT’s robust curriculum, designed to give students a competitive edge in the ever-evolving tech industry.

The event wasn’t just about competition; it was a convergence of some of the brightest minds in technology. With the backing of SeedAI, the Arizona Technology Council, and T-Mobile, participants explored cutting-edge AI applications and cybersecurity strategies under the guidance of industry leaders

Are you ready to dive into the world of cybersecurity and learn the vital industry concepts that led UAT to victory? Discover UAT’s Cybersecurity degree program, designed to equip students with the skills to tackle today’s most pressing tech challenges.

Learn more about UAT’s Cybersecurity Degrees.