New Jersey, April 22, 2026 – The United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®) today announced a strategic partnership American University of Sharjah (AUS)which will give AUS students the opportunity to participate in USAII’s Global AI Hackathon 2026A major international competition that brings together as many people as possible 20,000 Students from all over the world.
Through the hackathon, AUS students will join a diverse global community to design, build and showcase real-world AI solutions on an international stage. Open to students from diverse academic backgrounds, the competition offers participants the opportunity to work in teams, receive guidance and present their ideas to an international panel of judges.
The collaboration puts the hackathon at the center of the partnership, reflecting a shared vision between USAII® and AUS to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) education, foster global innovation, and equip students with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
“The future of AI will be shaped by institutions that combine academic rigor with real-world application,” said mike spaethGlobal Vice President of Growth and Partnerships at USAII®. “The American University of Sharjah is doing exactly that – building a pipeline of globally competitive, AI-ready talent. Through USAII’s Global AI Hackathon, we are proud to provide AUS students a platform to apply their skills, collaborate across borders, and lead in the next generation of innovation.”
As part of the hackathon experience, students will create AI solutions that solve meaningful challenges, strengthen their innovation and problem-solving skills, connect with a global network of mentors and peers, and compete for recognition and awards. The program includes a global kickoff session, a week-long creation phase, project submission and judging, and a global showcase and awards ceremony.
Key dates for USAII’s Global AI Hackathon 2026 are as follows: Registration opens now 26 April to 6 June 2026; Where will the hackathon take place? 14th June to 21st June 2026; and awards ceremony will be held 27 June 2026. Students can register here https://aihackathon.usaii.org or contact (email protected) For more information.
Leader in AI education and innovation
AUS has established a strong and growing presence in AI education through a combination of specialized programs, interdisciplinary degrees, and applied research initiatives. Its major Master of Science in Machine Learning provides advanced training in areas such as deep learning, computer vision, and data science, while graduate programs in Intelligent Systems, Computer Science, and Data Analytics integrate AI into real-world applications including robotics, smart infrastructure, and autonomous systems.
“At AUS, we see AI as both a technological frontier and a strategic driver of future economic and social progress,” said Dr. Fadi AloulDean of AUS College of Engineering. “This partnership with USAII creates an important pathway for our students to move beyond theory and engage in high-impact, solution-oriented innovation with peers around the world. It reinforces our commitment to developing globally competitive talent equipped to shape the future of AI with technical excellence, creativity, and responsibility.”
This comprehensive approach ensures that students from all disciplines gain practical, career-ready AI skills tailored to global industry needs, making AUS an ideal partner for global initiatives like the USAII Hackathon.
Beyond the classroom, AUS is driving innovation through campus-wide initiatives that promote AI literacy and industry collaboration, as well as dedicated research centers focused on AI, robotics, and smart cities. Through conferences, partnerships and practical learning opportunities, the University continues to strengthen its role as a leading contributor to the Middle East’s rapidly growing AI ecosystem.
Advancing future-ready skills on a global platform
By combining USAII’s global platform with AUS’s academic excellence and innovation ecosystem, this partnership creates a powerful opportunity for students to gain real-world AI experience while representing their university on an international stage.
Together, USAII and AUS are pursuing a shared mission: democratizing access to AI education, empowering the next generation of leaders, and driving meaningful impact through technology.
About USAII®
The United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®) is the world’s leading provider of AI certification, offering comprehensive and industry-relevant programs designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to excel in an AI-powered economy. USAII’s certifications are recognized globally for their excellence and practical relevance. For more information visit www.usaii.org.
about australia
AUS is a leading educational institution in the Middle East, dedicated to advancing society through academic excellence, research, innovation and meaningful collaboration with industry and culture. For more information, visit https://www.aus.edu/
