Articles

HCC student Andres Lopez helps win top prize in global hackathon

Nov 12, 2024

Andres Lopez is a first-year student at HCC studying computer science and entrepreneurship.

Andres Lopez, a Houston Community College (HCC) student, and his team claimed the top prize in the Business Innovation track at the TiE U Global Hackathon.

Lopez was part of the winning team, S.L.A.P. (Student Local Adaptation Program), a collaborative effort with University of Houston students to develop a program connecting skilled students with local businesses for mentorship in essential digital skills.

The hackathon drew more than 1,250 students from 20 countries to tackle global issues in business and sustainability. It received over 500 project drafts, with only eight teams selected as finalists. The competition was held virtually from Oct. 20 to Nov. 3.

“We were uncertain if we would make it due to the sheer volume [of submissions],” Lopez said. “Then we made it into the top eight, and we were super excited.”

The S.L.A.P. project impressed judges with its practical and impactful approach to bridging the digital skills gap for small businesses, directly addressing the Business Innovation challenge, sponsored by the Verizon Small Business Ready Program. This challenge, part of a broader mission to support small business growth, was met by teams worldwide, and S.L.A.P.’s solution stood out as a creative and effective response.

The hackathon was supported by Ansell, the Verizon Small Business Ready Program, BMC Software, and the Sheth Family Foundation, which awarded $22,000 across the eight winning teams. As an added incentive, the winning teams have the opportunity to double their prize money by attending the TiE Global Summit in Bengaluru, India, in December. Lopez is excited about competing in the global summit, which will be his first trip outside the Americas.

A graduate of Lamar High School in Houston, Lopez is a first-year student at HCC studying computer science and entrepreneurship. He contributed his skills in technology to the project, aiming to empower others. As an aspiring software engineer, he dreams of creating digital tools that help people make informed financial decisions and views entrepreneurship as a way to bring meaningful ideas to life.

“I want to do something that will benefit others through technology,” he said. “It’s a way to contribute positive things in the future.”*

After completing his associate degree, Lopez is considering transferring to the University of Houston or attending college in New York City.