Aramco champions next generation of innovators at LA Hacks 2026
As Southern California’s premier collegiate hackathon celebrated its 14th anniversary, Aramco stood alongside student innovators as a top sponsor of the event.
More than 1,000 students came together at UCLA for LA Hacks 2026, a high‑energy weekend where ideas turned into real solutions in just 36 hours. As Southern California’s premier collegiate hackathon celebrated its 14th anniversary, Aramco stood alongside student innovators as a top sponsor of the event.
Aramco Americas Academic & Technical Program Manager May Almansour addressed hackathon participants during the opening ceremony of LA Hacks in Los Angeles.
Aramco Americas Academic & Training Program Manager May AlMansour kicked off the weekend at the opening ceremony, encouraging students to think boldly and fully embrace the experience ahead.
“We are amazed by young innovators like you who continue to push the boundaries of what technology can do,” AlMansour told participants. “The world needs the solutions, prototypes, and new applications you’re building here today.”
Aramco’s involvement aligned closely with its own digital transformation efforts. The Aramco Americas Information Technology team plays a critical role as a North American service hub, introducing advanced technologies that strengthen collaboration and operational excellence across the enterprise.
“We are amazed by young innovators like you who continue to push the boundaries of what technology can do,” AlMansour told participants. “The world needs the solutions, prototypes, and new applications you’re building here today.”
Aramco’s involvement aligned closely with its own digital transformation efforts. The Aramco Americas Information Technology team plays a critical role as a North American service hub, introducing advanced technologies that strengthen collaboration and operational excellence across the enterprise.
Organizers announced the Light the Way Award, sponsored by Aramco, during the closing moments of the competition.
This year, Aramco sponsored two program elements: the Pitch Perfect Panel and the Light the Way track, which highlighted technological solutions that expand access and inclusion in education. The college students who won the category created an app called Accent.
“As technology moves faster every year, we chose the Light the Way track to help ensure people are not left behind, said Kaartik Tejwani, UCLA Computer Science student. “That mission led us to build Accent, an accessibility tool that lets elderly and non-English users ask for help in their own words, highlighting the exact button or user interface element they need in real time.”
Meanwhile, the Aramco Pitch Perfect Panel enabled students to refine their ideas and presentation skills with insights from industry professionals.
“The pitch is one of the most important and underexplored parts of this process,” said Sophia Voudouris, LA Hacks Sponsorship Coordinator. “I've had the privilege of witnessing an extraordinary range: from passionate high school passion projects to polished, multimillion-dollar pharmaceutical pitches. And yet, some of the most remarkable ideas still struggle to find the right words. That's why I'm especially grateful to Aramco for also sponsoring the Pitch Perfect Panel.”
“As technology moves faster every year, we chose the Light the Way track to help ensure people are not left behind, said Kaartik Tejwani, UCLA Computer Science student. “That mission led us to build Accent, an accessibility tool that lets elderly and non-English users ask for help in their own words, highlighting the exact button or user interface element they need in real time.”
Meanwhile, the Aramco Pitch Perfect Panel enabled students to refine their ideas and presentation skills with insights from industry professionals.
“The pitch is one of the most important and underexplored parts of this process,” said Sophia Voudouris, LA Hacks Sponsorship Coordinator. “I've had the privilege of witnessing an extraordinary range: from passionate high school passion projects to polished, multimillion-dollar pharmaceutical pitches. And yet, some of the most remarkable ideas still struggle to find the right words. That's why I'm especially grateful to Aramco for also sponsoring the Pitch Perfect Panel.”
LA Hacks participants present their projects to Aramco Americas IT Supervisor Babbi Jammi (seated), a competition judge, alongside fellow Aramcon and Acting Supervisor of Student Placement & Events Chidera Ogbonna at the conclusion of the 36-hour hackathon at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion.
Students also had the opportunity to showcase their work in front of industry leaders. Aramco Americas IT Supervisor Baba Jammi served as a judge, offering thoughtful feedback and evaluating projects based on innovation, impact, and real‑world potential. Several Aramco‑sponsored students also volunteered throughout the weekend, supporting event logistics, mentoring participants, and emphasizing Aramco’s investment in student success.
From brainstorming sessions and late‑night coding to final demos, students felt empowered to learn, experiment, and create. Aramco’s support of LA Hacks reinforced that commitment to the students shaping the future of technology.
From brainstorming sessions and late‑night coding to final demos, students felt empowered to learn, experiment, and create. Aramco’s support of LA Hacks reinforced that commitment to the students shaping the future of technology.
