Welcome to the 2026 CenterPoint Energy Enterprise Hackathon, hosted in collaboration with Code Coogs at the University of Houston!

This two-day hackathon challenges students to use artificial intelligence, data analytics, and software development to solve real-world problems faced by CenterPoint Energy.

Participants will work in teams of four, using industry-provided datasets to develop innovative solutions and present their projects to CenterPoint Energy professionals and leadership.

Teams will compete in one of four challenge tracks:

Track 1: Drone Imaging

Use AI and computer vision to classify objects, features, and conditions in drone-captured imagery.

Track 2: Predicting the Call Before It Happens

Predict which customers may contact CenterPoint Energy, why they might call, and when, to help improve proactive customer communication.

Track 3: Right Crew / Right Time

Identify outages likely to require additional crew visits and develop solutions to improve dispatch efficiency.

Track 4: Fraudulent Inspection Submissions

Analyze contracted inspection data to detect suspicious patterns and flag potentially fraudulent submissions for review.

• Date: November 12–13, 2026

• Location: University of Houston — PGH & Student Center

• Start Time: Thursday, November 12, at 3:00 PM

• End Time: Friday afternoon

• Team Size: 4 students

• Format: In-person

Projects will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Technical Execution: How effectively does the solution work?

• Innovation & Creativity: How original and creative is the approach?

• Impact & Practicality: How well does the solution address the real-world challenge?

• Presentation & Clarity: How clearly does the team explain and demonstrate its solution?

Teams will have the opportunity to present their projects to judges and CenterPoint Energy representatives.

The winning team will receive the opportunity to continue developing its project in collaboration with CenterPoint Energy during Spring 2027 as a Code Coogs project.

This opportunity allows students to further develop their solution, gain additional industry experience, and collaborate with CenterPoint Energy professionals.

Any additional prizes, recognition, or awards will be announced by the event organizers.

The continuation opportunity is subject to further coordination with CenterPoint Energy and Code Coogs.

Participants will receive further instructions regarding datasets, project requirements, event logistics, and presentations.

We look forward to seeing what you build!

Build solutions. Solve real problems. Make an impact.

• Innovation & Creativity
  How unique and creative is the solution? Judges will consider originality, problem-solving approaches, and innovative uses of technology.
• Real-World Impact & Feasibility
  How effectively does the solution address the CenterPoint Energy challenge? Judges will evaluate practicality, potential business impact, and feasibility of real-world implementation.
• Presentation & Clarity
  How clearly does the team explain and demonstrate its solution? Judges will evaluate the quality of the presentation, project demonstration, and ability to answer questions.
• Technical Execution
  How well does the solution work? Judges will evaluate functionality, technical implementation, and effective use of AI, data analytics, or software development.