MassMakes Innovation Challenge 2026 at the Basketball Hall of Fame

Today BV Hub participated in the 4th annual MassMakes Innovation Challenge, led by our friends at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. Surrounded by nearly 300 Middle and High School students across Massachusetts at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA, this event was the perfect kick off to Massachusetts STEM Week!

Throughout the program, our BV Hub team including, Executive Director, Ashley Bregman, and President, Joscelyn Young, provided guidance and support for students (along with administrators) as they embarked on an exploration of AI-powered applications.

The workshop was run by Playlab, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that lets educators, students, and staff build custom AI chatbots, and interactive learning tools. The Playlab team outlined 8 topics to focus on as the enthusiastic students developed apps to address real-world problems.

• Mental Health & Social-Emotional Wellness

• Advocacy & Social Good

• Education & Accessibility

• Health & Preventative Care

• Climate Action & Sustainability

• Finance, Economic Equity & Inclusion

• Smart Communities & Public Safety

• Entertainment, Creativity, & the Future of AI

Based on one of the above bullet points, a handful of students were selected to share their apps on the jumbotron with the audience. Some memorable presentations given by the students included an app designed for road safety minimizing car crashes and another outlining self-care strategies to provide support and resources during menstrual cycles. An audience favorite was the "MTG Gaming App." This application was designed to optimize gaming strategies and materials for Magic: The Gathering players. As students shared their designs they were prompted to discuss the limitations of AI & the importance of putting guardrails in place while interacting with this technology. Each presentation was followed by a huge round of applause.

Students had the opportunity to meet Steve Zrike, Massachusetts Secretary of Education and proudly repeated the popular catch phrase, "STEM starts now!" The MassMakes Innovation Challenge was made possible by MA AI Hub, and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education (MassEOE). Participating schools included: Agawam, Central, High School Commerce, Monson, Pathfinder, Putnam, South Hadley, Sutton, Westfield, West Springfield, and Zanetti Magnet School.

Learn more about upcoming event opportunities for your school by contacting barrett.lauren@bvhub.org.