IBM Launches Global AI Builders Challenge With IBM Bob for University Students, Expanding Availability of IBM Bob to 20,000 Post-Secondary Institutions Worldwide
IBM Press Release, Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026
IBM launches global AI Builders Challenge to help university students develop practical AI skills using IBM Bob.
IBM announced the AI Builders Challenge, a global competition that provides university students hands-on experience with IBM Bob, IBM's AI-powered development partner designed to support the entire software development lifecycle.
The Challenge addresses a gap where 63% of faculty report graduates are unprepared to use generative AI in the workplace by offering students a chance to build portfolio-ready projects tied to real-world themes like creative industries and space exploration.
IBM is simultaneously expanding free access to IBM Bob to 20,000 post-secondary institutions worldwide through IBM SkillsBuild. Winners will compete for a $15,000 USD prize pool, with the grand prize winner invited to IBM TechXchange, IBM's global developer conference, providing networking opportunities and visibility with a global technology audience.