AI:AF – Artisans & Founders

You have already made something with AI. Now bring the build you would show in a job interview, a founder conversation, or the group chat where everyone asks, “Wait—how did you do that?”

This event is designed for the opposite end of the spectrum from July’s beginner-friendly build night: people across the Knoxville region who are already building with AI and people who want to see what practical, local work looks like up close.

Expect 15–20 presenters, rapid three-minute demos, time to meet the people behind the work, and an extended founder or builder spotlight. The aim is intrigue, not exhaustion.

Founders, independent makers, technical hobbyists, UT students and faculty, corporate practitioners, curious neighbors, and July alumni with a “v2” are all part of the mix.

Presenter path – Bring your flex.

Show one AI build you are proud of. It does not need to expose your secret sauce; it does need to be something the room can see and understand.

• A three-minute slot
• Name and organization
• A one-line build description
• A link, when one is available

Attendee path – Come see what Knoxville is making.

See real products and experiments in motion—not another slide deck about what AI might do someday. Meet the people shipping AI-enabled products, building on campus, experimenting independently, and applying the technology inside local teams.

No presentation required. Bring your questions, find collaborators and ideas, and leave with a clearer view of what is already possible here.

EVENT DETAILS