Chicago Hackathon Aims to Solve Real Manufacturing Problems with AI

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The AI Action Lab in Chicago on February 26 is a hackathon-style event where manufacturing leaders can work directly with AI developers to solve real operational challenges. The event features four 'micro-hack' sessions focused on operations, sales, administration, and marketing, with the goal of helping teams create AI-powered solutions that can be implemented immediately.

Why it matters

This event targets the business owners, team leads, and operators who are responsible for keeping the manufacturing economy running, providing them a chance to move beyond AI hype and develop practical solutions to their most pressing problems.

The details

The AI Action Lab is billed as a hands-on, hackathon-style event where manufacturers can work side-by-side with AI developers. Participants are encouraged to bring real problems they are facing, and the event's four 'micro-hack' sessions will focus on finding AI-powered solutions in areas like operations, sales, administration, and marketing. The goal is to help teams prototype solutions that can be implemented right away.

• The AI Action Lab will take place on February 26, 2026 in Chicago.
• The event will also travel to Kansas City, Des Moines, and Milwaukee later in 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Registration for the AI Action Lab is open at www.aiactionlab.org. Tickets are $50 and include full-day access, networking, and refreshments.