NPS Launches AI Hackathon to Tackle Military Challenges with Student Innovators

An AI Hackathon recently showcased the innovative capabilities of students from the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, California, as they tackled real-world military challenges. This event marked the culmination of a course dedicated to applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to defense problems, developed in coordination with the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA).

Participants formed three teams, each focusing on refining the Lessons Learned/After Action Report (AAR) tool. This tool is critical for the Marine Corps Center for Lessons Learned, providing analytical insights to enhance operational performance and drive organizational progress. Students utilized the NPS High Performance Computing Center and the “Hamming” supercomputer, employing AI and ML techniques to advance the tool’s efficacy in delivering actionable intelligence.

As one of 14 essential tech areas in the National Defense Science and Technology Strategy, AI’s role in military operations is growing. This course immersed students in AI/ML tools, emphasizing real-world project integration and collaboration, aligning academic efforts with defense needs.

Lt. Cmdr. Margaret Graves, an NPS graduate student, noted, “The Hackathon format allowed us to apply our AI/ML skills collaboratively to support the Marine Corps’ operational readiness directly.” Such initiatives not only expand technical expertise but also foster networking and multidisciplinary collaboration, with students interacting with peers from varied military sectors and receiving mentorship from industry and military leaders.

The AI Hackathon concluded with presentations on Dec. 17, where teams presented their findings to military leaders and industry experts, showcasing their efforts and receiving valuable feedback for their continued development.

Mathias Kolsch, an associate professor at NPS, remarked, “By integrating academic knowledge with practical tools, students gain invaluable experience that readies them for immediate and future military and tech challenges.”

This event underscores a commitment to forging future military and civilian leaders through collaborative engineering challenges and adoption of cutting-edge technologies.

Looking ahead, Dr. Gurminder Singh, Computer Science Department Chair, expressed enthusiasm for incorporating hackathons more broadly into the curriculum, strengthening the connection between academic learning and operational command requirements. Such events promise to equip students with skills directly relevant to military applications, setting the groundwork for innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.

Since its establishment in 1909, NPS has been at the forefront of defense-focused education, providing advanced degrees and research opportunities to Department of Defense personnel and international partners, aiming to deliver transformative leadership and technological advancements.