Hatch-a-thon Winter 2026 - Kickoff Night 🚀

### What is Hatch-a-thon?

Hatch-a-thon is the Gulf Coast's premier AI innovation event where builders, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers tackle real challenges submitted by regional businesses. No all-nighters, no pizza-fueled sprints. Just meaningful work that fits your schedule.

### What Happens at Kickoff Night?

• Check-in & Networking — Meet fellow builders, grab a drink, find potential teammates
• Event Overview — Rules, timeline, and how to win
• Sponsor Challenge Presentations — Local businesses present the problems they need solved
• Team Formation & Challenge Selection — Find your squad (if you want one) and pick your challenge

### Who Should Attend?

• Builders — Developers, designers, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers ready to create
• Students — We have a dedicated High School Track
• Curious minds — Not ready to compete? Come see what innovation looks like in Lower Alabama

### Location & Directions

Baldwin Preparatory Academy 22791 US Highway 90 Loxley, AL 36551
Parking is available on-site. Enter through the main entrance.

### Three Tracks

• High School Track — Students grades 9-12 compete for dedicated prizes
• Explorer Track — New to hackathons or tech? This is your category
• Veteran Track — Experienced builders competing for top honors

### Registration

FREE for all tracks. Register at https://hatchathon.hatchfairhope.com/register/participant

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Presented by Hatch Fairhope & Lower Alabama AI

Sponsored by Pilot Catastrophe Services, Adams IP, Pilot Capital, C2 Wealth Management, Harris Vacations, Mississippi Export Railroad, Motive AI, and Belong in Baldwin