Event Recap / Newlab Detroit
Think on the Spot Hackathon
One hour. Ten builders. One $500 grand prize.
Think Technologies hosted its first Think on the Spot Hackathon at Newlab Detroit. We did not know exactly what to expect, but ten people showed up ready to experiment, collaborate, and build something that could benefit Newlab, Michigan Central, or the broader City of Detroit community.
Show up. Build something. Make an impact.
The Challenge
Turn an idea into a working solution in one hour.
Teams could use any AI tool, platform, or technology they wanted. The goal was not to arrive with a polished business plan. The goal was to think quickly, collaborate, experiment, and create something tangible that could have a real impact.
Build for Detroit
Create something that could benefit Newlab, Michigan Central, or the broader Detroit community.
Use Any Technology
Teams were free to use the AI tools, platforms, and technologies that best supported their idea.
Build and Pitch
Each team had only 60 minutes to develop its concept and present a clear, practical solution.
The Experience
Building confidence by building something real.
From the moment the clock started, participants had to make decisions quickly, divide responsibilities, test ideas, and turn their concepts into something they could demonstrate.
The competition moved fast and included a few unexpected plot twists, but every team remained focused on creating value. More importantly, participants stepped outside their comfort zones and gained hands-on experience building with AI.
First Place
Congratulations, Jess and Alex.
After a fast-paced hour of building, problem-solving, and pitching, Jess Cummings and Alex Shammami came out on top and earned the $500 grand prize.
Their win represented exactly what Think on the Spot was created to encourage: practical creativity, quick execution, teamwork, and the confidence to bring a new idea to life.
Grand
Prize
Community, collaboration, and impact.
Thank you to every participant who showed up ready to build and to Newlab Detroit for helping us bring the first challenge to life.
What Comes Next
This is only the beginning.
Think on the Spot is a new Think Technologies hackathon series designed to make building with AI more accessible, close the knowledge gap, and help people gain confidence through hands-on creation. We plan to bring the experience to more communities and give people from every background an opportunity to build what is next.