This data challenge and datathon event brings transdisciplinary teams together to build community-engaged artificial intelligence (AI) to address healthcare challenges faced by Rhode Islanders. Working with SyntheticRI (a synthetic dataset designed to reflect the demographics, health conditions, and lived realities of Rhode Island communities), teams will develop and propose a practical, implementable AI solution to a healthcare challenge in the Ocean State. Selected teams may be selected to pilot or implement solutions in real-world Rhode Island settings.

The event is organized into three parts:

1. Data Challenge: Teams will develop AI solutions for a healthcare challenge.
2. Datathon: The top-scoring teams will be invited to a two-day in-person datathon event to further refine their solutions based on expert and community feedback.
3. Symposium: Finalist teams will present their AI solutions at our statewide symposium.

Teams are encouraged to focus on AI-driven solutions related to the following high-mortality clinical themes:

• Cardiovascular Disease & Hypertension: Tools and approaches that improve risk identification, prevention, and management of cardiovascular conditions across Rhode Island communities.
• Cancer Prevention & Early Detection: Innovations that support screening, early detection, awareness, and equitable access to cancer prevention resources.

Community Focus Highlight: Priority will be given to projects addressing health challenges affecting Hispanic/Latino communities and other underserved populations in Rhode Island.

Participants can include students, postdoctoral scholars, and faculty, as well as healthcare professionals, data scientists, AI developers, and community members. The symposium is designed to foster transdisciplinary collaboration across academic, clinical, technical, and community perspectives to advance community-engaged AI solutions for health.

Participation Requirements:

• Teams must consist of 2 to 5 members.
• All participants must be at least 18 years of age.
• Individuals may participate on only one team.
• Teams are strongly encouraged to include community members, clinicians, or public health practitioners to support meaningful community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Projects will be evaluated by a transdisciplinary jury of clinicians, community members, and academic researchers based on:

• Community relevance and engagement
• Potential real-world impact
• Innovation and creativity
• Technical quality
• Feasibility

Awards & Recognition:

• The winning and runner-up teams will receive cash prizes.
• The top five finalists will receive formal certificate recognition.