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?”
Watch working AI demos, ask how they were made, meet the people behind them—and show us your own build if you have one.
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.
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.
Presenter interest is open now. Presenter selection will be lightly curated by the event partners, with a goal of saying yes wherever possible.
Tell us you’re interested →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.
Free public RSVPs are open now. Save your place and bring someone who should be in the room.
Reserve my spot →A fast-moving evening with room to watch, ask, meet, and follow the threads that interest you.
| Time | Plan | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 5:00–5:30 | Doors open | Check-in, networking, and light refreshments |
| 5:30–5:45 | Welcome | Larisa Brass, Director of Innovation at the Knoxville Chamber, kicks off the evening with us |
| 5:45–7:00 | Demo block | Up to 20 rapid, three-minute presentations |
| 7:00–7:15 | Break | Refills and informal questions around the room |
| 7:15–7:45 | Spotlight | An extended founder conversation or selected builder demo |
| 7:45–8:00 | Close | Thank-yous, what comes next, and a community photo |
The upper atrium at 121 Tech Hub is across from Barley’s and a short walk from Covenant Health Park.
AI:AF is hosted by CGI Federal and 121 Tech Hub. Larisa Brass, Director of Innovation at the Knoxville Chamber, joins us as the evening’s opening guest.
Founding partner
CGI Federal brings technology expertise and a commitment to the Knoxville community, helping create a stage where practical AI work can be shared openly.
Venue partner
121 Tech Hub is Knoxville’s community and coworking space for founders, technologists, hackers, and creatives—and the home for this evening’s showcase.
Upper atrium at 121 Tech Hub
121 E. Jackson Ave., Knoxville
You do not need a demo, a startup, or an AI job title to belong here. Come to discover useful work, compare notes with practitioners, and meet people you may want to build with next.
RSVP for AI:AF →