What to Build

Choose a challenge that resonates with you, form a team, and start building.

The best ideas will come from your curiosity and creativity, so don’t be afraid to experiment. You’ll have a month to work on your project. Use that time to explore what’s possible.

Projects will be judged based on their completeness and the impact they have on the sponsor’s mission.

Choose one of the following challenge statements:

Human-Centered Design Program @ MUSC

Background:
MedTech startups emerging from MUSC’s Human-Centered Design program often have strong clinical insight and innovative potential, but they face inconsistent access to the resources needed to advance their work. Finding the right people, services, funding, and tools often relies on informal networks, creating barriers for promising teams. HCD sees an opportunity to design a more responsive support system that reflects the evolving needs of these early-stage companies. 

Challenge Statement:
Design a system that helps early-stage MedTech startups at MUSC get matched with the right resources. The solution should be intuitive and adaptable to each team’s unique and changing needs while also strengthening coordination across the innovation ecosystem.

Possible solutions include:

• A startup plan that evolves with the team and highlights unmet needs in real time

• A visual dashboard to help founders understand what’s ahead and who can help

• An “AI Innovation Concierge Agent” that acts as a smart personalized guide connecting startups to the right mentors, funding, legal support, etc.

• A Resource Exchange where startups and experts can offer/request support transparently

SC Competes / SC Tech

Connecting the Dots: A Statewide Innovation Hub for SC’s Tech Ecosystem
Background:
South Carolina’s innovation and tech ecosystem is growing rapidly, with activity in Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, and beyond. However, there’s no centralized way to promote events, track news, or connect key players. This lack of coordination creates overlap, missed opportunities, and reduced visibility. Founders and partners need a better way to see “who’s here” and how to plug in.

Challenge Statement:
Design a digital platform that brings together South Carolina’s tech, AI, cyber, and innovation sectors in one place. The tool should help users track events, discover news, avoid scheduling conflicts, and connect with others. (Categorization by region: Lowcountry, Midlands, Upstate would be a plus.)

Possible solutions include:

• An AI-powered aggregator that scrapes and updates content from trusted calendars and newsletters

• A user-submitted event platform with admin moderation

• A statewide interactive calendar that flags conflicts and suggests collaborations

• A “Who’s Here” directory of startups, accelerators, investors, etc., possibly linked to SCAN: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/4f9dcfcd608348a3b08fef28962bf20c/

• A simple map/dashboard showing SC’s innovation activity at a glance

Town of Mount Pleasant

Background:
Mount Pleasant is home to a growing number of innovative companies across tech, life sciences, creative services, and more, but they’re often disconnected. There’s no system in place to help these businesses find each other or collaborate. The town also wants to position itself as a destination for startups by cultivating a visible, supportive innovation ecosystem.

Challenge Statement:
Design a tech-based tool that identifies and connects Mount Pleasant’s innovation-driven businesses, while also attracting new ones to the community.

Possible solutions include:

• A searchable map or directory of local innovation companies

• A browser-based guide to help newcomers discover who’s here and how to connect

• A storytelling tool to highlight what’s being built in Mount Pleasant and why it matters

• Visualizations using open data or geolocation to show innovation clusters in real time

The solution should be mobile friendly, avoid forced app downloads, and prioritize simplicity and privacy. Bonus points for creating a sense of community and momentum.

Build Carolina

🎓 Challenge 1: Grad Showcase
Build a polished, searchable platform for Build Carolina graduates to showcase their best work to potential employers.

Why it matters:
Graduates need a professional way to present their projects. This tool doubles as a talent directory for hiring partners.

Suggested features:

• Profiles with photo, bio, contact info

• Project uploads with GitHub links, screenshots, and write-ups

• Search and filtering by tech stack or specialty

• Admin panel for reviewing and approving entries

• “Hire Me” buttons linking to LinkedIn or email

💻 Challenge 2: Sharepad-Style Pair Programming Tool
Create a collaborative code editor for live instruction, mock interviews, and remote pair programming.

Why it matters:
Lightweight tools for real-time collaboration are essential in remote learning and hiring settings. AI feedback adds value for both learners and instructors.

Suggested features:

• Real-time multi-user editing

• Syntax highlighting (e.g., JS, Python)

• Session saving and sharing

• One-click room creation (no login required)

• Optional AI feedback (bug detection, summarization, suggestions)

Charleston Parks Conservancy

Challenge Statement:

Design an AI-powered platform that identifies potential volunteers to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy’s mission by leveraging their skills, experience, and commitment to community service. Through meaningful volunteer opportunities, we aim to foster active lifestyles, social connection, and civic pride while advancing the care and enhancement of Charleston’s public parks.

Possible solutions include:

• Organizations that encourage volunteerism including retirement association, union organization or affinity group in the Charleston tri-county region, producing a directory with organization, contact person/contact info for organization

• Individuals in the Charleston area that have volunteered or have indicated a desire to giveback or serve through horticulture, gardening, landscaping producing output file of name, email address and/or phone number

Focus on deployable, software-based solutions with clear, measurable outcomes.

Meet With Your Team

Teams will kick off the project by defining a one-month roadmap, assigning roles, setting weekly check-ins, and outlining deliverables. All solutions must be software-based, but teams are free to use any platform or technology. This event is completely tech agnostic.

📤 Project & Submission Requirements

• Attendance: Launch event is held in person at Charleston Parks Conservancy. Projects from remote participants will not be accepted.

• Submission Platform: Devpost

• Required for Submission:

  • A written description of the project

  • A short demo video (under 3 minutes)

  • A link to your prototype

  • A breakdown of team roles and responsibilities

Submissions must be posted on Devpost by June 27, 2025 by 11:59 PM.