On April 16–17, students from Academy of Art University and Brazil’s Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) teamed up for an international AI Hackathon focused on preserving the Amazon Rainforest. In just two days, student teams developed ad campaigns, product concepts, apps, and other creative initiatives aimed at protecting one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems.
This marks the second collaboration between the two schools. “We saw an opportunity to unite creativity, technology, and global impact,” said Antonio Borja, Executive Director of the School of Industrial Design. “Partnering with UFSC allowed our students to learn from different cultures to tackle one of the world’s most urgent challenges.”
Using tools like Adobe Firefly, Vizcom AI, Mooed AI, and ChatGPT, students proposed everything from AI-powered systems to detect illegal deforestation to immersive VR experiences and consumer awareness campaigns. “The ideas were bold, actionable, and forward-thinking,” Borja said.
The Academy believes in the power of AI to serve as a tool for good. Through more than 18 dedicated AI courses, students learn how to harness these cutting-edge technologies to enhance their creative problem-solving. Whether they’re designing a sustainable product or launching a global awareness campaign, they’re using AI to make art and change that works in the real world.
Students worked quickly and collaboratively, overcoming language and cultural barriers. “They found ways to combine artistic vision and technical skill to create meaningful solutions,” said Borja. “It was a great example of how Human Intelligence should always drive AI, not the other way around.”
Borja hopes the experience inspires students to recognize their creative power in addressing global issues. “Creativity is a powerful tool for change. I hope they walk away from this feeling like they can lead that change.”
The hackathon proved that with passion, innovation, and teamwork, the next generation of designers and artists can make a real impact on global issues.
