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Passaic County, through its Impact Passaic initiative, and William Paterson University’s Cotsakos College of Business have partnered to launch the AI Innovation Business Challenge Hackathon, inviting students to develop AI-enabled solutions to pressing local issues – including homelessness, food access, and public assistance – while emphasizing the responsible and ethical use of emerging technologies.
The initiative is funded in part by a gift from the Lenahan Family. Kevin Lenahan, a member of William Paterson University’s Board of Trustees and an alumnus of the institution, has supported efforts to expand student innovation and experiential learning opportunities.
The Hackathon challenges William Paterson students to address three priority issues identified by Impact Passaic:
“This collaboration reflects Passaic County’s commitment to innovation that serves people,” says Passaic County Commissioner Rodney De Vore. “By partnering with William Paterson University, we are giving students the opportunity to apply their skills to real challenges facing our communities while exploring how emerging technologies like AI can be used responsibly and ethically to improve public services.”
“This partnership demonstrates how higher education and public institutions can work together to prepare students for the workforce while addressing complex community challenges,” adds Anthony “Tony” Bowrin, Dean of William Paterson’s Cotsakos College of Business.
The Hackathon will culminate in a public showcase at William Paterson University on April 23, during which student teams will present their solutions to County leaders, University representatives, and community partners.
Promising concepts may advance to further development, helping translate student ideas into real-world community solutions.
“This partnership underscores our commitment to fostering students’ innovation and critical-thinking skills while using AI thoughtfully to address real-world challenges,” says Sarbjeet Singh Rayat, Director of the Center for Socially Responsible Entrepreneurship and Innovation at William Paterson University.
Highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of the collaboration, Rayat also noted the instrumental role of Professor Balmurli Natrajan, in the University’s Department of Community and Social Justice Studies. Natrajan’s prior research and grant-funded work with Passaic County on human services needs assessments and program evaluation helped lay the groundwork and spark the relationship for this initiative.
The initiative is supported by the Passaic County Board of County Commissioners and leadership within the Department of Human Services, under the direction of Dr. Arti Kakkar, Executive Director; Francine Vince, Deputy Director; and Catherine McGowan, who coordinates the Impact Passaic project.
It is implemented through collaboration among William Paterson University’s Center for Socially Responsible Entrepreneurship and Innovation, its Russ Berrie Institute for Professional Sales, under the direction of Michael Gatlin, and its Global Business and Financial Institute, under the direction of Peter Caiazzo.
